The rumors that Russell Wilson is out of touch with reality and an elitist have been unfounded during his first couple of months as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Wilson has embraced the city of Pittsburgh. At pretty much every big event in the city this offseason, Wilson was there.
Wilson disclosed at OTAs that he and Justin Fields took the offensive linemen out to dinner at the Capital Grille in downtown Pittsburgh to build camaraderie. It’s one of many examples this offseason that Wilson has stepped up as a leader.
“The dedication and work ethic has been described to me as off the charts. He’s there all the time,” Jeremiah said. “He’s really worked to get to know his teammates and develop those relationships. They’re really bullish on him,” NFL Network lead draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said on the Rich Eisen Show in June.
Wilson married famous singer-songwriter, dancer, model and actress, Ciara, in 2016. He’s also done some acting, appearing in the 2015 film Entourage. Some thought Wilson would be too Hollywood for Pittsburgh.
“He was still hungry when he was that guy at Wisconsin and went to Seattle,” former NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington said in February. “He’s not what he is now. He’s like a superstar now. Entourage, he was in the movie. He’s an actor. He’s married to an amazing performer. He’s just a different dude. He’s evolved. And I don’t know that his evolution would fit in a place like Pittsburgh.”
Arrington, who’s from Pittsburgh, even said Wilson is too “soft” for the Steel City.
During an appearance on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams on Thursday, Steelers defensive tackle Cam Heyward revealed that he told Wilson before signing that Pittsburgh isn’t flashy place.
“I told him (Pittsburgh) isn’t the place for glitz and glamour. It’s not L.A., it’s not Atlanta. This is the place where gladiators come, and we’re gonna compete every day. He was receptive to that. He wanted to compete.”
4x All Pro #Steelers DT @CamHeyward on what he told QB Russell Wilson before signing with Pittsburgh… 🔊
"I told him (Pittsburgh) isn't the place for glitz and glamour, this is the place where gladiators come… and he was receptive to that." @DangeRussWilson @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/s2pKtOusRw
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 11, 2024
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus thinks the signing of Russell Wilson was the Steelers best offseason decision.
“The Steelers getting a former All-Pro and Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Wilson for $1.2 million in 2024 after the Broncos took on a dead cap hit of $85 million to have him not play is just good business by Pittsburgh,” Sikkema wrote. “Wilson might not be what he once was, but he should still give Pittsburgh a decent ceiling at the position.”
Daniel Jeremiah said the Steelers coaches have been thrilled with what they’ve seen from Wilson thus far. Cam Heyward also said that Wilson has been great for the young players on the team.
“He’s so detail-oriented. He does the little things and it’s really benefited our young guys. Just picking up that knowledge at an early age. He’s going to unlock a lot of things, not just for him, but for the team,” Heyward said.