Russell Wilson Speaks Out Following Steelers’ Decision to Make Him QB1 Over Justin Fields

On Wednesday, Russell Wilson was officially named the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Wilson will get the nod in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters.

Read more: Steelers Name Russell Wilson Week 1 Starting Quarterback

Tomlin said it was a difficult decision, but difficult in the best way possible.

“It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way to be quite honest with you,” Tomlin said to reporters. “It was difficult in a positive way. The decision was difficult because of what they’re capable of doing. The decision was difficult because of how they’ve conducted themselves, as opposed to the things they fall short in, in terms of capabilities or negative conduct.”

Following Tomlin’s announcement, Wilson spoke to reporters about the honor of officially being named Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback.

“What a great moment it is and being locked into that and having a heart of gratitude every day. This game is such a blessing every time you get to do it. I’m just excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Wilson said to reporters. “Obviously, I came here to help us win. That’s the focus. The best part is how hard we’ve all worked every day all the way from OTAs to Latrobe. Obviously, we’ve got a great season ahead of us.”

More news: Patriots Have Made Decision on Starting Quarterback for Week 1

He was also asked if he felt it was a true competition with Justin Fields.

“Yeah, every day you try to be your best. I think we’re always competing to be our best as players,” Wilson said. “I think that’s the one thing I’ve learned ever since even my rookie year. You come out onto the field and you’re trying to be the best version of you everyday. You’re always competing to be the best version of you, you want to elevate the room.”

Mike Tomlin to Utilize Justin Fields in Steelers Offense Despite Naming Russell Wilson QB1

While Tomlin named Wilson the starting quarterback, he also hinted at a potential package revolving around Fields.

“My friend (Falcons head coach) Raheem Morris better be ready for a Justin Fields package,” Tomlin said, via NFL Network’s Rich Eisen. “There’s too much talent to be sitting around watching.”

Wilson is coming off a 2023 season with the Denver Broncos in which he threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Fields is coming off a 2023 season with the Chicago Bears in which he threw for 2,562 yards with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions while rushing for another 657 yards and four touchdowns. In 2022, Fields ran for an incredible 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns.

More news: Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase Doesn’t Practice Amid Contract Dispute One Day After HC Zac Taylor Said He Would