NFL fans are calling for Russell Wilson to retire after his Pittsburgh Steelers’ 28-24 loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Wilson had stunned many Steelers supporters this season by leading Pittsburgh to a 6-1 record over his first seven games as the team secured a Wild Card berth after missing the playoffs in 2023.
Once a Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, the diminutive quarterback appeared ready for retirement during his ill-fated two-year stint in Denver until he arrived in Pittsburgh, so the promising start was a welcome surprise to the Steelers faithful.
But with losses in his last five starts and the Steelers failing to hold a lead since December 8, Pittsburgh fans have seen enough.
‘Dear Russell Wilson…it is time to RETIRE! You have done your job, now it’s time to enjoy the rest of your life!!’ one fan wrote.
‘Mans just needs to retire and focus on his wife and kids,’ a second suggested.
Fans called for Russell Wilson to retire after the Steelers were eliminated on Saturday night
Wilson was sacked four time as the Baltimore Ravens sunk the Steelers in the Wild Card round
‘Russell Wilson will soon be out of the NFL,’ echoed a third.
‘Russell Wilson time to hang it up,’ a fourth added. ‘Family time is here.’
Wilson completed 20 of 29 attempts for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. However, Baltimore’s defense sacked him four times to secure the 28-14 loss.
While others call for Wilson to hang up his cleats, several Pittsburgh diehards are praying that the Steelers will not bring him back and instead use Justin Fields.
Although fans sing his criticism in unison, he praised the city and fanbase while expressing his hope to return next season.
‘The Pittsburgh Steelers organization, man, it’s been such a blessing to be here,’ Wilson said postgame. ‘The guys we have, the organization, is truly first class. We love this city and what it means to the National Football League.
It’s a special place, with special guys, and a special coach in Coach Tomlin. We have a special fanbase. I hope I’m here when everything heals.
‘It’s a special place and I know God brought me here for a reason and He gave me so much joy. I love black and gold and what it just means to me.
After ten years with the Seahawks, Wilson signed a four-year deal with the Denver Broncos. However, he was waived from the team halfway through his deal following two frustrating seasons.
After talking to several teams, the 2014 Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal worth $1.2million with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh finished second in the AFC North with a 10-7 record.
