The Steelers commenced their training camp on July 25th at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, immersing players in a long-standing tradition. This destination camp not only gives them a competitive edge but also fosters camaraderie among veteran players and new arrivals, promoting collective growth. Russell Wilson, relishing the bonding experience, feels like he’s starting anew.
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During a recent press conference, Wilson couldn’t hide his excitement about being in Latrobe, a unique experience he never had in Seattle. He emphasized that while the camp’s goal is the same as other places, the experience here is different. Bonding with fellow players has made him feel revitalized, akin to starting his college journey all over again.
Spending time in dorms, like in college days, makes him feel excited, and he’s ready to have some fun and play ball.
“I think the part of just the bonding in the time, spending time with the guys, which is a great thing. I feel like I’m a freshman all over again in the college, pulling up in the state. I remember those days, and that’s the exciting part of it all.”
That said, coming off a moderate season with the Broncos, the next three weeks will be crucial for Wilson to build chemistry with his offensive weapons, most of them being brought in this season.
Wilson Sheds Light on the Steelers’ Receiver Room
Wilson is eager to bond and work with his receiver room, which he considers is filled to the brim with talented playmakers. During the same interview, he emphasized the pivotal role George Pickens will play in the offense, expressing confidence that the latter is ready to make a significant impact this season.
Similarly, Wilson praised Calvin Austin’s insane speed and route-running skills, highlighting the diverse array of wideouts on the roster, each with unique traits that will benefit the offense.
The star quarterback is particularly excited to see Michigan National Champion Roman Wilson in action, believing that his winning mentality will translate well to the NFL.
“We got a lot of playmakers. I’m really excited, obviously, GP is a special player. He’s going to do a lot of great things. I mean, just watching the film, training with him, throwing with him all those he can do.”
“I think Calvin Austin’s been amazing all off-season; just watching his speed, his ability in and out of routes. Ben Jefferson, his diligence. I have a lot of time with the guys in the offseason, throwing and just watching guys like Quez Watkins and Scotty Miller. I’m excited for Roman Wilson, what he can do,” the QB continued.
The Steelers’ receiving corps was left frustrated last season due to the unstable QB situation. Despite this, Pickens managed to tally over 1,000 yards, though he was visibly angry and disappointed. Wilson, coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, still managed to outperform all of the Steelers’ quarterbacks, making him a significant upgrade for the team.
With a better-receiving corps and improved pass protection, Wilson could be the solution to their shortcomings in the playoffs. Players like Pickens would relish the opportunity to catch passes from a Super Bowl-winning QB.
Critics have accused Russ of failing to come to terms with the reality of his shortcomings over the past few seasons. They have also claimed that he prioritizes off-the-field activities, allowing football to take a backseat, and labeled him as a “positively toxic” person.
However, this season, Russ has focused entirely on football and has made a concerted effort to get involved with his teammates. The star quarterback understands that he needs to buckle up and re-establish his legacy, which his stint in Denver tarnished.
