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Justin Fields has declared his intention to compete for the starting quarterback position with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a spot currently held by Russell Wilson.
Fields, who was traded to Pittsburgh from the Chicago Bears this offseason, made his ambitions clear following the first day of the Steelers' OTAs.
Justin Fields: Russ knows I'm competing
Russell Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, has been the presumed starter since Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed his edge over Fields.
However, Fields is not deterred and is prepared to give his all to secure the starting role.
"I'm definitely competing," Fields stated.
"I think Russ knows that. We're competing against each other every day. It helps me get better, us pushing each other."
Fields' journey to Pittsburgh began after the Bears, holding the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft for the second consecutive year, selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
This decision led to Fields being traded, a move he anticipated following his exit interview with the Bears.
"It wasn't really a shock,"Fields told reporters. "I knew what was going to happen beforehand."
Fields also shared his contentment with landing in Pittsburgh, his preferred destination, despite the competition he faces.
"I'm just happy to be in a spot where I wanted to be,"Fields remarked, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
Despite speculation about his potential use in other roles, such as on kickoff returns, Fields is focused on becoming the starting quarterback.
"I definitely don't have the mindset of sitting all year. I'm coming in every day, giving it all I got. Pushing him to be his best, and he's pushing me to be my best each and every day."
Coach Tomlin relishing having two elite QB's
Coach Tomlin has expressed satisfaction with both quarterbacks' leadership and professionalism.
"They're professionals, and so I'm excited about that, but I'm not surprised by it,"Tomlin said.
"Both guys have been franchise-like guys if you will. They've gotten out of their cars in the morning and worn the responsibility of being that guy for a franchise, and so there's residual benefit from that and so I'm excited receiving it."
Fields, who led the NFL in 2022 with a 7.1 yards-per-carry average and ran for the second most yards by a quarterback in a single season in NFL history, is determined to build on his individual success in Chicago.
The competition between Fields and Wilson will be one to watch as the season approaches.
Whether Fields can unseat Wilson by thoroughly outplaying him during training camp or later in the season remains to be seen.
Nevertheless, Fields' drive and determination position him as a potential long-term solution for the Steelers' quarterback needs.