Steelers' Russell Wilson Named Team Captain After Winning QB Battle vs. Justin Fields

Russell Wilson was selected as a team captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday.

Wilson was the only captain on the offensive side of the ball as he joined Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt and Miles Killebrew. The nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback is now a team captain for the 12th straight season, dating back to his days as a member of the Seattle Seahawks (h/t Teresa Varley of steelers.com).

"He's a strong leader, and he brings veteran experience," Killebrew told reporters of Wilson. "He's been doing it at a high level for a long time and I think with that experience [he] kind of calms nerves, and he can lead guys through various situations because he's seen it. He's seen a lot, so just a calming presence I would say."

Wilson was named the Steelers' No. 1 quarterback over Justin Fields on Wednesday.

Wilson is the only new captain compared to 2023, replacing former Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.

The 35-year-old signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Pittsburgh on March 13 after he was released by the Denver Broncos.

Wilson wasn't able to exceed expectations during his Broncos tenure, finishing with a record of 11-19 through two years as a starter. His individual production improved in 2023, completing 66.4 percent of his throws for 3,070 yards and 26 touchdowns compared to just eight interceptions.

A calf issue limited Wilson at the start of Pittsburgh's training camp, leading to Fields earning more opportunities with the first-string offense and adding some intrigue to the starting quarterback battle. However, the Super Bowl champion eventually earned the job.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin discussed Wilson's lengthy history of leading playoff teams after making the decision to start the veteran.

"Russ' resume is a unique one in terms of length and success," Tomlin said, via Dale Lolley of the team's official website. "That tends to play a factor in the decision making, but not from a decision-making perspective. It's just the fruits of his labor. He's seen and done a lot, and I think that was displayed in the way he played and conducted himself."

Wilson's first start for Pittsburgh will be a challenge, as the Steelers face off against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1. Despite the Falcons' 7-10 record in 2023, they still owned the eighth-best pass defense in the NFL.