Did Madden leak the Steelers’ secret weapon? The talk in Pittsburgh is whether QB Justin Fields will throw spirals or field punts. EA Sports’ upcoming “Madden 25” trailer features Fields as the opening kickoff return in 2024, leading some to speculate it might be a hint at the Steelers’ plan for the young QB.

During “The Carton Show,” former Steelers WR Plaxico Burress had a humorous take on the incident. Host Craig Carton opined that EA had the chance to put the reigning Super Bowl MVP on the opening shot of the trailer. Instead, they went with a shot of Fields playing as kick-returner. It made Burress wonder, “Madden had some information we didn’t know about.” With recent reports suggesting the 25-year-old’s minicamp not going well, could we see him play as a kick returner? While it is a possibility, there are a few aspects that may stop it.

Burress wondered why the trailer opened with Fields returning a kickoff, given Patrick Mahomes‘ pursuit of a third-straight MVP. He saw Fields’ talent but couldn’t understand why the Steelers chose him for special teams over veteran QB Russell Wilson. 

Pittsburgh QB Fields’ returner role appears doubtful, but the NFL’s new kickoff regulation has coaches rethinking their approach. Traditionally, franchises wouldn’t put a starting QB on special teams due to high injury risks. However, the new hybrid rule eliminates the running start, theoretically enhancing returns and reducing injuries. 

The former Bears top QB starter is reportedly trailing Russell Wilson in the Steelers’ open competition. Wilson, who signed a one-year deal in March, has been in a “pole position” since Fields’ arrival, per HC Mike Tomlin. Before the Bears picked Caleb Williams (as No. 1 pick), Fields had a stormy three-year career in Chicago, shining as a rusher but struggling with turnovers.

So, is Madden onto something with Justin Fields, or is this just a playful jab? The now Steelers QB may be lined up under center or in the end zone for a high kick during training camp. Keeping speculation aside, Fields himself has a different take on the kick-return situation. 

Pittsburgh QB Justin Fields laughs off kick return idea

Justin Fields himself isn’t bothered that he will be the team’s kick returner, per ESPN. During a recent interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Fields explained Coach Smith’s message: “No matter who you are, you could be on special teams.” Per the Steelers’ QB, “I think everybody kind of interpreted it wrong. He just used that as an example.”

The 25-year-old laughed at the social media craze around this news, stating, “Social media takes everything seriously. I laughed when everyone made a huge fuss about it for no reason.” While Fields’ speed (4.44) at his pro day in 2021 is evident, he has never played returner in professional football. Fields told the Post-Gazette, “Hey, you never know. [Coach Smith] might cook something up. We’ll see what happens.”

While the “Madden NFL 25” trailer ignited speculation about the Steelers’ QB as a kick returner, Fields seems more interested in running the offense than receiving kicks, but training camp will disclose the team’s objectives.