Steelers QB Justin Fields shuts down kick-returner rumor: “Everybody kind of interpreted it wrong”

Justin Fields is here to start as the quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Steelers QB Justin Fields shuts down kick-returner rumor: “Everybody kind of interpreted it wrong”

Justin Fields during the Pittsburgh Steelers organized team activities (OTA) in Pittsburgh PA at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex (Via Imago)

At one point of time, Justin Fields was thought of as the future of the Chicago Bears. Now after getting traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the young quarterback will have to fight for the starting job. More so, a rumor being thrown around in the media circles was that he could star as a kick-returner. Something he has now shut down.

A reporter from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette asked Fields if he is looking forward to returning kicks, to which he gave a pretty straightforward answer.

Nah, I'm not here to do that. Nah, I think everybody kind of interpreted it wrong. Coach Danny (Smith) was basically just trying to send a message that no matter who you are, you could be on special teams. He just used that as an example.
Justin Fields said

Essentially pouring cold water on those rumors. Fields asserted that he is there to win the starting quarterback job.

FS Video

The rumors started when Fields’ teammate Jaylen Warren had mentioned on Cam Heyward‘s podcast that their special team’s coordinator had floated the idea. However, it now seems Fields has distanced himself from that rumor altogether.

The media fanned the flames of the rumor considering Justin Fields made his name more with his legs than with his arm while with the Chicago Bears. Therefore, his ability to run with the ball in his hands made him a candidate to take on the most difficult run-after-catch play in the game.

Justin Fields focused on winning the starting QB job before the end of the season

So far, everyone is of the opinion that Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Even though he is 35 years old and has taken numerous hits to his body over the years, he is still a Pro Bowl-level quarterback. Even head coach Mike Tomlin suggested that Wilson’s body of work has put him in pole position to start.

Justin Fields makes his intentions clear about taking the starting quarterback job from Russell Wilson
Justin Fields makes his intentions clear about taking the starting quarterback job from Russell Wilson (image via Imago)

However, Fields will not rest on the fact that Wilson will probably move on after this season or retire or get hurt. He wants to position himself to be the starter before the season ends. That is some great determination from a player who all but seemed to have his NFL career come to a standstill. That focus will help him work on his game.

If he works well on the training field, Mike Tomlin might look towards Fields to take over at some point. After all, they brought him in to be the future of the franchise. It is better to start early with the fire in his game.

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