A non-participation trophy – The Steelers give Russell Wilson a game ball after beating Denver

You’ve heard of participation trophies, right? At least you have to “participate” to get one of those… Russell Wilson got one for doing nothing against the Denver Broncos!

Wilson’s return to Denver yesterday (Sept. 15) was anticlimactic as the former Broncos quarterback was inactive but in uniform serving as Pittsburgh’s emergency third quarterback. The only way he could have entered the game was if Justin Fields and backup Brandon Allen were both hurt. That didn’t happen so Russ did nothing.

Still, he received a “petty game ball” after the game from Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. I should point out that Tomlin gives “petty game balls” to players when Pittsburgh beats the team they used to play for, so that part isn’t anything specific to Wilson or the Broncos. Other former Broncos, punter Corliss Waitman and receiver Brandon Johnson, also got balls.

The Wilson ball just stings for fans in Denver a little more because the Broncos released Wilson in March and took a record $85 million dead salary cap charge in the process.

To add a little salt into the wound, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields said after the game, “I think we all know Russ got did dirty last year,” Fields said. “I know he wishes he could have played today in this game but it’s awesome getting this win for him. It’s great getting a dub for Russ, for sure.”