Hours before kickoff on Sunday, former Denver quarterback Russell Wilson spoke with former Broncos teammates and staff on the turf at Empower Field.

After the Steelers won 13-6, the man Wilson had replaced at quarterback was less diplomatic.

Quarterback Justin Fields, who has led Pittsburgh to a 2-0 record while Wilson battles a calf injury, nodded to a longtime tradition of Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin by noting that Wilson and a pair of former Broncos — punter Corliss Waitman and receiver Brandon Johnson — were given “petty game balls” after the game.

“I think we all know Russ was dirty last year,” Fields said. “I know he wishes he could have played in this game today, but it’s great to get this win for him. It’s great to get a dub for Russ, that’s for sure.”

Wilson started 15 games under head coach Sean Payton last year, but was benched for the final two games. Payton said the move was intended to give Denver a spark on offense, though the team also had discussions about benching Wilson as early as the midseason bye week and Wilson accused the Broncos of trying to jeopardize a guaranteed $37 million deal in negotiations.

Denver released Wilson in March, taking a record $85 million deal.

Wilson was inactive but in uniform, serving as Pittsburgh’s emergency third quarterback. The only way he could have entered the game was if Fields and backup Brandon Allen were both injured.

Tomlin gives players “petty game balls” when Pittsburgh beats the team they used to play for, so that part isn’t specific to Wilson or the Broncos.