Justin Fields’ journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers has been eventful since being traded from the Chicago Bears in March 2024. Fields led the Steelers to a solid 4-2 start, throwing for 1,160 yards and adding 231 rushing yards with a total of 10 touchdowns. Despite this strong performance, Fields was benched in favor of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, who returned from a calf injury. Wilson, signed by the Steelers after being released by the Broncos, led the team to a victory in Week 7 against the New York Jets, reigniting a debate about Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation.
Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger weighed in on the decision, making his stance clear on Fields’ benching. “I didn’t think that Justin deserved to get benched,” Roethlisberger said when asked about the Steelers’ quarterback switch on his podcast.
Roethlisberger, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the face of Pittsburgh’s offense for nearly two decades expressed admiration for how Fields handled the situation, noting the young quarterback’s maturity in dealing with adversity. “I thought Justin handled it marvelously,” Roethlisberger added. “Great class, saying ‘if I would have played better, it wouldn’t have been an issue.'”
While Wilson’s experience and comeback performance against the Jets helped the Steelers secure a 37-15 win, Fields has earned respect in the locker room for his dual-threat ability and leadership.
The Steelers remain in playoff contention, and the ongoing competition between Fields and Wilson will be a storyline to watch closely in the second half of the 2024 season. As the team navigates this delicate situation, Roethlisberger’s words add another layer to the conversation surrounding Fields’ future in Pittsburgh.
