Steelers' Russell Wilson Receives Huge Endorsement From All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner Ahead Of Week 15

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought quarterback Russell Wilson on board before the 2024 season, and he came with many question marks. Then, 35 years old and entering his 13th season, Wilson experienced incredible highs and lows in his career. He won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks. However, next, he was run out of town by the Denver Broncos. The national media said he was a terrible fit for Pittsburgh, a blue-collar city. They said Wilson's diva-like tendencies would rub his teammates and fans wrong. Wilson has steadily been changing opinions since arriving in the Steel City. 

While the anticipation to see Wilson play was heavy, the gratification was seriously delayed as he suffered a calf injury early in camp. Justin Fields stepped in and started the first six games, taking the Steelers to 4-2 and creating a lot of buzz that Head Coach Mike Tomlin would be making a major mistake if he pulled Fields in favor of Wilson. 

Tomlin showed the entire world that he knew exactly what he was doing, and despite the frustration of some within the organization, he started Wilson. He has played seven games in black and gold and currently has a 6-1 record. 

The talk surrounding Wilson was that many of his teammates couldn't stand working with him. He was called selfish, and they said he prioritized himself over the team. However, it now appears that some of those guys were chasing clout by abusing Wilson's reputation. Former Seahawks teammate, linebacker Bobby Wagner recently spoke with Pat McAfee on The Pat McAfee Show about how happy he is for Wilson, saying his success in Pittsburgh doesn't surprise him.  

"No, I'm not surprised by his success," said Wagner. "I feel like he's one of those guys that loves to prove people wrong, and I think there was a period in time where you had a lot of people doubting him, and a lot of people was writing him off. I feel like that makes him even hungrier. It was really cool to be out there playing against him. It is fun to see him having fun. I don't know if he was having fun in Denver, and I don't know if the team embraced him like they should have. I watched some of the [Hard Knocks] clips, and you can see the connection that he has with Coach Tomlin and the players, and that means something as a player, to have that type of connection with the people around you, and they believe in you."

Wagner, who was on that Super Bowl-winning team with Wilson, is now with the Washington Commanders. That meant he got to line up across from Wilson during their Week 10 matchup. He noted this is the second time he has gotten to play against Wilson, and it is fun to be on the other side and hear him calling the plays.  

Wilson certainly appears to be having fun both on and off the field. He has brought his unique leadership style to Pittsburgh, and his teammates are responding. His strategy of spreading the ball around the field has proven successful, and he has shown that they can win even without George Pickens. 

Steelers Have A Chance To Close The 2024 Season In A Big Way

Thanks in part to Wilson, the Steelers are being tabbed as a team that could close out this season in a big way. Most fans' goal coming into the season was for Pittsburgh to win its first playoff game since the 2016 season. However, it could be more than that. 

Wilson and the Steelers are getting apologies for being doubted, and they are now being predicted to win big in the AFC, even make it to and win a Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs are winning games, but not performing at their usual high level, and the Steelers have been pegged as the only team that can beat them. 

How do you think Wilson fits in Pittsburgh? Click to comment below. 

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