Injured Wilson Receives ‘Petty Game Ball’ from Steelers’ Victory.
Quarterback Russell Wilson didn’t play in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 13-6 victory over the Denver Broncos, but coach Mike Tomlin still awarded him a game ball—specifically, a “petty game ball.”
“I think we all know Russ got kind of done dirty last year,” said quarterback Justin Fields after the game. “So while he couldn’t play today, it’s great to get a win for him. He got a petty game ball.”
Tomlin often gives out such game balls when his team defeats former teams of players on his roster. Practice squad wide receiver Brandon Johnson and punter Corliss Waitman, who both previously played for Denver, also received petty game balls.
Wilson, who was let go by the Broncos two years into his five-year, $242.6 million contract, was inactive due to an aggravated calf injury. Despite not playing, he was on the field for warmups, spending time with former teammates and coaches. Wilson also briefly interacted with Broncos first-round pick Bo Nix as they prepared for the game.
Although Wilson didn’t see any action, he served as the Steelers’ emergency third quarterback for the second week in a row. Before the game, Wilson downplayed the significance of facing his former team and coach who benched him last season.
“I have a lot of great friends there,” Wilson said last week. “For me, it’s all about relationships. Building good relationships with those people is important, but our focus is on playing for the Steelers and winning.”
While Wilson didn’t get to participate in his “revenge” game, Fields performed well in his second start for the Steelers. He began strongly, completing 10 of 12 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown in the first half, but struggled in the second half with only 16 passing yards as the offense faltered due to penalties and issues with the run game.
“It’s tough to win in this league, especially on the road in hostile environments,” Fields said. “Starting the season 2-0 and heading back home next week is a fantastic start.”
