Ahead of the Steelers game against the Chiefs, Russell Wilson was asked a poignant question on Monday — One that doesn’t concern the rigors of the game or their back-to-back losses but rather a follow-up on their Week-15 outing at the Lincoln Financial Field. Surely, it was a night to forget for the Steel City as opposed to the Phillies who had a point to prove on their home turf. Oh, it was a dragged week for the Eagles’ passing offense, to say the least, that saw criticisms and questions surrounding effectiveness at throwing the ball. Eagles beat the Steelers (27-13), yes, but the highlight was beyond just the scorecard.

Hurts threw for 290 yards and a pair of TDs vis-a-vis Russ who managed only 128 yards and one TD on 14 completions. But the biggest headline from the game, you’d ask? It was a 20-second post-game heart-to-heart which the mics picked up. Hurts had a special something for Russ: “Watched you my whole childhood… You paved the way.”

On Monday, the media couldn’t help but pick Wilson’s brain on what that moment meant for him: “With the way that Jalen Hurts came up to you after that game, the fact that you played him, Lamar [Jackson], now Patrick [Mahomes]—What does it mean to you to see that not only are there more black QBs in the league but you’re a part of these battles with the next generation coming up that all look up to you?” 

Looking back to that moment, Wilson answered, “Yeah, yeah. It’s cool to see; it’s cool to experience; it’s cool to be in the midst of it. I think when it’s all said and done for me, hopefully five to seven years from now, hopefully seven, you get to look back at it. You’re able to say, ‘You know what, this was one of the coolest parts of my life to see the growth of the game for black QBs.’

“The continued growth of the game for guys who’ve been before us, you know. It’s just cool to see. I also love seeing guys become head coaches too, obviously guys like Michael Vick and others and just it’s a real thing. I am just grateful for the opportunity to play the game that I love everyday,” he said. The same day, Michael Vick was introduced as coach in Norfolk State, the largest HBCU in Virginia… one that is surely a homecoming for the 2001 No. 1 draft pick who led Virginia Tech to the national championship game as a redshirt freshman in 2000. 

But Wilson wasn’t just reflecting on his legacy; he expressed love for the Steelers, even saying he “hopefully, get to win a Super Bowl,” Wilson stated. His comments come at a critical time. Wilson is nearing the end of a one-year $1.21 million deal with Pittsburgh after rejuvenating his career there. Following a rough stint in Denver, he’s bounced back with solid performances. This includes a 4-0 record in his first 4 starts. However, this isn’t the first time the QB has expressed his desire to play longer.

In an interview with ESPN’s Hannah Storm in November, Russ affirmed his intention to continue playing. Reflecting on his career longevity, Wilson said, “I definitely want to play another five to seven years.” At 36, he also emphasized that this goal has been central to his mindset since the beginning. “I think that’s always been my mindset, is the longevity of the game… I feel great, I feel young, I feel like I can still move around out there and make all the decisions and all the throws,” Wilson said. However, with no contract extension in sight, questions about his future loom large.

As the regular season winds down, Wilson’s performances against heavyweights like the Chiefs and Ravens could decide both his and Pittsburgh’s fate. Russell Wilson’s admiration for the Steelers’ culture shines through, but the franchise faces a tough choice. Should they invest in the 36-year-old quarterback for a long-term deal to use the franchise tag to retain him or test the waters with younger talent? Fans have rallied behind Wilson. And the stakes couldn’t be higher, and Wilson seems ready for the challenge. Far from guaranteed, only time—and perhaps a playoff run—will tell.