Justin Fields Reveals Biggest ‘Question Mark’ Before Transition to Steelers as QB Reflects on Bears Journey

This season, Justin Fields has lucked out. The storyline is something one sees in movies. Just a day after Russell Wilson joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, he also arrived at the Steel City. But he was always touted as the second choice. Wilson was declared the starting quarterback, but during pre-season, he aggravated his injury. Fields became the starting quarterback, and man, he has taken off. A 3-0 record speaks volumes about him. He recently opened up on his journey.

While talking about the transition on Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he said, “It’s awesome, you know, I think just being with y’all and the team has been, you know, great. Definitely a smooth transition. I think the biggest kind of question mark I had before coming here was how I would enjoy Pittsburgh. You know, coming from Chicago to Pittsburgh, I didn’t know how that adjustment was going to be. Of course, I mean it’s been it’s been good, though; City’s great.”

Justin Fields is enjoying his time with the Steelers. Though he wasn’t a fan favorite initially in the training camp and preseason, the season exploits with three consecutive wins have turned him into a hero. From analysts to fan groups, everyone is rooting for him. Super Bowl winner Ryan Clark recently asked the head coach, Mike Tomlin, to declare Fields as the permanent starting QB. But he faced an unexpected challenge.

Unlike Chicago, the city of Pittsburgh is full of hills. It required a different driving style. He found it tough when he came, but over time, the NFL star has adjusted to it. Justin Fields has been transitioning in the Chicago Bears as well. In 2021, he had 1,870 yards, which increased to 2,242 yards in the 2022 season. He jumped to 2,562 yards in 2023.

While reminiscing about his time at the Bears, the QB added, “I think it was just it was a lot of ups and downs of course um a lot of lessons learns so I mean I’m I’m grateful for the time I had there.” In 3 seasons with the Bears, Fields played 40 games (38 as starting quarterback) in which he had a 10-28 win-loss record. It forced the Bears to look for another quarterback.

The Bears traded Fields as they wanted to draft the rookie, Caleb Williams, in the 2024 NFL Draft. Fields gave a sneak peek into his rookie mindset.

Justin Fields drops gems for rookies

Almost everyone who is playing college football dreams of playing in the NFL one day. The QB was also like that. He was happy when the Chicago Bears drafted him as the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But the expectations weighed him down. He had a 26% win rate in 38 games for the Bears. Now, he feels differently about that situation.

Justin Fields recalled the draft and said, “Don’t expect anything. I think putting expectations or you know trying to play out something in your head. Take it day by day and adjust on the run. Don’t think about you know what’s going to happen. Play free and kind of take advantage of the day.” That’s solid advice.

We’re seeing this in 2024. He shed the weight of expectations before landing at the Steelers. In 3 games, he has completed 55 of 75 passes (73% pass completion rate) with 518 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. His passer rating of 95.3 is also quite high. The QB’s rushing game has also improved with 90 yards and 1 touchdown.

For now, he is competing with one of the best (if not the best) quarterback, Russell Wilson. So far, he is ahead of the veteran by miles. Can he sustain his position? Time will tell.