Russell Wilson “got did dirty” by Broncos in 2023

Hours before kickoff Sunday, former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson chatted with former teammates and Broncos staffers on the Empower Field turf.

After the Steelers polished off a 13-6 victory, the man who started in place of Wilson at quarterback was less diplomatic.

Quarterback Justin Fields, who has guided Pittsburgh to 2-0 while Wilson deals with a calf injury, nodded to a long-time tradition of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin in noting that Wilson and a pair of former Broncos — punter Corliss Waitman and receiver Brandon Johnson — got “petty game balls” after the game.

“I think we all know Russ got did dirty last year,” Fields said. “I know he wishes he could have played today in this game but it’s awesome getting this win for him. It’s great getting a dub for Russ, for sure.”

Wilson started 15 games under head coach Sean Payton last year but was benched for the final two games. Payton said the move was to give Denver a spark offensively, though the team also had conversations about benching Wilson as early as the mid-season bye week and Wilson accused the Broncos of trying to threaten a $37 million guarantee date in the negotiations.

Denver released Wilson in March and took a record $85 million dead salary cap charge in the process.

Wilson was inactive but in uniform serving as Pittsburgh’s emergency third quarterback. The only way he could have entered the game is if Fields and backup Brandon Allen were both hurt.

Tomlin gives “petty game balls” to players when Pittsburgh beats the team they used to play for, so that part isn’t anything specific to Wilson or the Broncos.