At 35 years old and starting his 13th season in the NFL, Russell Wilson feels rejuvenated despite his age. Recently signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers on a one-year contract after a challenging period with the Denver Broncos, Wilson expressed a renewed sense of vigor and confidence following the team’s first mandatory minicamp practice. He feels revitalized mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, and his confidence in himself as a player and competitor has multiplied.
Wilson’s time with the Broncos was turbulent, culminating in a release from a five-year, $245 million contract after just two seasons. His final year in Denver saw him benched in favor of Jarrett Stidham despite a substantial financial commitment from the Broncos. However, Wilson managed a strong comeback in 2023, improving his performance from the previous injury-plagued season.
Feeling like his old self again, Wilson is eager to contribute to the Steelers’ offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Wilson has quickly adapted to Smith’s system and is set to lead a quarterback room that includes Justin Fields, acquired from the Chicago Bears. Smith, too, is finding it easier to implement his new offensive strategies with a fresh quarterback group.
Although Wilson hasn’t been officially named the starter, he is currently the frontrunner for the position. Coach Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith both emphasize the competitive nature of the role, with the expectation that the competition will intensify during training camp. Wilson’s experience and recent performance put him in a strong position to secure the starting job.
Smith, like Wilson, found Pittsburgh to be a perfect fit following his dismissal from the Atlanta Falcons. The opportunity to work with Tomlin and learn from his extensive experience was a significant factor in Smith’s decision. Both Wilson and Smith are eager to prove themselves and embrace the new opportunities in Pittsburgh, driven by their competitive spirits and desire to succeed.