As the NFL gears up for another thrilling season, Russell Wilson finds himself in the spotlight once again. The veteran quarterback has been named the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but not without the burden of history weighing heavily on his shoulders. Wilson could potentially break two dubious records this season, placing him in an unwelcome but notable part of NFL lore.
Chasing Unwanted History
Entering his 13th NFL season, Wilson has been sacked an average of 43.9 times per year, accumulating a staggering total of 527 sacks over his career. This season, he stands on the precipice of surpassing Tom Brady's official record of 565 sacks. If Wilson continues at his current pace, he will reach approximately 570.9 sacks by the end of the 2024 season, putting him slightly ahead of Fran Tarkenton, who holds an unofficial record with 570 sacks.
While Brady's record covers a 23-year span, Wilson's sack rate has been considerably higher, making his trajectory even more concerning. Indeed, only a handful of quarterbacks have ever come close: Brady with 565, Ben Roethlisberger with 554, Aaron Rodgers with 531, and Wilson himself already at 527.
Facing a Different Kind of Defeat
Another unenviable milestone Wilson could achieve is becoming the first quarterback to lose to 31 different NFL teams. Currently, Wilson has suffered defeats at the hands of 29 different teams. Topping this list would require losses to both the Cleveland Browns and the Philadelphia Eagles this season. The Steelers are scheduled to face the Browns twice, in Week 12 and Week 14, and the Eagles in Week 15, giving Wilson ample opportunity—albeit under unfavorable circumstances—to reach this historic low.
No quarterback has ever lost to 31 different teams, although ten have come close, with losses to 30 teams. Among the active quarterbacks, Derek Carr is also in the running, having lost to 30 different teams. The only opponents left on Carr's list are the Raiders and Panthers, whom the Saints will face in Week 1 and Week 9, respectively. Joe Flacco, now a backup with the Colts, has also lost to 30 different teams, but still stands unvanquished against the Lions, whom the Colts will encounter in Week 12.
Pressure and Perseverance
The prospect of breaking such records would undoubtedly weigh heavily on any athlete, yet Wilson remains remarkably unfazed. "I never had it to keep me going," he states, referring to whether doubt drives him. "I've never been -- I don't know why --- I've just never been worried about what other people think." Instead, Wilson's focus is deeply rooted in his faith. "I think ultimately I focus on, as I mentioned to you guys -- obviously my faith means everything to me. God chose me for this, and He chose me to play this game," he explains. "I'm one of 32 men in the world that get to do what I do, get to play this game every day."
Looking Ahead
The Steelers' new chapter with Wilson at the helm begins in Week 1 against the Falcons. However, the shadow of Justin Fields looms large as a potential contender for the starting quarterback position if Wilson falters. The stakes are high for Wilson, not just for the potential records but also for maintaining his starting role throughout the season.
As the season unfolds, the overriding question remains: will Wilson's legacy be further enshrined with undesirable accolades, or will he overcome these obstacles to lead the Steelers to a victorious campaign? Only time will tell, and the eyes of the football world will be keenly watching.