Pittsburgh Steelers announce Russell Wilson will be team's Week 1 starter
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that quarterback Russell Wilson will be the team's Week 1 starter against the Atlanta Falcons.
Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with Pittsburgh this offseason after being released by the Denver Broncos, completed 10 of 12 passes for 73 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions during 2024 preseason play.
Wilson faced training camp competition from another offseason acquisition in former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
After acquiring both quarterbacks, head coach Mike Tomlin said in March that Wilson had the edge over Fields if one player had to start a hypothetical game.
"I just thought it was appropriate to [name a starting quarterback] at this time. I think that doing it earlier than this time would have put a de-emphasis on the work that we were able to get done from a developmental standpoint," Tomlin said at a post-practice press conference on Wednesday.
Tomlin also praised Fields and Wilson for their professionalism and play during training camp and preseason, saying the decision to name a starting quarterback was "difficult in a positive way."
Last season, the 35-year-old Wilson threw for more than 3,000 yards and tossed 26 touchdowns.
Throughout Wilson's 12-year NFL career, he has passed for 43,653 yards, 334 touchdowns and 106 interceptions.
Wilson also won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013.
Steelers fans react to Russell Wilson QB1
Steelers fans applauded the decision to name Wilson the starting quarterback.
"It's a great thing, Russell Wilson is a proven champion," Reggie Howz said.
"No surprise," said Noreen O'Malley, who agreed Wilson's record gives her confidence. "He's proven himself before, he's been in the league a long time, he's done well, he's had success."
Laura Johnson said she believes the addition of Wilson will make the team better than last year.
"I like Russell Wilson. But how old is he? Is he as old as I am?" the 70-year-old Johnson said.
Justin Gerry acknowledged how it was unclear, in his mind, if the Steelers would choose Wilson or Fields.
"It's been a tossup based on how they've played in the preseason," Gerry said. "Both have had some good snaps, some have had some bad snaps, but I think that Russell Wilson has more veteran experience. He's probably going to be a little bit better handing the ball for us. But I think Justin Fields could be a good name to come up in case Russell Wilson is injured."
"I thought Justin Fields played better in preseason, but he's Russell Wilson," O'Malley said.
As for the roster as a whole, Gerry said he's excited for the defense.
"The defense is going to be very strong this year," Gerry said.
