ORLANDO, Florida. (AP) — Russell Wilson walked into Camping World Stadium on Saturday and quickly began searching for his son. He noticed him on the other sideline and took a direct path across the field. Wilson was reluctant to engage in any activity without Future Wilson accompanying him.
Ultimately, Wilson comes to understand that his 10th Pro Bowl could be his final one.
The 36-year-old quarterback, who was named an alternate for Sunday’s Pro Bowl Games after Buffalo’s Josh Allen withdrew this week, will be a free agent after his one year in Pittsburgh.
“I hope to return to the Steelers and we’ll see how everything unfolds,” Wilson shared with The Associated Press. “I enjoy it in Pittsburgh.”
The Steelers could have different thoughts.
Team president Art Rooney II expressed on Monday his desire to retain either Wilson or Justin Fields with a long-term contract. Rooney didn’t indicate which one, but he mentioned that age might influence the choice.
Fields, who recorded a 4-2 record while substituting for an injured Wilson at the start of the season, will turn 25 next month. Wilson had been selected for three Pro Bowls prior to Fields rising to stardom at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia.
“I’ve been lucky to play for over 13 years, and I still have plenty of game left in me,” Wilson stated. “I believe that maintaining good health is always important.” To perform at your best, you need to be healthy, and at this moment, I feel fantastic.
Wilson dodged multiple inquiries regarding a possible reunion with ex-Seattle coach Pete Carroll in Las Vegas. Last month, the Raiders brought on the 73-year-old Carroll, leading to immediate speculation that Wilson could accompany him to Vegas.
“Clearly, Pete is destined to be an excellent coach,” Wilson stated. “He’s excellent at his work.” “However, my attention is on the Steelers.”
Wilson began the last 11 matches of the 2024 season after recovering from a calf injury he incurred at the beginning of training camp. He finished with 63.7% completion of his passes, totaling 2,482 yards, alongside 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also rushed for 155 yards and two touchdowns.
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward stated it “would be massive” to retain Wilson in 2025 before mentioning Fields in his reply.
“I’m unsure of the future, but those quarterbacks are aware of their actions,” Heyward mentioned. “I simply wish for us to discover a resolution and a method to keep achieving victories.”
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers grinned when inquired about the idea of teaming up with Wilson, but he refrained from advocating for a replacement for Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. He mentioned that he bombarded Wilson with inquiries regarding Carroll.
Bowers mentioned, “He claims he’s fantastic, he’s impressive and he injects a lot of energy into practices.” “Coach Carroll has achieved much and possesses extensive football expertise, so I’m eager to see the outcome.”
Nobody truly understands what lies ahead for Wilson, who praised the Steelers enthusiastically.
“Wilson stated, ‘Mike Tomlin is exceptional.'” “He’s a remarkable person.” He is among the best ever.
Some might argue the same about Wilson, who is among only three quarterbacks in NFL history to pass for at least 2,400 yards in each of their first 13 seasons. In his first 13 NFL seasons, he has also secured more victories (130) than every quarterback in NFL history aside from Tom Brady (153), Peyton Manning (150), Ben Roethlisberger (136), and Brett Favre (136).
And he has 10 Pro Bowls as well.
“It’s a gift,” Wilson remarked. “I recall being here during my first year and being with players such as Drew Brees, Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton, and Eli Manning.” And I recall the gratitude I felt. “After ten Pro Bowls, it remains a true blessing.”
