Bill Belichick Roasted Publicly for Ditching Russell Wilson and Steelers’ Defensive Hero at Draft
You know that feeling of regret when you miss out on something great? It’s a feeling that sticks, and even the best among us can experience it. And yes, even Bill Belichick—the mastermind behind the New England Patriots’ dynasty—isn’t immune to it.
In one of the most talked-about draft decisions in NFL history, Belichick passed on both Russell Wilson and Cameron Heyward during the 2012 draft. It’s the kind of move that makes you wonder, *what if?* While Wilson led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory in 2013, Heyward became a defensive powerhouse for the Steelers. It’s one of those moments in sports where, looking back, you can’t help but think how different things could have been.
To make things even more entertaining, Heyward recently took a playful jab at Belichick. During a recent episode on ‘TheCW,’ the Steelers’ star defensive end didn’t hold back. In a lighthearted chat, Heyward reminded Bill of his missed opportunity. *“You had a chance in the first round, and you took Solder,”* joked Heyward, referencing Nate Solder. The Patriots picked Solder in the 2011 draft, and though he had a decent career with New England and later the Giants, he didn’t quite match the impact of Heyward or Wilson. Ouch.
Considering all three players started their NFL journeys around the same time, it’s understandable why this decision might still sting for Belichick. Heyward has been a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense since joining in 2011, while Wilson made waves in Seattle and has now landed with the Steelers, where he’s teaming up with Heyward. Meanwhile, Nate Solder’s career has come and gone—and while respectable, it wasn’t the stuff of legends.
Patriots’ Tough Times Post Brady-Belichick Era
Let’s talk about the Patriots’ current struggles. While the Steelers are charging through the competition with an 8-2 record, Belichick’s Patriots are at rock bottom. With only three wins—barely eking out victories against the Bears, Jets, and Bengals—it’s safe to say the glory days of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are long behind them. The Patriots have struggled to find consistency, and both their offense and defense are in disarray.
It’s a tough sight for Pats fans—once used to greatness, they now find themselves at the bottom, watching teams like the Steelers thrive. The Steelers, under Mike Tomlin, are eyeing the Super Bowl and have been on a winning spree, recently crushing Lamar Jackson’s Ravens and solidifying their spot in the playoffs. The Patriots, meanwhile? They need to regroup and come back stronger next year. Until then, perhaps it’s best for Belichick and the Pats to take some time off and reflect—because the Steelers aren’t slowing down anytime soon.
