Russell Wilson claims he has been given one of the greatest gifts in the world.

Pittsburgh’s new quarterback told Essence magazine how excited he is for the opportunity the Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin have given him after things did not work out in Denver the last two years.

In the article, Wilson explained how his 13-year career in the NFL is “a dream come true.” Before being picked up by the Steelers, he spent 10 seasons in Seattle, where he helped Pete Carroll and the Seahawks win Super Bowl 48 and return to the big game the following year.

Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022, where the last two seasons did not materialize for the 35-year-old. He learned from both experiences and is ready to create some new memories in Pittsburgh and help bring championships back to Title Town.  

“To be able to play for Mike Tomlin, to stand side by side with him and try to accomplish all the goals that I want to accomplish with the Steelers organization, and what that represents for the NFL, is one of the greatest gifts in the world,” Wilson said.

Wilson threw for 3,070 yards with 26 touchdowns to eight interceptions in 15 games for the Broncos in 2023.

Tomlin said back on March 24, during the NFL’s league meetings, that Wilson will be in “pole position” this coming season, even after the Steelers traded for former Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields.

Coach Tomlin said the organization has “been very transparent about the pecking order” at the quarterback position.

“I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved,” Tomlin said, according to ESPN’s Broke Pryor. “Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time.”

Wilson, the 2020 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, has been elected to nine pro bowls in his career. He’s thrown for 43,653 yards, while completing 64.7 of his passes and tossed 334 touchdowns to just 106 interceptions. His career passer rating is 100.0.

Wilson has thrown for at least 3,000 yards every season since entering the NFL in 2012. He has eclipsed 4,000 passing yards in four seasons and registered at least 30 passing touchdowns on five occasions.

“He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera,” Tomlin said. “He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar and I just think that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from.”

Wilson has recorded more wins (124) in his first 12 NFL seasons, including the postseason, than every quarterback in League history apart from Peyton Manning (140), Tom Brady (140) and Brett Favre (125).

The Steelers officially signed Wilson to a one-year, $1.21 million deal on March 15.