Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is set to start the team's 2026 NFL season opener, according to confirmed reports from the team and major sports networks. This opportunity comes years after New York Jets owner Woody Johnson made public comments questioning Fields's prospects as a professional quarterback during the 2021 NFL Draft evaluation process.
In 2021, Johnson was quoted by the New York Post telling then-Jets general manager Joe Douglas to be cautious about drafting a quarterback, specifically mentioning Ohio State's Justin Fields. "We've got to be careful with that guy," Johnson said, citing concerns over Fields's ability to read defenses and his history of epilepsy. These comments resurfaced as Fields's career trajectory brought him to Pittsburgh.
Fields, initially drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2021, was traded to the Steelers in March 2024. After serving as a backup in 2024 and part of 2025, an injury to presumed starter Russell Wilson has opened the door for Fields to lead the team. His performance in the 2026 preseason solidified his position as the Week 1 starter.
The Steelers open their 2026 season against the Atlanta Falcons on September 11. Fields's starting role provides him a prominent platform to demonstrate his development as a passer and leader, directly contrasting the early doubts expressed by figures like Woody Johnson.
