PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's been more than just a few months and several offseason practices for Russell Wilson. He says it's been a revival for the 35-year-old.
"I feel, the fountain of youth," Wilson said after mini-camp practice Tuesday. "Now. I just, I feel revived in every way. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually, I feel confident."
Wilson said he's be around the game enough to know where you are as a player, man, competitor. He doesn't doubt that feeling, rather he trusts it.
"I felt really good last year playing," Wilson said. "I felt really confident, in the midst of everything. And so, I think right now I have all that confidence mixed in."
Having attended every offseason team workout, he enjoys putting the work in. Not just enjoying it, he loves it and said there is no substitute for this time and hard work.
The former Wisconsin and NC State star said he feels the excitement with everyone whether on offense, defense or special teams. Wilson praises the competition you see at practices all the time.
"Every battle feels like a playoff rep," Wilson said. "Every rep feels like how should. Coach Tomlin does a great job of that in us players, we're working and the leadership on this team is phenomenal."
New QB on New OC
The quarterback no longer wanted in Denver and the offensive coordinator fired in Atlanta, Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith are going about building a relationship. They spent a lot of time away from the field just communicating. Wilson said they already have 'a plethora' of the offense installed and said it's really great how far they have come.
Big George
Last week Justin Fields said in practice he was just throwing the ball deep to George Pickens every time he could to see what he can do in practice. Wilson said Pickens growth day-to-day is fun to watch. He complimented Pickens work ethic, consistency catching the ball and his explosiveness.
"You know, just some of the things he's done," Wilson said. "It's not easy to do. There's only so many people in the world who can do what he can do. And, I'm really excited to just spend a lot just communicating and everything else. So you just take one day at a time and just continue to build on it."
"You know, I've been fortunate to play around some really special receivers, and he's that guy. You know, he's definitely one of those for sure."
Fields friend
Wilson is described as having the pole position for the starting job, but Steelers coaches also say it's a competition between the veteran and Fields. Wilson said it doesn't mean he won't help the former Bears starter.
"I think there's a great obligation in this game for me personally to continue to give as much knowledge as I know," Wilson said. "I've been fortunate in the midst of all to play a lot of games, a lot of big moments and everything else. I love this game and so I believe that, much is given, much is required."
Wilson said he's always been a huge Fields fan and loved watching his game going back to his days at Ohio State. He said before either ended up in Pittsburgh they actually talked to each other during the offseason and they were rooting for each other to find a new home. Now they are on the same competing against each other.
"It's a great thing to be together and just, we're just we're just elevating (our play) just trying to be better every day," Wilson said.
