Steelers’ Broderick Jones Was Heard Laughing At Russell Wilson Because Of His Height: 'Da** You Are Short'

The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off their Organized Team Activities on Tuesday, marking an exciting time for football fans as teams gear up for the upcoming season. The OTAs provide an opportunity for players to come together, practice, and build team chemistry.

The Steelers made headlines this offseason, with one of the biggest stories being the acquisition of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum. Wilson is set to be the starter in 2024. As OTAs began, Wilson spent time talking with his new teammates and getting to know them.

During drills, Wilson was approached by his young offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Jones later shared this encounter with the media, expressing his surprise at Wilson's height. He humorously admitted to asking Wilson if he could see over the offensive line. This lighthearted moment highlighted the growing camaraderie within the team as they prepare for the new season.

“That’s what I asked him when he first got here. I said, ‘Da** you are short, what you take, a 15-step drop?’ He said, ‘Nah, I can see.’”

When Wilson was coming out of college, many scouting reports raised concerns about his height. At just 5'11", Wilson was considered short for an NFL quarterback. However, the new generation of quarterbacks, including players like Kyler Murray, has challenged the traditional views on height, demonstrating that success can come regardless of stature.

According to NFL.com, Wilson's main perceived weakness in his scouting report was his height. Despite this, he has proven his critics wrong with an impressive career, including nine Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl championship. His achievements have helped to diminish the importance of height as a factor in evaluating quarterback potential.

"Wilson's height will be his biggest inhibitor at the next level and the largest reason for his late-round value. It remains to be seen if he can throw effectively from the pocket at the next level."

Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the third-round of the 2012 NFL Draft. His height didn't hinder his success during his time in Seattle, as that's where he earned his nine Pro Bowl invitations and won a Super Bowl.

In contrast, the Steelers' previous quarterbacks during Jones' time in Pittsburgh were Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky is 6'2", Rudolph is 6'5", and Pickett is 6'3". It's understandable why Jones would be taken aback seeing Wilson, his first quarterback under six feet tall. Despite Wilson's height, he has built a successful career, proving that height is not always a major tell in evaluating quarterback potential. However, seeing Wilson in person, Jones was surprised by how short he is.

Steelers' Russell Wilson Got Sacked A Lot In 2023

In 2023, Wilson was sacked a staggering 45 times. For comparison, Pickett was sacked 50 times over his two seasons with the Steelers. Being sacked 45 times is significant, and it’s not always easy to determine if the sacks result from poor quarterback decisions or a weak offensive line. During his struggles with the Denver Broncos, it was a mix of both. Wilson tends to take a long dropback and hold the football longer than most quarterbacks. This makes it crucial to have a strong and solid offensive line to protect him. Wilson thrives when he can hold the ball on a long play-action play and allow the play to develop.

As the Steelers prepare for the 2024 season, ensuring Wilson has the protection he needs will be vital for his success and the team's overall performance. With a strong offensive line, Wilson's ability to extend plays and make big throws could lead to a resurgence in his career and elevate the Steelers' offense.

While Jones was curious if Wilson could even see over the line, Wilson reassured him that he could. Knowing Wilson, he probably didn't love the comment, but it was said in good humor. Wilson has been fitting in well with his new teammates and is eager to prove that his last two seasons with the Broncos were a fluke.