New Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson doesn’t feel “scalded” after a tumultuous two seasons in Denver.
When reflecting on his time with the Broncos as Pittsburgh began OTAs, Wilson — who agreed to a one-year deal with the Steelers in March — explained that he “learned a lot” from the experience and how it’s fueling his next chapter.
“I wouldn’t say I’m scalded,” Wilson said Tuesday, according to ESPN. “I would say that if anything, I’ve just learned a lot and I think that internally you get better, you get tougher. You use your experiences, use the challenges that you’ve gone through to be the best version of you. And so, I don’t blink and I’m looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity.”
The comments made by Wilson, 35, follow those vocalized by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin last month, when he said the quarterback, new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and former Bears quarterback Justin Fields — who also arrived in March — “are somewhat scalded” following a rocky 2023.
“They got something to prove professionally. But we as a collective feel the same way. We have something to prove, and I just think that is a good frame of mind to be in as individuals and as a collective as we prepare ourselves for the 2024 season,” Tomlin said in April, per NFL.com.
Originally traded to the Broncos by the Seahawks in 2022, Wilson’s arrival ignited Super Bowl hype that was soon deflated as the quarterback posted a career-low in touchdowns (16) and completion percentage (60.5) that season.
Though Wilson’s numbers improved last year (66.4 completion percentage and 26 touchdowns), he was benched in the final two games. Denver threatened to sideline Wilson earlier if he refused to defer his $37 million guarantee.
Much like Wilson, Fields, 25, is also grateful for the opportunity in Pittsburgh following his departure from Chicago this offseason.
The 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Fields was traded to the Steelers for a conditional sixth-round pick as the Bears locked in on USC product Caleb Williams, whom they drafted first overall in April.
Though Wilson is in “pole position” for the starting job, Fields doesn’t envision himself warming the bench.
“I’m definitely competing,” Fields said. “I think Russ knows that we’re competing against each other every day. Him being out there for me, that helps me getting better, especially each other.
“I definitely don’t have the mindset of me just sitting all year. I’m coming in every day giving it all I got and pushing him to be his best, and he’s pushing me to be my best each and every day.”
Fields threw for 2,562 yards, 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions through 13 games last year.
The Steelers open the season against the Falcons in Atlanta on Sept. 8.
