NFL fans are calling for Russell Wilson to retire following his Pittsburgh Steelers' 28-24 loss to the rival Baltimore Ravens in the wild card round of the playoffs.
Wilson had surprised many Steelers fans this season by leading Pittsburgh to a 6-1 record in his first seven games as the team clinched a wild card berth after missing the playoffs in 2023.
Once a Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, the diminutive quarterback seemed ready to retire during his ill-fated two-year stint in Denver until he arrived in Pittsburgh, so the promising start was a pleasant surprise to the Seahawks faithful. Steelers.
But with losses in their last five starts and the Steelers failing to hold a lead since Dec. 8, Pittsburgh fans have seen enough.
'Dear Russell Wilson… it's time to RETIRE! You've done your job, now it's time to enjoy the rest of your life!!' wrote one fan.
“The man just needs to retire and focus on his wife and kids,” a second suggested.
Fans called for Russell Wilson to retire after the Steelers were eliminated Saturday night.
Wilson was sacked four times as the Baltimore Ravens sunk the Steelers in the wild card round.
“Russell Wilson will soon be out of the NFL,” echoed a third.
“It's time for Russell Wilson to call it quits,” added a fourth. “Family time is here.”
Wilson completed 20 of 29 attempts for 270 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. However, Baltimore's defense sacked him four times to secure a 28-14 loss.
While others are calling for Wilson to hang up his cleats, several Pittsburgh fans are praying that the Steelers don't bring him back and use Justin Fields instead.
Although fans sing his criticism in unison, he praised the city and the fan base while expressing his hope to return next season.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers organization, man, it's been a huge blessing to be here,” Wilson said after the game. 'The guys we have, the organization, it's truly first class. We love this city and what it means to the National Football League.
It's a special place, with special kids and a special coach: Coach Tomlin. We have a special fan base. I hope to be here when everything heals.
'It's a special place and I know God brought me here for a reason and it gave me a lot of joy. I love black and gold and what they mean to me.
After ten years with the Seahawks, Wilson signed a four-year contract with the Denver Broncos. However, he was fired from the team midway through his contract after two frustrating seasons.
After speaking with several teams, the 2014 Super Bowl winner signed a one-year deal worth $1.2 million with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh finished second in the AFC North with a 10-7 record.