Steelers Russell Wilson Not Worried About Extra Pressure In Wild Card Matchup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Joe Simile | Last updated Jan 9, 2025 6:43 AM ET

Russell Wilson has had an up-and-down, but overall, successful season. Wilson was named the starting quarterback for the Steelers out of camp after signing a veteran-minimum contract, before being sidelined for the first five weeks with a calf injury. Wilson won back over the starting job, and started the season 6-1 before a four game losing streak to end the year.

Wilson finds himself starting for a playoff team for the first time in four years. This will be Wilson's ninth year in the playoffs in his 13 year career. For Wilson, this playoff run could also determine his future.

Wilson does not have a contract for next season, and it is unknown what the Steelers' plan at quarterback is moving forward, between Justin Fields showing promise in the first few weeks and potential rumors of Aaron Rodgers making his way into town, Wilson's guess is as good as any.

Wilson was asked about playing with the uncertainty of his future, and if that adds any additional pressure heading into Pittsburgh's matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.

“I just always think about the moment. I’m not really worried about down the road. … That always handles itself. I’m excited about that.”

In the playoffs, Wilson is 9-7, throwing for 25 touchdowns to 12 interceptions in 16 games. His 8.4 yards per attempt leads all active quarterbacks in the playoffs. Wilson famously led the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl XLVIII victory, throwing for two touchdowns and 206 yards in the Big Game.

It's been some time since Wilson has been in the playoffs, but he's as confident as a quarterback can come. After the Steelers lost their Week 18 matchup to the Cincinnati Bengals, Wilson was captured trying to uplift defensive tackle Cameron Hayward.

"Hey, let's go win the last four. All right? Look at me. Let's go. We can do it. You know what I'm saying? Don't doubt now. You feel me? Let's go win the next four."

The Steelers take on their divisional mates in the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round on Saturday at 8 p.m. The two teams split the series in the regular season, with the Steelers coming out on top 18-16 in the first matchup, and the Ravens getting their revenge in the second, 34-17.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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