Steelers' Russell Wilson 'Honored' to Be Named Starter After Justin Fields QB Battle

Russell Wilson is appreciative of his opportunity to start for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2024 season.

Wilson said that he's "honored to lead this special group of men" in a Thursday post on X.

On Wednesday, the Steelers selected the nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback as their starter over Justin Fields. Wilson signed a one-year deal with the team in March after he was released by the Denver Broncos.

Fields was acquired by Pittsburgh in a March trade with the Chicago Bears, with the Bears receiving a 2025 conditional sixth-round pick in return.

The decision to start Wilson wasn't a large surprise, as Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that the veteran would have the "pole position" over Fields in the quarterback battle.

The starting competition appeared to get more competitive as training camp progressed. Wilson was sidelined due to a calf issue on July 24, leading to Fields earning more reps with the first-string offense. Both quarterbacks also appeared in multiple preseason games.

Wilson didn't take any big risks with his arm in the preseason, completing 10 of his 12 pass attempts for just 73 yards throughout two appearances. He was also sacked three times.

Still, Tomlin chose to go with the quarterback who has 16 games of postseason experience under his belt as the Steelers attempt to earn their fourth playoff appearance in five years.

"It was a difficult decision, but not difficult in a negative way," Tomlin said, per Will Graves of the Associated Press. "The decision was difficult because of what they're capable of doing."

Wilson will look to help the Steelers get off to a hot start after securing the starting role, as Pittsburgh travels to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1 on Sept. 8.