In a move that has stunned fans and sent shockwaves through the NFL community, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made a surprising announcement during a press conference on Monday morning: veteran quarterback Russell Wilson has officially been named the starting quarterback for the upcoming 2025 NFL season.
The announcement, which came earlier than many expected during preseason preparations, has sparked a firestorm of reactions from Steelers fans, analysts, and former players. With speculation running rampant in recent months regarding who would take the helm under center — between Wilson and younger competitor Kenny Pickett — Tomlin’s decision has now provided a definitive answer.
Tomlin’s Statement
Standing at the podium at the Steelers’ UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Tomlin’s tone was calm but firm as he addressed the media.
“Russell Wilson will be our starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season,” Tomlin said. “We’ve evaluated every practice, every rep, and every element of leadership both on and off the field. Russell has shown us what we need to see — not just as a player, but as a leader of men. He’s earned this opportunity.”
Tomlin’s comments came after weeks of speculation surrounding the starting quarterback job. While many fans expected a battle between Wilson and Pickett to stretch deep into training camp, insiders say Tomlin and his coaching staff had been leaning toward Wilson due to his veteran presence and playoff experience.
Wilson’s Resurgence
Wilson, 36, signed with the Steelers in March 2025 after being released by the Denver Broncos, marking a new chapter in his storied career. After a tumultuous stint in Denver that never quite lived up to expectations, Wilson’s arrival in Pittsburgh was met with a mixture of optimism and skepticism. Now, it appears he’s silenced at least some of the doubters.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity, man,” Wilson said following Tomlin’s announcement. “This is an incredible organization, and I came here to work. Every day I’ve given everything I’ve got — mentally, physically, spiritually. I’ve still got a lot of great football left in me, and I’m ready to lead.”
Wilson has reportedly been a standout during OTA sessions and mini-camps, impressing the Steelers’ coaching staff with his precision, poise, and vocal leadership in the locker room. According to team sources, Wilson has been working closely with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to adapt quickly to the Steelers’ offensive scheme.
What About Kenny Pickett?
The decision raises questions about the future of Kenny Pickett, the 2022 first-round draft pick whom many expected to be the long-term answer at quarterback for Pittsburgh. Pickett showed flashes of promise during his first two seasons but struggled with consistency and injuries in 2024.
Coach Tomlin addressed Pickett’s status in the same press conference:
“Kenny is a professional, and he’s been nothing but supportive throughout this process,” Tomlin said. “He’s continuing to grow, and his role on this team remains important. This is the NFL — nothing is set in stone, and everyone knows they have to be ready when called.”
Sources close to the team say Pickett took the news in stride, understanding that competition is part of the business. Whether he’ll remain the backup or eventually seek a starting opportunity elsewhere remains to be seen.
Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag of Emotions
As news of Wilson’s promotion spread across social media and local sports radio, Steelers Nation responded with a blend of excitement, surprise, and concern.
“I can’t believe it,” said lifelong fan Marcus Dalton outside Acrisure Stadium Monday morning. “I was rooting for Pickett — he’s a Pittsburgh guy. But hey, Russell Wilson is a Super Bowl winner. Maybe this is what we need to get back to the playoffs.”
Others were more skeptical.
“Wilson’s been washed for two years,” said fan and podcast host Jenna Reed. “This feels like a desperation move. I hope I’m wrong, but this doesn’t scream long-term solution to me.”
A quick glance at X (formerly Twitter) showed thousands of reactions:
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“Tomlin is really putting his chips on Russ. Bold move. #SteelersNation”
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“Kenny Pickett deserves better. Let the kid play.”
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“I don’t care who starts as long as we beat the Ravens twice.”
NFL Analysts Weigh In
NFL analysts across the country quickly jumped in to offer their take. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky called it a “smart and necessary” move, while NFL Network’s Rich Eisen said it “raises the Steelers’ ceiling significantly.”
“Russell Wilson might not be the player he was in 2015, but with the right support around him, he can still win games,” said former NFL quarterback Kurt Warner. “Pittsburgh has a solid defense and a good run game. This is the kind of environment where a veteran QB can thrive.”
A New Direction for the Steelers
For the Steelers organization, this move signals a clear direction heading into the 2025 season. After finishing 9-8 last year and narrowly missing the playoffs, the team has been eager to reassert itself in the AFC North — one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions.
Wilson’s experience — including nine Pro Bowl selections and a Super Bowl ring — gives the Steelers a more proven option under center. Pittsburgh also made key offseason acquisitions, including wide receiver Chris Godwin and offensive tackle Cam Robinson, which should further help Wilson adjust quickly.
Tomlin emphasized that the decision wasn’t just about performance in practice or potential upside.
“This is about who gives us the best chance to win right now,” Tomlin said. “And right now, that man is Russell Wilson.”
What Comes Next?
With training camp just weeks away, Wilson will begin taking full first-team reps while Pickett and third-stringer Mason Rudolph continue to compete behind him. Insiders say that although Wilson has the starting job “for now,” Tomlin will not hesitate to make adjustments if the team’s performance falters.
The Steelers open their preseason schedule against the Detroit Lions in early August, with all eyes expected to be on Wilson’s debut in black and gold.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement is about more than just who starts Week 1. It represents a pivot in the Steelers’ philosophy — a move from building around a developing quarterback to chasing immediate results with a seasoned veteran.
In many ways, it mirrors the type of bold moves made by other teams — such as the Buccaneers signing Tom Brady or the Rams trading for Matthew Stafford — to capitalize on veteran talent in pursuit of a championship window.
Whether Wilson will be able to capture that same magic remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the Steelers are all in, and Steelers Nation is buckled up for what’s sure to be an unpredictable ride.
Final Thoughts
Russell Wilson’s elevation to starting quarterback isn’t just a depth chart adjustment — it’s a cultural statement. The Steelers are aiming for wins, not rebuilding projects. Tomlin, one of the most respected coaches in the league, isn’t making this move lightly. He sees something in Wilson — leadership, grit, maybe even redemption — that he believes can push this team forward.
Will it work? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
For now, Steelers fans can only hope that this bold decision pays off — and that Wilson can rekindle the fire that once made him one of the NFL’s elite.