Justin Fields is one of the most athletic quarterbacks in the NFL, but don't expect to see him returning kicks in 2024.
The Pittsburgh Steelers caller poured cold water on the idea that he would participate in any kick return experiment. “No, I'm not here to do that,” Fields said Tuesday, according to The Post-Gazette.
Fields was responding to rumors that appeared to have been sparked by Steelers running back Jaylen Warren's recent appearance on his other teammate Cam Heyward's “Not Just Football” podcast.
Warren suggested that Pittsburgh's special teams coordinator had floated the idea of putting Fields at the kickoff returner position next season.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
But Fields claimed those comments were taken out of context.
“No, I think everyone got it wrong,” Fields said. “Coach Danny (Smith) was basically trying to send a message that no matter who you are, you can be on special teams. He just used that as an example.”
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The 25-year-old also implied that the whole thing was a joke.
“It's funny how social media takes everything seriously,” Fields continued. “It was kind of funny to me when everyone made a big deal out of it for no reason.”
Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears warms up before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Chicago Bears decided to trade Fields to the Steelers in March in exchange for draft picks. He is expected to replace presumptive starter Russell Wilson, although Fields said he will compete for the starting job.
Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears runs out during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 7, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (John Fisher/Getty Images)
“I'm definitely competing,” Fields told reporters earlier this month. “Russ knows it. We are competing with each other every day.
“I definitely don't have the mentality of sitting around all year. I come here every day giving everything I have and pushing him to be the best I can be, and he's pushing me to be the best I can every day.”
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The NFL is set to make sweeping changes to its kick return rules in 2024. The move comes after a series of rule changes to make kickoffs safer. But those changes also had the unintended consequence of making returns virtually obsolete.
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