After recovering from injury, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson stepped in for Justin Fields after a strong 4-2 start.
Wilson’s arrival was met with mixed reactions, but after his first start – a commanding victory over the New York Jets – he silenced the doubters.
Wilson led the Steelers to a 6-1 record in his first seven starts, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
Pittsburgh faltered, losing its final four regular season games and then was blown out by the rival Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Now, after a season full of ups and downs, Wilson has surprisingly earned a spot in the Pro Bowl, though many fans are questioning the significance of the honor.
Once a prestigious event held in Hawaii, the Pro Bowl has seen a significant decline in its stature.
Now, the event has moved to Orlando and shifted its format to include minigames and a flag football finale instead of the traditional exhibition game featuring the NFL’s top stars.
With Wilson being named a Pro Bowler despite the season he had, many fans are taking the event even less serious than usual.
What was once an exhibition of elite athletes now resembles a gathering of “guys who happen to be available,” according to critics.
Wilson, who was added to the AFC quarterback pool alongside Joe Burrow and Drake Maye, was chosen as a replacement for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, who withdrew after his team’s heartbreaking AFC Championship Game loss.
Wilson’s Pro Bowl selection marks his 10th appearance – an impressive accomplishment in itself.
In 2024, Wilson’s statistics included 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions over 11 games.
While these numbers weren’t enough to revive a struggling Steelers offense or lead the team to a postseason victory, they were sufficient for Pro Bowl recognition.
But as many have pointed out, the watered-down event is much more of a “Participation Bowl” than the (original) Pro Bowl.
What are your thoughts on Wilson getting selected to the Pro Bowl despite the season he had?
More importantly, what should the Steelers do going forward?
Should Wilson remain Pittsburgh’s starter? Or should they turn to Justin Fields? Or will a new face be under center come next season???
(Hey, I hear Kenny Pickett might be available…)
