Former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson joined NFL legend Peyton Manning as the second NFL QB to ever pass for 3,000 or more yards in each of their first 12 professional seasons after his 2023 output.
Altering being traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Denver Broncos in 2022, Wilson compiled 3,524 and 3,070 passing yards respectively in his two seasons under center in Denver. The Broncos went 8-9 in 2023, a three-win improvement from its 5-12 mark in 2022, but failed to make the postseason.
Regardless, Wilson’s counting stats elevate him into rarified air. Manning, a five-time NFL MVP, two-time Super Bowl champion and 2021 NFL Hall of Fame inductee, tallied 16 straight 3,000+ passing seasons from 1998-2014. Even seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady and four-time champion Joe Montana did not accomplish the passing achievement.
Before the Seahawks selected Wilson at No. 75 overall in the 2012 NFL draft, the standout played three All-ACC seasons at NC State before one year with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2011. Wilson set the Wisconsin program record for career completion percentage and earned the Big Ten Quarterback of the year award during his one season in Madison.
Wilson would go on to deliver the Seattle its only title in franchise history in a route over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. He would make another Super Bowl appearance the following season and nine total Pro Bowls in 10 seasons as a Seahawk.
#StatTuesday
With another season of 3,000+ passing yards, @DangeRussWilson joined HOF Peyton Manning as the only QBs with 3,000+ passing yards in each of their first 12 seasons in the NFL.đź“Š via @Stathead (https://t.co/EVg1s6YgnF)#NFLBadgers
(📸 via Denver Broncos) pic.twitter.com/dffMW0OxYF
— NFL Badgers (@NFLBadgers) July 2, 2024
After the success in Seattle, Wilson spent two years with the Denver Broncos before being moved to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this offseason. Wilson and former Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields will battle for the starting job on head coach Mike Tomlin’s team.
Wilson’s efficiency and productivity during his first 12 seasons is undeniable. He will look to add another postseason berth to his resume in Pittsburgh.