What Convinced Mike Tomlin That Russell Wilson Is A Pittsburgh Steelers Fit

ORLANDO – The union between Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh Steelers was sealed in Mike Tomlin's mind when he realized what drives the former Pro Bowl and Super Bowl quarterback.

"Just his approach to business. How he lives his life. How he lives his professional life," Tomlin said Monday at the NFL annual meeting. "I said yesterday, and it's probably the best way to describe it, Russell is not a guy that's hungry. Hungry is something that can be satisfied.

"He's a guy that's driven. He's on a quest to be the very best that he can be, to shape his career up to a vision that he has. And that resonated with me."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos leaves the field after the Broncos were defeated by the Las Vegas Raiders 27-14 at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 27-14. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Wilson Finds Better Situation

It's obviously a new day for Wilson. He's on a team and with a coach that respects his abilities. But more importantly, he's in a place where he's respected as a person.

That wasn't always necessarily the case in Denver once Sean Payton became the coach last year. 

Sources say Payton didn't think Wilson was a team player and thought himself bigger than the team. He also believed Wilson took too many sacks, a problem Payton believes is extremely important.

How important? Payton was asked Monday how the Broncos could improve their scoring offense:

"No. 1, can't take as many sacks," the coach said.

Payton and Wilson had a marriage derived from a shotgun wedding. Wilson was signed a year before Payton arrived and a divorce was almost predictable.

Compare that to how Wilson landed in Pittsburgh. It's a soft landing that Tomlin, known for being demanding of his players, realized could be a fit after meeting with the quarterback.

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 12:  Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Green Bay Packers on November 12, 2023 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Tomlin Impressed By Wilson

"The conversations were very fluid and natural," Tomlin said. "He did his appropriate research on us and I think that was one of the more impressive things about the process from my perspective. His level of preparedness in terms of knowing us and who we are and how he might potentially fit put an ease over the process."

The process is just beginning. The Steelers have Wilson as their presumptive starter even with Justin Fields on the roster. But that is just semantics and subject to change.

"We're not resistant to competition," Tomlin said. "But as I've mentioned several times of late, I just think it's appropriate to establish positioning as we get into this thing. The term that I've used is that Russell has pole position.

"Why do I use that term? Because during this time when we're not formally working, I just think it's beneficial. His experience in the National Football League, his process that has been honed and perfected, talking over a 12-month calendar, is not only good for him, it's good for teams. It's good for receivers, tight ends, running backs, etc… – all the things that people who are really committed to winning do this time of year.

"Russell has those resources, that structure, and that's why I say he has pole position. It just creates a synergy that's good for this time of year."

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 07: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears reacts on the sideline in the second half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 07, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

Justin Fields And Wilson To Compete

This time of year is fleeting. Eventually, talent will be on display in practice and the preseason. Eventually, Tomlin expects to see Fields put his gifts to use.

And those gifts, the coach believes, are extensive.

"Oh my gosh, man, he oozes talent and potential," Tomlin said. "He's worn the responsibility of being a franchise quarterback but still he gets an opportunity to come into a community-like situation and learn from a guy who's been doing it for over a decade.

"Man, there's a lot of meat left on that bone. I'm just excited about working to be part of extracting it.

"Rest assured, when it's time to compete, Justin will be given an opportunity to compete. And we'll allow those guys to sort themselves out, but I thought it was appropriate to describe it in the way that I described as we get started."