The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in two capable quarterbacks in the 2024 offseason in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Wilson was set to be the starter, but a calf injury sidelined him, forcing him to miss the first six weeks of the 2024 season. Fields stepped in and did a remarkable job, going 4-2 and accounting for 10 touchdowns while protecting the football. His solid play led many pundits to believe he wouldn't lose the starting job once Wilson was healthy.
Mike Tomlin made a bold decision to start Wilson in Week 7 against the New York Jets, despite Fields' success. The move paid off, as Wilson led the Steelers to a dominant 37-15 victory. One of the big storylines leading up to the game, and even afterward, was the possibility of special run packages for Fields. Known as one of the best running quarterbacks in the league, Fields' mobility has proven to be a huge asset for Pittsburgh. While Tomlin hinted at using these packages, none were implemented during the Jets game.
When asked about the potential of being pulled for Fields to run special packages, Wilson gave a professional and poised response during his Thursday media availability. He expressed his support for the team and emphasized that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the Steelers win.
"First of all, Justin is such a tremendous football player man," Wilson said. "When he has the ball in his hands, he can do some special things. For us, it’s really about us winning and him getting in there and playing ball, if he does, I know he will do great."
Wilson's response highlighted both his leadership and team-first mentality, making it clear that while he remains the starting quarterback, he genuinely values Fields' contributions and is open to stepping aside for special packages if it helps the team.
As a seasoned professional, Wilson knows how to navigate media questions and deliver the right answers, but his words seemed sincere. He appears comfortable with the idea of coming off the field for Fields, as long as it’s beneficial for the team's success.
"There’s always some different things that we think about and how he gets in there, how we do this and how we do that," Wilson said. "The biggest thing is all of us together. That’s really how I think about it."
One of the most exciting aspects of this Steelers team is their chemistry. The franchise has a storied tradition, but in recent years, leadership has sometimes felt lacking. Now, with both Wilson and Fields in the Steel City, the quarterback room is stronger than ever, and the team is truly playing for one another.
Steelers' Russell Wilson And Justin Fields Both Have Been Great Leaders Since Arriving In Pittsburgh
It’s never easy to manage two starting-caliber quarterbacks, as it often creates a media frenzy and tension between the players. But that hasn’t been the case in Pittsburgh. Everyone expected Wilson to be a great leader and carry himself professionally, but Fields’ leadership and maturity have been just as inspiring, energizing the team and setting a positive tone.
The Steelers will face some major decisions at the quarterback position after the 2024 season. While it's unlikely that both Wilson and Fields will remain in Pittsburgh, there's no doubt that their leadership qualities have excited fans about the future. How the rest of the year plays out will determine what happens next, but for now, it's impressive to see how Wilson and Fields have handled such a unique situation with grace and teamwork.
