Russell Wilson isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In an interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback declared his intentions to play well into his 40s. The 35-year-old veteran, who has shown a resurgence with the Steelers this season, made it clear he’s chasing more milestones, victories, and Lombardi trophies.
Let’s dive into Wilson’s comments, his incredible comeback story, and what’s next for the revitalized quarterback.
Russell Wilson Aiming for Longevity
Speaking with Storm before Pittsburgh’s Week 10 victory over the Washington Commanders, Wilson outlined his vision for the future.
“I definitely want to play another five to seven years,” Wilson said. “That’s always been my goal. I’ve been fortunate to play 200-plus games and really not miss many. I feel great, I feel young, and I feel like I can still move around out there and make all the throws.”
Wilson turns 36 on November 29, but age seems to be just a number for the Super Bowl champion. His focus remains sharp: add another Lombardi trophy and tack on more accolades to his Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
A Fresh Start in Pittsburgh
Wilson’s career turnaround in Pittsburgh has been nothing short of remarkable. Signed on a modest one-year, $1.21 million deal after being released by Denver in March, he joined the Steelers with little fanfare. However, his on-field performance has quickly silenced any skeptics.
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Wilson has been nothing but sharp after missing the first six games of the 2024 season due to a nagging calf injury. In his three starts, he’s thrown for 737 yards, six touchdowns, and only one interception, leading the Steelers to a 3-0 record during that stretch. The team’s offense, once stagnant, now looks like a force to be reckoned with.
Despite completing just 58.8% of his passes and enduring eight sacks, Wilson’s leadership and ability to deliver in key moments have made all the difference. Head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged the veteran quarterback’s impact, saying, “His experience, his resumé, and his appetite for big moments have all played out. I’m excited about what he brings and how he’ll continue to improve.”
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From Denver Disaster to Steeler Savior
Wilson’s resurgence in Pittsburgh stands in stark contrast to his two-year stint with the Denver Broncos. After arriving in Denver via a blockbuster trade in 2022, Wilson inked a five-year, $245 million extension. But lofty expectations gave way to mediocrity. The Broncos went 11-19 in games he started, and while his stats—6,594 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions—weren’t disastrous, his inability to elevate the team led to widespread criticism.
Denver eventually cut ties, eating a staggering $85 million in dead money to release him. That decision now looks like a win for Pittsburgh.
Hall of Fame Legacy Still in Progress
Russell Wilson’s career achievements already place him in Hall of Fame territory: a Super Bowl championship, nine Pro Bowl selections, and over 200 games played. But the quarterback isn’t content to rest on those awards. “I came here to win a couple more [Super Bowls],” Wilson told Storm. “That’s always been the goal.”
His hunger for success and his belief in the Steelers’ potential suggests he has plenty left to prove. Despite entering free agency this offseason, a reunion with Pittsburgh feels likely if his current trajectory continues.
What’s Next For Russell Wilson And The Steelers?
The Steelers, now 7-2, face a crucial AFC North clash with the Baltimore Ravens (7-3). It’s arguably their toughest test yet, and Wilson’s performance will undoubtedly be under the microscope.
Wilson isn’t just playing to win this season—he’s playing to cement his legacy. Whether he’s targeting another Lombardi trophy or simply defying the odds as he continues to excel into his late 30s and beyond, one thing is clear: Russell Wilson’s story in the NFL is far from over.
So, will he retire soon? Not a chance. As he puts it: “I feel great, I feel young, and I can still make all the throws.” For Steelers fans, that’s music to their ears.
