In a move that has the NFL buzzing, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that Russell Wilson is still the man for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a recent media address at a Steelers press conference, the head coach made the bold statement. Especially after a shaky preseason, Tomlin seems unfazed by the outside noise.

Speaking ahead of the Steelers’ final ͏preseason ͏game against the ͏Lions,͏ Tomlin said͏, “Nothing has changed in terms of positions of those guys.” Wils͏on ͏had ͏a rough start this preseason after m͏issing the fir͏s͏t game with͏ a calf strain and ͏he is ͏now being given every chance to lock down h͏is role. ͏“I want ͏to ͏see him show some things that we have seen out͏ ͏there in the practice setti͏n͏g,͏” the head ͏coach ͏said, emphasising on Wilson’s potential.

The veteran QB will get another shot against the Lions. Steelers HC is sticking with the 9 time Pro Bowler as the starter for their Week 3 preseason.

However, the decision hasn’t been without its detractors. Critics have been quick to point out Wilson’s struggles so far. The Steelers’ QB showed some rust in his team’s  9-3 loss to the Bills last week. In his preseason debut match, Wilson managed just 47 yards on 8 of 10 passing, and the Steelers’ offense failed to score a touchdown in three games. The lack of rhythm and connection has raised eyebrows. Some are raising questions on whether Wilson is the best option for the Steelers moving forward.

Despite the chatter and critiques, Russell Wilson’s attitude is all about staying cool. He’s brushing off the doubters with a shrug, saying he’s focused on what really matters to him. “We care about criticism. That’s the world we live in. We are professionals,” said Tomlin when asked about responding criticism. With his faith and a no-nonsense work ethic, Wilson isn’t letting the negativity shake him.

Russell Wilson brushes off critics

The Steelers’ star quarterback has been under fire recently. After a couple of rough years with the Broncos and a less-than-stellar start with the Steelers, many have questioned whether Wilson still has what it takes to lead a team. Despite all the chatter, Wilson made it clear he’s not letting the doubters bother him. “I’ve never been worried about what other people think,” Wilson said. “God chose me for this, and He chose me to play this game.”

The reproval has been loud, with national media figures like Mark Schlereth and Stephen A. Smith questioning Wilson’s decision-making. They demand that the Steelers should consider Justin Fields as the starter. The Steelers’ offense, which struggled to put up points, has only fueled the debate about whether the 35-year-old is the right man for the job.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old quarterback delivered a more statistically impressive outing, completing 11 of 17 passes for 92 yards͏ and 42 rushing yards, but faced lesser competition. Critics acknowledge Fields’ potential but also highlight his ongoing struggles with reading defenses. Tomlin’s stance suggests Wilson’s experience outweighs Fields’ emerging talent.

But here’s the thing—Wilson isn’t letting the negativity affect him. He’s dealing with a calf injury, and also the offensive line’s poor protection hasn’t made things any easier. Yet, he’s keeping his focus. “I just focus on what God put on the inside… and then work your butt off every day,” said Wilson.