Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson made his 2024 season debut on Sunday night, throwing for 264 yards and two touchdowns as the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets 37-15.
It was Wilson’s first official game action as a Steeler. He was inserted into the lineup on Sunday after Justin Fields led the team to a 4-2 record through six weeks. The contest was Wilson’s first NFL appearance since a public fallout with the Denver Broncos led to his benching in December 2023.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s decision to start Wilson over Fields despite the team’s early success was a significant gamble. That gamble looked foolish through the first few drives of the game as Wilson started two of eight passing for 19 yards.
More game action was all the Wisconsin legend needed to find his rhythm, however. Wilson finished the contest 16 of 29 passing for 264 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and a 66.3 QBR. He also added a rushing touchdown on a one-yard sneak.
Wilson’s return means the Badgers are back to having a former quarterback starting in the NFL. It also means the return of Wilson’s famous Sunday Night Football introduction:
"Russell Wilson, from a whole pack of Badgers" 😂pic.twitter.com/ulJZ9gN03w
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 21, 2024
The Steelers are back in action on Monday Night Football next week against the New York Giants. Wilson performing well during another primetime slot could see the narrative surrounding his play continue to shift in the positive direction.
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