5 Reasons Russell Wilson's Birthday Wish To Justin Fields Was More Than Just A Friendly Greeting

The relationship between NFL quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is one of the league's most compelling narratives, and a simple birthday wish at the start of 2025 proved just how deep their connection runs. As of today, December 13, 2025, the two signal-callers are no longer competing for the same starting job in Pittsburgh; they are now rivals in the New York metropolitan area, with Fields leading the New York Jets and Wilson quarterbacking the New York Giants. This shift from teammates to divisional competitors only amplifies the significance of their off-field interactions, including the heartfelt message Wilson sent to Fields on his 26th birthday.

The gesture, which took place on March 5, 2025, was a public display of respect and mentorship that transcended their brief, high-stakes competition as Pittsburgh Steelers teammates. It highlighted a bond built on mutual admiration, shared experiences, and a commitment to uplifting one another in the cutthroat world of professional football. Here is a deep dive into why Wilson's birthday greeting was a major moment for both players and the NFL landscape.

Justin Fields: Biography and Career Profile

• Full Name: Justin Skyler Fields
• Born: March 5, 1999 (Age 26 as of December 2025)
• Hometown: Kennesaw, Georgia
• High School: Harrison High School (Kennesaw, GA)
• College: University of Georgia (2018), Ohio State University (2019–2020)
• Draft: 2021 NFL Draft, Round 1, 11th Overall Pick (Chicago Bears)
• NFL Career Teams: Chicago Bears (2021–2023), Pittsburgh Steelers (2024), New York Jets (2025–Present)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)
• Playing Style: Known for elite athleticism, exceptional deep ball accuracy, and dynamic rushing ability.
• Key Achievements: Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year (2019), Two-time First-team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020), Heisman Trophy Finalist.

The Mentor-Mentee Bond: A Relationship Forged in Competition

The simple four-word message Russell Wilson posted on his Instagram Story for Justin Fields’ 26th birthday was a powerful reminder of their unique and enduring relationship. This wasn't just a casual social media shout-out; it was a public affirmation of a genuine connection that developed during their time together. Wilson, a Super Bowl champion and established veteran, has consistently acted as a mentor to the younger, highly talented Fields.

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The bond was initially intensified by the fact that they were direct competitors for the starting quarterback role with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2024 season. Despite the professional rivalry, Fields repeatedly referred to Wilson as a "great teammate" and a "great mentor." This dynamic of competition mixed with camaraderie is rare in the NFL, where starting jobs are fiercely protected. Wilson's willingness to share his knowledge and experience—even with the man who could potentially take his spot—speaks volumes about his character and his respect for Fields' talent and work ethic.

The birthday wish, therefore, was a signal to the entire league: their relationship is about more than just football. It's about personal and professional growth. Wilson, who has a history of high-profile mentorship with players like Geno Smith and others, views Fields as a quarterback with tremendous potential, often praising his ability and future as a "franchise quarterback."

From Teammates to New York Rivals: The 2025 NFL Context

The context surrounding the March 2025 birthday message makes it even more significant. At the time, both players were on the cusp of major career changes that would see them transition from the Steelers to new teams. Following the birthday, the NFL saw a dramatic shift in the quarterback landscape:

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• Russell Wilson signed with the New York Giants, moving to the NFC East.
• Justin Fields was traded to the New York Jets, joining the AFC East.

This geographic and professional shift means the two friends are now part of the intense New York sports media market and are divisional rivals in the same metropolitan area. The birthday wish serves as a foundational reminder of their friendship before they officially became rivals. It sets a tone of mutual respect that is likely to carry over into their future matchups, potentially adding a layer of sportsmanship to the Giants-Jets rivalry.

The move to the New York area has created a fascinating new chapter for both players. Fields is now the presumed starting quarterback for the Jets, taking over a talented roster and facing high expectations in a tough division. Wilson is tasked with revitalizing the Giants franchise. Their continued exchange of messages, even after separating teams, solidifies the idea that their connection is a permanent one, transcending team colors and conference lines.

The Impact of the Four-Word Message on Topical Authority

Wilson’s concise message to Fields generated significant topical authority because it touched on several high-interest entities and themes in the NFL:

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1. The Quarterback Carousel: It was a nod to the highly publicized quarterback competition in Pittsburgh, which ultimately led to both players moving on to new opportunities.
2. Mentorship in the NFL: It reinforced the positive narrative of veteran players helping younger talent, contrasting with the often-reported cutthroat nature of the league.
3. The New York Rivalry: The timing foreshadowed their eventual landing spots, linking them together as the new faces of the Giants and Jets quarterback rooms.
4. Fields' Franchise Potential: By publicly acknowledging Fields, Wilson continues to validate the belief that Fields is a future star, adding weight to the Jets' decision to acquire him.
5. Wilson's Leadership Brand: It upheld Wilson's long-standing public image as a "locker room leader" and "ultimate hype man," reinforcing his personal brand of positivity and professionalism.

The relationship between Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is a compelling case study in professional sports. It demonstrates that genuine respect and mentorship can flourish even in the most competitive environments. The simple birthday wish was not just a friendly gesture; it was a powerful statement about the enduring nature of their bond as two talented quarterbacks navigate the pressures of the NFL, now as rivals in the Big Apple.