Russell Wilson has defied expectations this NFL season, silencing critics with a remarkable resurgence. After a disappointing stint in Denver and battling injuries, Wilson has found new life with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His return to elite form has been one of the biggest surprises of the year, leaving many of his detractors—including ESPN’s Mike Greenberg—reassessing their harsh judgments.
On Tuesday’s episode of Get Up, Greenberg openly admitted he was wrong about Wilson, offering a rare moment of public self-reflection.
“I spent this whole offseason basically saying Russell Wilson’s career is over, he’s done,” Greenberg confessed. “I just have to acknowledge that I was dead wrong. Russell Wilson is playing great. I don’t know if he can go toe-to-toe and beat Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Josh Allen in the playoffs, but I know that he’s playing legitimately well.”
Wilson’s Remarkable Turnaround
Wilson has led the Steelers to a 6-1 record as a starter, proving he’s much more than a game manager. With Pittsburgh sitting at 10-3, the team is poised for a top playoff seed in the AFC and remains in contention for the coveted No. 1 seed and the bye week that comes with it.
“This is not a cute, Mike Tomlin well-coached team that is going to sneak into the back of the playoffs,” Greenberg said. “This is a team that is playing great football. Russell Wilson is completing 65% of his passes, has 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions, and he didn’t even start starting until the middle of the season. He’s playing legitimately excellent football.”
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Shifting the Narrative
Wilson’s resurgence in Pittsburgh has forced a reevaluation of his career trajectory. Just months ago, many analysts speculated that his days as an elite quarterback were behind him. After a lackluster 2023 season with the Broncos, Wilson was written off by critics who questioned his future in the NFL and his chances of a Hall of Fame career.
Greenberg was among those critics but didn’t shy away from owning his mistake. “I and a lot of people owe him an apology,” he admitted. “Russell Wilson has shown that he’s still got it, and he’s proving the doubters wrong week after week.”
The Steelers’ Playoff Push
Under Wilson’s leadership, the Steelers have emerged as serious contenders in the AFC. His veteran poise and ability to execute in critical moments have elevated the team beyond expectations. With the Steelers in contention for the No. 2 seed and still technically in the hunt to overtake the Chiefs for the AFC’s top spot, Wilson’s impact cannot be overstated.
His performance has also rejuvenated a Steelers offense that struggled early in the season. Wilson’s efficiency—completing 65% of his passes with a stellar 12-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio—has given Pittsburgh a legitimate shot at making a deep postseason run.
A Reminder of Wilson’s Legacy
Wilson’s comeback serves as a reminder of his pedigree as one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. A Super Bowl champion and multiple-time Pro Bowler, Wilson has consistently been a winner throughout his career. His success with the Steelers reinforces that his struggles in Denver were the exception, not the rule.
For Greenberg and others who doubted him, Wilson’s resurgence is a lesson in patience and perspective. As the season continues, Wilson has the opportunity to further cement his legacy—not just as a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback but as a player who overcame adversity to reclaim his place among the NFL’s elite.
With the playoffs looming, the football world will be watching to see just how far Russell Wilson can take the Steelers—and how many more doubters he can prove wrong.
