Former Super Bowl champion Chris Long issued an apology to Russell Wilson following hisinspired start to life as the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ starting quarterback.

Since taking the reins from Justin Fields, Wilson has led the Steelers to wins over the New York Jets and New York Giants, completing 36-of-57 passes for 542 yards and three touchdowns. The 35-year-old has found a rhythm, using the play-action to complete deep passes to star receiver George Pickens, unlocking another component for the Pittsburgh offense.

Despite the Steelers possessing a 4-2 record under Fields, the quarterback play was somewhat uninspiring; the former first-round pick threw for 1,106 yards, tossing five touchdowns and an interception while adding 231 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. But Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin decided to make the switch, and the veteran has impressed.

Wilson has endured numerous ups and downs over the last few years, including a disappointing run with the Denver Broncos. He has been heavily criticized since leaving the Seattle Seahawks, and Long was unafraid to voice his problems in the offseason.

“Russell Wilson is seeing how the other half lives,” Long said. “He’s not only feeling the unfairness of the NFL, but he’s also feeling the pressure because he’s never had a guy backing him up like this. The minute he doesn’t play well, that stadium, that city’s gonna turn on him.”

However, with Wilson excelling and the Steelers sitting pretty atop the AFC North through nine weeks, Long has publicly admitted his error. He said: “I know I’ve already said this, but I wanted to make sure I said it: this is my public apology tour on one topic, and that’s Russell Wilson.

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Russell Wilson has added an effective passing element to the Steelers offense

Russell Wilson has added an effective passing element to the Steelers offense ( 

Image:

AP)

“I’ve gotten a lot of things right over the last year. This is one that I didn’t get right. Justin Fields didn’t do quite enough, and [Wilson] might be perfect for what they’re trying to do. He might be perfect for this coordinator. He might be perfect for taking advantage of the shots, the shot opportunities that we didn’t even know were there, the play-action.”

Wilson and the Steelers enjoyed a bye in Week 9, allowing further time for the veteran quarterback to ensure he remains in peak condition. The nine-time Pro Bowler missed time to open the 2024 NFL season due to a calf injury sustained on the eve of training camp and reaggravated days before the season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Wilson and the Steelers travel to take on the 7-2 Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in their next game on Sunday, Nov. 10.