Veteran FOX NFL Sunday analyst Terry Bradshaw is under pressure to apologize to Russell Wilson after questioning the 35-year-old Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback’s abilities. The 76-year-old’s comments came after Steelers coach Mike Tomlin’s surprise decision to replace Justin Fields with Wilson, which sparked heated debate.
Bradshaw had expressed his disagreement with the move, saying: “I totally disagree with this decision by Mike Tomlin, the head coach. I would stay with Fields. I’m telling you there’s something wrong with Wilson that I don’t know about. In my opinion, Wilson should not be starting today.”
However, Wilson has since led the team to consecutive wins over the New York Jets and Giants, throwing 36 completions for 542 yards and three touchdowns. This has led to some critics, including two-time Super Bowl champion Chris Long, to change their stance on Wilson.
Long has publicly apologised for underestimating Wilson, saying on his podcast: “I know I’ve already said this, but I wanted to make sure I said it – this is my public apology tour on one topic, and that’s Russell Wilson. I’ve gotten a lot of things right over the last year. This is one that I didn’t get right. Justin Fields didn’t do quite enough, and [Wilson] might be perfect for what they’re trying to do.”
(Image: Getty Images)
“He might be perfect for this coordinator. He might be perfect for taking advantage of the shots, the shot opportunities that we didn’t even know were there, the play-action.”
With Wilson’s recent showings, a possibly red-faced Bradshaw could be in a position to retract his earlier comments on the ex-Super Bowl champ, much like Long had to backtrack.
Irish Star readers on MSN expressed their thoughts
Glen Sims: Bradshaw is entitled to his opinion even if it’s different then yours.
Mike Buzga: Big deal over nothing. As a Seahawks fan, I’ve always liked him and hope he does well. But Terry had a different opinion. Big deal, that’s what they pay him for. Russell’s a big boy and I’m guessing he takes the various opinions with a grain of salt.
(Image: FOX NFL Sunday)
Carol M Godsey: Why should commentators hide their opinions? Or worse, apologize for them? We don’t have to agree with them but appreciate their willingness to say what they believe.
D. M. Jos: Terry is entitled to his opinion and many agree with him on this one.
Bobby Allen: No commentator I heard are saw was onboard with Tomlin’s decision. In fact, each one had a lengthy diatribe about how Tomlin was making a gigantic mistake.
James Mulligan: So he was wrong. What is the big deal other than the oversensitive folks that think no one is allowed to be wrong? He’s logged enough hours on the field to be given a pass and then some.
Jim Beck: Terry knows a lot about the position. What is there to apologize for? It is his opinion and probably right.
