Russell Wilson became a scapegoat for the media quickly after his Steelers debut. Things took a sharp turn when Stephen A. Smith went on prime-time television and ripped into Wilson saying, “You’re fighting for your career. Act like it, Russell Wilson.” But while people are taking a dig at him, his old friend Robert Griffin III came to the rescue.

RGIII took to The Rich Eisen Show and revealed the truth about the Steelers’ starting quarterback. Per the ex-NFLer, the narrative that the QB must “fight for his career” is wrong because how he acts in front of the media reflects his personality and is not some shabby attempt at playing a hero.

“Russell is doing what Russell has always done.” RGIII reflected. “If I was to tell you, ‘Hey, your job or your career is on the line. Act like it,’ what does that even mean? Are you now supposed to be shaking in your boots? Are your fingers supposed to be quivering when you grab the mic because you know that based off what you say next is a do-or-die moment in your career?”

Stephen A. went on a tangent after Wilson threw 10 passes and completed 8 of them in the Bills game. It was a mere distance of 47 yards and 3 sacks that got the quarterback crucified on prime-time TV. After the game, the Super Bowl winner seemed enthusiastic about the way things were going and the showrunner at ESPN didn’t like it.

“Somebody asked me if we are concerned – absolutely not,” Wilson said after the game against the Bills. He backed himself through the testimonial of how the Steelers’ practice was going, pointing out that he’d go to great depths and find ways to win. “I think the best thing that we can do is slow our minds, play really clean football, and enjoy the process,” the QB exclaimed.

“Russell Wilson, you’re beginning to p— me off,” is what Smith had to say after both quarterbacks failed to score a single point against the Bills. After the game, Wilson was accused of stat padding and other things like fumbling the ball and taking sacks.

People often take shots at Wilson’s hyper enthusiasm and upbeat nature. Mark Schlereth, a football analyst and the former Broncos lineman, labeled Wilson’s mindset as “toxic positivity” which often doesn’t accomplish anything. However, other analysts like Rich Eisen have a different story to tell about Russ’ character.

Rich Eisen’s good old days with Russell Wilson

For one, Rich Eisen thinks that Wilson is a “first-class” act. Eisen spoke about Wilson’s debut season when he replaced Matt Flynn and became a starter for the Seahawks. Back then, The Rich Eisen Show wasn’t a big name, and they invited Wilson to NFL Network on Game Day and Wilson couldn’t be more grateful for it.

“He was first in, and he beat me to work. He was showing me up,” Eisen spoke of Wilson. “And then after appearing on it sent a handwritten note with an autographed jersey to me, you know, thanking me for the experience as if I was the one who hired him. So, he’s first class all the way. I have seen all that.”

It’s not that Wilson’s confidence is problematic, but his personality isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. However, he has to remain confident in the face of all the questions and apprehension that’s thrown toward him. If he doesn’t, the locker room will lose trust in him and he won’t be fit enough to be a leader.

“Pressure is what you feel when you don’t know what the h— you’re doing,” is what Peyton Manning once said. Russell Wilson is perfectly embodying that philosophy.