Justin Fields is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, but don’t expect to see him play kick return in 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers point guard shot down the idea of taking part in a kick return experiment. “No, I’m not here for that,” Fields said Tuesday, according to the Post-Gazette.
Fields was responding to the rumors that appeared to be circulating following Steelers running back Jalen Warren’s recent appearance on teammate Cam Heyward’s podcast, “Not Just Football.”
Warren suggested Pittsburgh’s special teams coordinator floated the idea of putting Fields in the returner position on kickoffs this season.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (No. 1) warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
But Fields argued those comments were quoted out of context.
“No, I think people kind of misinterpreted it,” Fields said. “Coach Danny (Smith) was just basically trying to send a message that you can put anybody on special teams. He just used that as an example.”
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The 25-year-old also suggested the whole incident was a joke.
“It’s funny how social media takes everything so seriously,” Fields continued. “Everyone was making a big fuss about it for no reason, and that was funny to me.”
Chicago Bears player Justin Fields (No. 1) warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears traded Fields to the Steelers in March for draft picks, and he is expected to be the backup to prospective starter Russell Wilson, but he has said he plans to compete for a starting spot.
Justin Fields (No. 1) of the Chicago Bears runs during the first half of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
“I’m definitely competitive,” Fields told reporters earlier this month. “Russ knows that too. We compete with each other every day.”
“I have no intention of just sitting around all year. I’m here every day trying to give it my all and pushing him to do his best and he’s pushing me to do my best every day.”
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The NFL is set to overhaul its kick return rules in 2024. The move follows a series of rule changes aimed at making kickoffs safer, but those changes also have the unintended consequence of effectively making returns obsolete.
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