Broncos' Wilson doesn't feel any pressure: 'I run to it, if anything'
Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson doesn't believe there's any additional pressure after posting career-low totals last season.
"Do I feel the pressure? No. I don't run from it. I look forward to it. I run to it, if anything," Wilson said Wednesday. "We as a team, we're all in this together. We're all searching for one thing and that's to get better every day. I'm not looking too far ahead. All the guys are trying to learn as much as we can from today's practice and use that experience."
Wilson says that "pressure is a privilege" ahead of his 12th NFL campaign. He credits the coaching staff and players for the preparation ahead of his second season with the Broncos.
The 34-year-old struggled in his first year with the team, posting 3,524 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, along with a career-low 60.5% completion rate.
Denver fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett after Wilson posted a 4-11 record as a starter last year. The Broncos brought in Sean Payton to help turn the franchise's fortunes around and return Wilson back into the form that saw him earn nine Pro Bowl nods during his 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Broncos parted ways with multiple draft picks to acquire Wilson in a blockbuster trade with the Seahawks in March of 2022. Denver is in the midst of a seven-year playoff drought, with its last appearance being a Super Bowl 50 victory over the Carolina Panthers.
Wilson isn't letting critics sour his optimism ahead of a new season. Instead, the veteran passer is focusing on what he can control.
"I'm just worried about being the best version of me today," Wilson said.
The Broncos will host the Las Vegas Raiders in their season opener on Sept. 10.