The Pittsburgh Steelers are revamped and ready to go for a deep Super Bowl push come this season. Mike Tomlin had just gotten a new contract which means that they have a long-term plan to keep this squad in contention. They have a veteran quarterback leading the way in Russell Wilson while Justin Fields is getting ready to take over when the former's twilight years are done. They both have different ways of sharpening up throughout the season but the older signal-caller is proving that he can still be more physical than ever. This is even after his so-so season with the Denver Broncos.
Russell Wilson is currently training his conditioning with Freddy Roach. The older Steelers quarterback has been using boxing as a means to get his stamina and strength up before entering training camps with Mike Tomlin. He even posted what the experience was like with the veteran fighting coach along with a key member of his staff, Marvin Somodio.
Back in the Ring. Started in 2018 through 2020. Had some of my best years. Then COVID hit in 2020 and couldn’t go back in. Good to see my guys again Freddy Roach & Marvin Somodio #QuickFeetHeavyHands 🥊🏆
Wilson loved boxing and martial arts growing up but football was just where he excelled the most. Eventually, he got to make his two passions co-exist. It all held true until 2020 when the global pandemic hit and he had to promptly pause his boxing training. Four years later, he is finally back and able to unleash his emotions on top of the canvas.
Hopefully, Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff would also benefit from this increased physicality in his routine. If they do aim to sync up the play styles of Wilson and Justin Fields, rushing will be essential to their play calls. His ability to absorb punches can be akin to dealing with tough blows from opposing defensive linemen. The capability to dodge body shots will also come in handy when he avoids the secondary for when a run from him is needed. Overall, this training will only make him better over time.
A look back at Russell Wilson's season before joining the Steelers
The run with the Broncos finally came crashing. This was after Sean Payton elected to sit Wilson out for the late parts of their campaign. But, Wilson was certainly doing his best. It's just the wins and numbers were not adding up which is why parting ways was the best idea.
Wilson only managed to produce 3,070 passing yards for the 2023 season. This was the lowest for his whole career. To put it into perspective, only his 2021 season and his rookie campaign made him notch less than 3,200 passing yards. Even those numbers were better than what he got before moving to the Steelers.
However, hope is not at all lost. Wilson was still able to lead the Broncos to 26 touchdowns. Moreover, his completion percentage also clocked in at 66.4% which means that efficiency was not the problem. The way he handled the ball after snaps was not too bad as well. Opposing defenses only forced him to have eight interceptions despite the scattered Broncos offense.
There is a lot of optimism that Tomlin and Fields are going to help Wilson regain his Pro Bowl form. Hopefully, it pans out well.
