Payton Wilson Appointed Interim Special Teams Captain for Steelers

Payton Wilson has recently been appointed as the interim special teams captain for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This significant role comes just 23 games into his NFL career, following an unfortunate season-ending knee injury sustained by the previous captain, Miles Killebrew.

Wilson Takes on Leadership Role

Payton Wilson expressed gratitude for this opportunity, acknowledging coach Mike Tomlin and Killebrew for their support. Wilson stated, “It’s a great blessing and great honor,” emphasizing his desire to fulfill the leadership responsibilities left by Killebrew. The announcement of his new role was made during a team meeting, and the public learned of it prior to the kickoff against the Green Bay Packers.

Experience and Contributions

Before joining the Steelers, Wilson served as a captain at North Carolina State, displaying his leadership skills early in his football career. He was drafted by Pittsburgh in the third round last year. In the past five games, he has consistently been a key player on special teams, demonstrating his commitment to the team’s success.

• Wilson has participated in all kick and punt coverage and return teams.
• He has also been involved in the placekick-block unit.
• This season, he has completed 124 special teams snaps, ranking third on the team.

New Responsibilities Ahead

Wilson recognizes the importance of stepping into Killebrew’s shoes, understanding that he must now take on various duties. He mentioned that Killebrew previously led team huddles and managed practice meetings. Wilson aims to fill this void by being a vocal presence, especially during challenging times on the field.

This new chapter in Wilson’s career showcases his potential as a leader in the Pittsburgh Steelers organization. As he continues to grow in this role, the team looks forward to his contributions on special teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.