Russell Wilson’s offseason is off to a rough start, at least in the eyes of NFL fans. Following the Pittsburgh Steelers’ humbling 28-14 playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Wilson’s attempt to inspire with a workout video earned him plenty of criticism.
Russell Wilson Invites Trolls After Latest Workout Video
Instead of applause, the 36-year-old veteran quarterback faced a wave of ridicule on social media. In the video, posted to Instagram just days after the Steelers’ season-ending defeat, Wilson was seen hitting the gym with the caption, “Restart. New year. It’s a Lifestyle.”
While he intended to convey determination, fans took the opportunity to roast the Steelers quarterback. One fan sarcastically dubbed him the “Cancun Playoffs MVP.”
“He can work out all he wants, he still can’t throw a ball,” one user quipped.
Powerful: Despite being eliminated from the playoffs only three days ago #Steelers QB Russell Wilson is back in the gym putting in the work.
“Restart. New year. It’s a Lifestyle.”
One of the hardest workers in the NFL 😤 pic.twitter.com/SiMcTVzcmU
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) January 14, 2025
“He can’t outrun anyone now,” commented one fan.
“He’s washed it’s time to move on,” joked another.
He's washed it's time to move on pic.twitter.com/ahHGZiDxwb
— Wiseguy𝕏 (@wiseguyinsider) January 14, 2025
One X user posted, “Nah, my man is training for basketball at LA Fitness with that move.”
Another joked, “Bro thought he was him,” referring to NFL legend Tom Brady.
Bro thought he was him: pic.twitter.com/z3JLMMSFCi
— NFLComedySkits (@NFLComedySkits) January 14, 2025
Wilson’s 2024 campaign was full of crests and troughs. Signed by the Steelers to a one-year, $1.21 million deal after being released by the Denver Broncos, Wilson delivered solid performances, including a respectable 20-of-29 for 270 yards and two touchdowns in the Wild Card loss to the Ravens. Still, his efforts were overshadowed by the Steelers’ inability to stop the Ravens’ rushing attack, which racked up a franchise-record 299 yards.
Statistically, Wilson was serviceable but far from elite. His regular-season QB+ rating of 75.3 (C; 17th) improved slightly to 76.5 (C; 7th) when accounting for his playoff showing. However, he ranked 23rd in EPA per dropback (0) and struggled under pressure, posting -0.38 EPA/DB. Fans and analysts agree he was not the reason the Steelers lost, but he didn’t do enough to win, either.
Wilson is set to become a free agent, and Pittsburgh has a tough decision to make in the offseason. Head coach Mike Tomlin remained noncommittal, saying he wasn’t ready to take a “big-picture approach” to the quarterback situation. Wilson, meanwhile, expressed his desire to return, calling his year with the Steelers “one of the best” of his career.
Whether Pittsburgh re-signs Wilson or looks elsewhere remains to be seen. While some fans root for a fresh start, the Steelers may find limited options in the offseason market, leaving the door open for another year of Wilson’s and his viral workout videos.