Russell Wilson has once again left fans divided after unveiling a new catchphrase for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of his much-anticipated return from injury. The 35-year-old quarterback, known for his enthusiasm and motivational slogans, introduced “Win The 7th” as his rallying cry for his new team, referencing the Steelers’ pursuit of a seventh Super Bowl title. However, the catchphrase has drawn more mockery than inspiration from NFL fans.
Wilson, who signed a one-year deal with the Steelers for the veteran minimum of $1.2 million, has yet to play in a competitive game for Pittsburgh. His debut was delayed due to a calf injury sustained just before their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.
After seven months of recovery, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback is expected to be available for the Steelers’ upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
The catchphrase was first revealed by NBC’s Melissa Stark during the broadcast of the Steelers’ recent 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, a game that etched its own place in NFL history. As Wilson gears up for his return, “Win The 7th” serves as a nod to Pittsburgh’s aspirations for a record-tying seventh Super Bowl championship this season.
While the sentiment behind the slogan is clear, fans were quick to poke fun at Wilson, particularly in light of his previous catchphrase, “Let’s Ride,” which became infamous during his disappointing stint with the Denver Broncos. That slogan quickly became the subject of memes and ridicule after Wilson struggled through two underwhelming seasons in Denver, where he failed to replicate his earlier success with the Seattle Seahawks.
Social media reactions to “Win The 7th” were brutal. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “F***ing cringe,” while another commented, “Corniest dude in the NFL. QB drama incoming.” Others echoed similar sentiments, with one fan saying, “Such a douche. I’m tired of him already,” and another simply pleading, “No no no no.”
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Wilson’s time in Denver was a far cry from his glory days in Seattle, where he led the Seahawks to Super Bowl victory in 2013. After signing a massive five-year, $245 million extension with the Broncos, expectations were sky-high, but Wilson failed to deliver, leading to a disastrous two seasons.
His struggles ultimately resulted in the Broncos releasing him, absorbing a staggering $85 million hit in dead money, one of the largest financial losses in NFL history.
Now, in Pittsburgh, Wilson faces stiff competition from 25-year-old Justin Fields, who has been the Steelers’ starting quarterback in Wilson’s absence.
Fields has had a solid start to the season, throwing for 961 yards and five touchdowns, making head coach Mike Tomlin’s decision more complicated as the team prepares for their game against the Raiders.
With the Steelers coming off a narrow loss to the Cowboys, Tomlin must now decide whether to stick with Fields, who has shown promise, or give Wilson the nod as he makes his return from injury.
Given Wilson’s experience and past success, he could still play a key role in helping the Steelers push for the playoffs, but his reputation as a “motivational” leader continues to generate mixed reactions from both fans and analysts alike.
As Wilson readies himself for his first appearance in a Steelers uniform, it remains to be seen whether “Win The 7th” will catch on or fall flat like his previous catchphrase.
One thing is certain: the pressure is on for Wilson to prove he still has what it takes to lead a team to success, and the eyes of the NFL world will be watching closely to see how he performs in his Pittsburgh debut.
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