Following a rocky two years with the Denver Broncos, Russell Wilson is gearing up for his first season in Pittsburgh with the Steelers. He got his release from the Broncos, who paid him $39 million as a result, and is going through minicamp in Pittsburgh as the expected starting quarterback.
Through offseason workouts, Wilson admitted there’s a big difference between his time in Denver and in Pittsburgh. He’s coming to work with a new energy as a result.
Wilson spoke highly of his mentality as mandatory minicamp got underway. He’s feeling more upbeat, and it’s leading to a higher level of confidence.
“Man, I feel the fountain of youth,” Wilson said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “I feel revived in every way, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I feel confident. I think at some point you have to know who you are as a player, as a man, as a competitor. As somebody who’s been fortunate to be able to play this game, I don’t doubt it. I trust it.
“I felt really good last year playing. I felt really confident in the midst of everything. And so I think right now I have all that confidence times 10.”
Russell Wilson preparing for first year with Steelers
Wilson is coming his most productive season in Denver, which came under Sean Payton’s watchful eye. He threw for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns while totaling eight interceptions – a stark difference from his 16 touchdowns and 11 picks in 2022 under Nathaniel Hackett. He then signed a one-year deal with the Steelers after his release, and he’ll now look to mentor a young quarterback in Justin Fields, who came over in a trade with the Chicago Bears as Pittsburgh overhauled its quarterback room.
With the additions of Wilson and Fields, it seems like there’s optimism about the quarterback spot for the Steelers. Add in new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith – who also expressed his excitement to be in Pittsburgh – and the vibes are getting higher.
Mike Tomlin has made it clear Wilson will get the first chance at the starting job. That means Fields will likely serve as his backup. If that’s the case, Wilson said he’s willing to be a mentor while also accomplishing the most important task: winning.
“Justin is obviously one of the most talented guys in the NFL,” Wilson said last month. “You know all the things he can do. The player, the quarterback that he is. He’s dynamic. It’s all about us winning. That’s the focus. I think it would strike fear in some defenses, that’s for sure.”