The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big decision in the 2024 offseason to welcome veteran quarterback Russell Wilson to the Steel City. Wilson joined Pittsburgh after two difficult seasons with the Denver Broncos. His first year in Denver was marked by a lackluster performance, working under Head Coach Nathaniel Hackett. The Broncos won just four games, with Wilson throwing for 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, leaving many doubting his future in the league.

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Former Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson sits at an NBA game with his former HC Sean Payton.

However, in 2023, Wilson showed signs of life after the Broncos brought in Sean Payton as head coach. Under Payton’s guidance, Wilson’s performance dramatically improved. The Broncos won just seven games, but Wilson threw for 26 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, offering hope that the former Super Bowl champion could regain his form. Despite his slight resurgence in Denver, many expected Wilson to struggle in Pittsburgh as he adjusted to a new offense.

To everyone’s surprise, Wilson has exceeded expectations with the Steelers. The team has been winning games, and Wilson has been playing some of the best football of his career. On Wednesday, Dan Graziano appeared on Get Up and highlighted just how confused Payton and the Broncos must be, seeing Wilson thrive in Pittsburgh after struggling to unlock his potential in Denver.

“I think that the people that coached him the last couple years in Denver are watching this going, ‘How did you guys do that?'” Graziano said. “He’s executing the game plan. He is taking the checkdowns. I think I saw a stat they had 150 yards on checkdowns and screens, right? And what, 245 after the catch? So it is working because he is behaving. He’s not trying to be the hero, right? And he is doing everything they’re asking him to do. It’s an unbelievable job by Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith.”

Graziano emphasized how remarkable it is what Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith have done to unlock Wilson’s potential in Pittsburgh. Wilson was once on track to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer before his struggles with the Broncos derailed his career. But now, in Pittsburgh, his resurgence and the fact that he’s winning games are putting him back on a Hall of Fame trajectory, showcasing a remarkable comeback.

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Steelers’ Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets in 2024.

For the Steelers, winning in the postseason is crucial, and Wilson has been spectacular. In just six games, he’s thrown for 1,626 yards, completed 65.8% of his passes, and logged 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions. Most impressively, he’s led the Steelers to a 5-1 record as their starting quarterback, proving his worth to the team and reestablishing his status as a top-tier quarterback.

Steelers’ Russell Wilson Proving Many Wrong In Pittsburgh

Wilson, Tomlin, and Smith seem to have found the perfect formula in Pittsburgh. Both Smith and Wilson, who were ridiculed in 2023 for their respective struggles, are now on a redemption tour.

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Steelers’ Russell Wilson speaks to the media after a big win over the Bengals.

They have a chance to silence their critics and lead the Steelers on a deep playoff run. One thing is clear: if Wilson can help the Steelers win a few playoff games, he’ll likely secure his place in Pittsburgh for the long term. At 36 years old and on a one-year deal, there are reports that both sides want to work out an extension after the season, though how the season unfolds will ultimately determine that outcome.