New Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson doesn’t feel “exhausted” after two tumultuous seasons in Denver.
Wilson, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Steelers in March, reflected on his time with the Broncos when Pittsburgh started OTAs, saying he “learned a lot” from that experience and how it will shape his next move. Explained what was the driving force behind the chapter.
“I wouldn’t say I’m getting burned,” Wilson said Tuesday. According to ESPN“If anything, I think I just learned a lot and am better and tougher on the inside. You use your experiences and the challenges that you’ve overcome to become the best version of yourself. So I’m not blinking and I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity.”
The 35-year-old Wilson’s comments follow those made by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin last month, who said after the game that the quarterback, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and former Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who was also hired in March, were “a little burned” ahead of a rocky 2023.
“They got something to prove as professionals. But we feel the same way as a group. I think it’s a good mindset for both individuals and the group to prepare themselves for this,” Tomlin said in April. According to NFL.com.
Originally traded from the Seahawks to the Broncos in 2022, Wilson’s addition ignited Super Bowl hype, even though the quarterback had a career year in touchdowns (16) and completion percentage (60.5) that season. It quickly deflated as it hit a record low.
Though Wilson’s numbers improved last year (66.4 completion percentage, 26 touchdowns), he was benched in the final two games, and Denver threatened to sideline him early if he refused to extend his $37 million guarantee.
Like Wilson, Fields, 25, is grateful for the opportunity in Pittsburgh after leaving Chicago this offseason.
Fields, the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was traded to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick as the Bears acquired Caleb Williams from the University of Southern California, who they drafted first overall in April. .
Wilson is in “pole position” to start, but Fields doesn’t envision him warming the bench.
“I’m definitely competing,” Fields said. “I think Russ knows we compete every day. Having him there for me especially helps each other get better.
“I definitely don’t think I’m just going to sit around all year. I come to the team giving my all every day and push him to be the best he can be, and he pushes me every day to be the best he can be.” He is pushing me to become better.”
Fields threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions through 13 games last year.
The Steelers open the season on September 8th in Atlanta against the Falcons.
