Russell Wilson gives clear verdict on being bounced between 3 teams since Super Bowl glory
Russell Wilson has had a rollercoaster journey through three NFL teams since his 2014 Super Bowl triumph. He addressed how he approached leadership and respect at each stop. His perspective reveals a quarterback focused on proving himself anew with each transition.
Wilson's NFL career started in Seattle, where he led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl victory. He then played for Denver before signing with the steelers" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Pittsburgh Steelers in March. His 2024 season with Pittsburgh brought both highs and lows.
Wilson reflected on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Wednesday, on what it takes to succeed in new environments. His words carried extra weight after a season where he won six of his first seven starts before a five-game losing streak ended the Steelers' playoff hopes.
"I think every year, you got to earn the respect of the guys around you and the love and the passion that you bring to the table," Wilson said. "It doesn't matter where we play, whether it's in the parking lot or no matter where it is, you earn that respect by how you practice and how you prepare."
His journey since dramatic shifts has marked the Seahawks. The Broncos traded multiple players and draft picks for Wilson in 2022, signing him to a massive $245 million deal. That partnership lasted just two seasons before Pittsburgh offered a fresh start in 2024.
Russell Wilson praises Steeler's roster
Despite the Steelers' late-season collapse, Russell Wilson maintains strong faith in the team's potential. His assessment of Pittsburgh's future speaks volumes about his desire to stay beyond his one-year deal.
"I think we're young, especially on offense," Wilson said on Jan. 13, via CBS. "We'll continue to grow and all that. I love the guys. I love the locker room. I love coach Tomlin. I think we have a championship-caliber football team. Obviously, it didn't go the way we wanted it to."
Wilson's performance in 2024 showed flashes of his Seattle-era brilliance. Against Cincinnati, he threw for 414 yards and three touchdowns while completing 76.3% of his passes. However, the offense struggled late, failing to score more than 17 points in their final five losses.
Looking ahead to 2025, Wilson's commitment to earning respect through preparation and practice could prove vital as Pittsburgh aims to recapture its early-season form. The veteran QB's experience rebuilding trust across three franchises might be exactly what the Steelers need to transform their young talent into consistent winners.