Sunday’s Week 1 matchup between the Falcons and Steelers could have been Russell Wilson’s debut for Pittsburgh. He certainly dressed like it was going to be.
Wilson — acquired this offseason along with fellow quarterback Justin Fields — was limited in practice this week with a calf injury and his status for the game in doubt. Wilson was going to try to give it a go in warmups, but the Steelers put away any question when they listed Wilson as inactive for the game.
Now, typically (or, really, always) an inactive player will be on the sidelines in regular clothes. After all, an inactive player cannot play — there is no point in wearing full pads just for the fun of it. Wilson, though, took that unusual approach. He dressed in full pads and eyeblack.
Russell Wilson is in full pads. Heβs inactive today
(via @MattEdwards) pic.twitter.com/4mlBfjvTsO
β Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 8, 2024
I’m not sure why Wilson would even want to wear shoulder pads just for show. It’s way more comfortable to just dress in street clothes. But Wilson is a Football Guy, and he wasn’t going to pass up an opportunity to be performative.
NFL fans had jokes for Wilson’s Week 1 look.
This was how Twitter/X reacted
Russell Wilson wearing his full pads WHILE BEING INACTIVE is the most Russell Wilson thing ever
— Stu (@Stulord1) September 8, 2024
Russell Wilson in full pads on the sideline like pic.twitter.com/Mv6fjczo6a
— Ryan Morris (@RealRyanMorris) September 8, 2024
Russell Wilson wearing full pads and uniform despite being inactive is such a Mr. Unlimited move.
— Jeff Laycock (@soy_jeff) September 8, 2024
Russell Wilson is the weirdest NFL player. Inactive but dressed fully in pads. Pretty on brand lol. pic.twitter.com/7wbmE9ytma
— JazzJargon (@JazzJargon) September 8, 2024
watching russell wilson walk the sideline with pads on is killing meeee πππ
— πΈπΆπππΎππ πΈππππππ (@motorcitypoison) September 8, 2024
Russell Wilson being inactive and in full pads is cracking me up π€£
— Kristen (@Kristen_g6) September 8, 2024
Someone forgot to tell him heβs inactive? π€·ββοΈ https://t.co/P1xzEyTt69
— Orwellβs Ghost π«β‘οΈππ€‘π (@PolinTowers) September 8, 2024
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