Pittsburgh Steelers: Damian Lillard Has Strong Opinion on Who ‘Held Back’ Justin Fields

   

Justin Fields’ time with the Chicago Bears should have been filled with potential, but ended up in disappointment. This led Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard to point out who he thought held the current Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback during his time with the team.

Pittsburgh Steelers Justin Fields

Fields played for the Bears from 2021 to 2023 before being traded to the Steelers in 2024. Before that, though, he showcased his talents at Harrison High School, where the quarterback garnered significant attention as a dual-threat quarterback. Fields continued his career at the University of Georgia before transferring to Ohio State, where he earned accolades as a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields
Jul 27, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

Selected 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Bears, Fields made an immediate impact, setting a record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 178 yards in 2022. Throughout his time with Chicago, he became known for his ability to combine passing and rushing effectively, becoming one of only three quarterbacks in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season.

Despite facing challenges, including injuries and a struggling team record, the QB demonstrated resilience and growth as a player. In his final season with the Bears, he achieved career highs in completion percentage and passing yards. His tenure in Chicago concluded amid questions about his future, leading to his trade to the Steelers, where he aims to continue evolving as a quarterback in the NFL.

Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Gives His Take on Who Held Pittsburgh Steelers’ Justin Fields Back

Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields
Jul 28, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

During his time in Chicago, Fields never reached the expectations set before him. In a tweet on his official X account, Lillard dropped his take on who held the Steelers quarterback during that period.

Lillard, an eight-time NBA All-Star, expressed frustration over the Bears’ offensive struggles, specifically criticizing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy for mishandling Fields. He pointed out that poor play-calling contributed to the quarterback’s inconsistent performance, emphasizing the need for better support for the young star.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields
Jul 27, 2024; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

Now that he’s playing for Pittsburgh, Fields has the chance to change the narrative surrounding his career. If he succeeds, the QB can prove he was more during his time playing in Chicago.

Pittsburgh Steelers, Justin Fields
Aug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) throws a pass against the Houston Texans during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports