Spreading the holiday cheer has become an annual part of the NFL calendar. Every year, reports of gifts exchanged among the team make the rounds. This season, Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, and Justin Herbert, among others, have earned social media clout for their gift-giving prowess. Fans can now add another name to the Santa’s Nice List.
Russell Wilson, who came to the Pittsburgh Steelers after a disastrous stint with the Denver Broncos, has always been a great teammate. Going back to his days with the Seattle Seahawks, his play may have wavered, but his character was rarely called into question. Amidst a mini-renaissance with Pittsburgh, it is no surprise that Wilson’s cheerful personality earned attention during the holiday season.
Fans are firmly in his corner this Christmas.
Russell Wilson Showers Teammates in Gifts
Wilson had made packages for each member of his offensive line. It included a drink, shoes, a duffel bag, and a gift card as well. The team shared a video of the haul on its social media accounts, letting fans in on the fun.
The entire list is as follows:
- A $10,000 Airbnb gift card that can be used anywhere around the globe.
- A Louis Vuitton duffel bag in the iconic Steelers colors
- Custom-made Steelers Good Man Brand shoes (Russ’s premium men’s clothing brand)
- A bottle of his wife Ciara’s TenToOne Rum
Immediately, fans were overjoyed with the decision and came out firmly in support of Wilson. “This is something I can stand behind” was the common sentiment among the fanbase.
THis is something I can stand behind.
— Rudy R. Reyes🎙 (@rudedogreyes) December 24, 2024
Further, given the quality of the products that he gave out, fans were quick to acknowledge how impressive the gifts were.
Of course, the offensive line’s performance is going to be critical for the Steelers down the home stretch. A big part of Wilson’s comeback has been centered around his ability to throw the deep ball again. Needing a few extra seconds in the pocket is necessary for those explosive plays.
So far, the unit has been up to the task. Playing a thankless position, a little appreciation goes a long way for the men in the trenches.
Appreciation goes a long way! Russell showing love to the offensive line.
— Muhammad Qasim (@Qasiim02) December 24, 2024
Fans quickly rallied around their quarterback, buying into his game on and off the field. Their support is, of course, tied to his success. Pittsburgh is 10-5, and while it has lost back-to-back games ahead of Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs, an AFC North title remains possible.
Some Steelers fans didn’t even want Wilson to start. Justin Fields got the green light in Week 1 after Wilson dealt with a leg injury in the summer, and Pittsburgh started 4-2. The pivot to Wilson seemed unnecessary at the time, but the veteran passer has won everyone over in the months since taking over.
Absolutely! The offensive line is crucial for success. Let’s rally around them! 💪 #SteelersNation #Christmas
— Aatif – An Astrologer 🎭🏹 (@AatifAstro) December 24, 2024
For most long-term fans of the Super Bowl champion, the deed was yet another example of the incredible leadership qualities that define his personality.
On the season, Wilson has been very good, a far cry from his last few seasons with the Broncos. While his numbers aren’t extraordinary, the eye test has been spectacular. He’s built a rapport with his receivers en route to 2,129 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Although his athleticism is waning in his mid-30s, Wilson has also shown the ability to scramble when necessary and do enough with his legs to open up the playbook in short-yardage situations.
He’ll get another chance to flaunt his talent on Wednesday with the help of his grateful offensive linemen.
Steelers Are at Risk of Losing the Division
With the loss in Week 16, the Steelers now have the same record as the Ravens (10-5). Pittsburgh has already made the playoffs but is now at a significant risk of losing the division.
The Steelers have to play the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season, while the Ravens will go against the Houston Texans and the Cleveland Browns.
Pittsburgh’s remaining games are harder than Baltimore’s, which is why Wilson and Co. are under pressure to make a statement in the Christmas game against the Chiefs.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, the Chiefs will be motivated as well. The defending Super Bowl champions have the opportunity to seal the AFC’s first seed with a win against the Steelers, and they will be determined to get that taken care of so they can sit their starters in Week 18.
The win against the Steelers was a huge one for the Ravens, as Jackson snapped his four-game losing streak against Pittsburgh. The two-time NFL MVP will now be much more confident about facing them if the two teams play each other in the playoffs.
Wilson desperately needs a bounce-back game against the Chiefs on Christmas; otherwise, fans will start demanding the franchise start Justin Fields. Luckily for the Steelers quarterback, he will probably have George Pickens available the next time he steps on the field. The wide receiver is crucial for the team’s success, as the team is 1-2 without him.