Russell Wilson in a suit conducting an interview.
Russell Wilson (via Pittsburgh Steelers YouTube)Russell Wilson thinks highly of himself and his NFL career.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ new quarterback, Russell Wilson, is on ESSENCE magazine’s cover and named their second “Sexiest Man of the Moment.”

ESSENCE selected Wilson as the May/June cover, and with that came an interview that dove into his football career, faith, and entrepreneurship.

During that interview, the veteran quarterback, who was released by the Denver Broncos this offseason, said he was responsible for paving the way for African-American quarterbacks, such as Patrick Mahomes, to go out and shine in the NFL.

“For me to be able to go to back-to-back Super Bowls, and win one of them, I think opened up a lot of doors,” Wilson said to Essence. “Now you see guys like Patrick Mahomes who won it; it’s really just us so far, but there’s more to come.” The emergence of quarterbacks like

Mahomes, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and C.J. Stroud, to name a few, is indicative of a new era in football and a glimpse into what the sport is trending toward.

“What I love to see is guys getting drafted early, and that a lot of teams these days have Black quarterbacks playing for them,” Wilson says. “It’s all across the league, and it’s showing how the National Football League is starting to evolve, change and break down barriers. I think

one of the biggest blessings of my career so far is that I’ve been fortunate to be able to open up doors for others, because of what others did for me.”

The magazine is set to drop on April 23rd.

Wilson is ready to make a Super Bowl run with Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as both have enjoyed a lot of success in the NFL.

 

Tomlin won the Super Bowl in 2008 but lost to the Green Bay Packers two years later. He has also never experienced a losing regular season in his career. Russell Wilson led the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances with one win.

Wilson’s victory in the Super Bowl was big as he became the second Black quarterback to win the championship.

Russell Wilson Has Final Chance To Prove He Can Get It Done With The Pittsburgh Steelers


Russell Wilson (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)Along with adding Russell Wilson to the roster, the Pittsburgh Steelers also traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields while parting ways with Kenny Pickett this offseason.For Wilson, this may be his final chance to showcase he is not washed up and can still deliver as a starting quarterback in the National Football League. Wilson had an up-and-down two years with the Denver Broncos after they traded for him.Last season, the veteran quarterback showed he could still get it done as he threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 15 games for the Broncos last year. The only reason his numbers weren’t better is that the team decided to bench him for the final few games due to them coming to the decision he was going to be cut.

BREAKING: Pittsburgh Steelers Sign Notable QB As Insurance Behind Russell Wilson & Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers helmet shown on ground.
(Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their third quarterback to round up the depth chart with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.Per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan announced that the team had signed veteran quarterback Kyle Allen. The 28-year-old spent last season as Josh Allen’s backup for the Buffalo Bills.The Steelers bid farewell to Mitch Trubisky (released), Kenny Pickett (traded to the Philadelphia Eagles) and Mason Rudolph (signed with the Tennessee Titans). They signed Wilson to a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum then acquired Fields in a trade with the Chicago Bears.With Allen now in the fold, the Steelers have now completed their QB overhaul.

Allen spent his first two seasons as Cam Newton’s backup for the Carolina Panthers (2018 to 2019). His best season came in his sophomore year, when Allen won five of his first six starts in place of an injured Newton.

But Allen struggled with turnovers down the stretch and lost his starting job to Will Grier for the final two games. He was traded to Washington in the 2020 offseason, reuniting with head coach Ron Rivera.

After two seasons with Washington, Allen landed with the Houston Texans in 2022 — where he made a pair of starts. Allen saw seven game appearances for the Bills last season, though he didn’t attempt a single pass.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Won The Offseason

It’s hard not to be impressed with what the Pittsburgh Steelers have done this offseason without having to a) spend too much money and b) give up too much draft capital.

Wilson threw 26 touchdowns on a mediocre Denver Broncos team last season. The Steelers’ trio of quarterbacks threw a combined 13 touchdowns. So yes, the Broncos have absolutely upgraded there.

Even if Wilson isn’t able to perform well, the Steelers have a fine backup plan in Fields. The latter made strides in year three and could surely do wonders on a deep Pittsburgh offense led by George Pickens and Najee Harris.

Add it all up, and the Steelers have unquestionably been a top winner for the 2024 NFL offseason.