Payton Wilson Turns Heads in NFL Debut: ‘I’m Gonna Give My All for the Steelers’
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie inside linebacker Payton Wilson was one of the few bright spots from Friday night’s 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. The former Chuck Bednarik Award Winner was all over the field, making plays sideline to sideline. Wilson recorded seven total tackles (led the team), five solos (led the team) and one tackle for a loss.
“It was super cool, very surreal,” Wilson said of his NFL debut. “I can’t thank Jesus Christ enough for the opportunity. Just have to keep stacking days. Gotta get back to Latrobe and work on corrections.”
Wilson credited linebackers coach Aaron Curry and veteran linebackers Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts for getting him prepped for Friday night’s game.
“You’re going against the best in the world. Every single play, you have to bring your best. If not, you will get exposed,” Wilson said. “… Coach AC, who I think is the best in the business, does an amazing job. I have E-Rob and PQ right there with me. As soon as I come off the sideline, PQ is showing me stuff on the iPad. I can’t thank those guys enough for getting me up to speed.”
NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger said Payton Wilson looked like he was born to be a Steeler in his NFL debut. Wilson definitely brings a throwback, blue-collar approach to the game.
“Every time I cross that line, you’re gonna see the same exact person. I’m gonna give my all for the Steelers,” Wilson said.
“I come from Hillsborough, N.C. I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. Every time I cross that line, you’re gonna see the same exact person. I’m gonna give my all for the Steelers. I’m gonna try to play my best. I say it all the time: If I have to go out there and pass out or die on that field, I’m willing to do that.”
.@steelers @payton_wilson21 is he born to be a STEELER? Sure looked like a Steeler linebacker to me in his NFL debut #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/sjj7ZplsBW
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 10, 2024
Despite the banner day, Wilson knows that he still has a lot to improve on.
“I missed some plays [Friday]. Those are the ones that I’ll think about more than the ones I made. But I’m super excited to go watch the film, get with everyone and continue to get better.”
“It’s definitely cool,” Wilson added about the plays he made. “But they’re still just plays to me. I’m not one to get up and go crazy. We all make plays, so why act like you haven’t?”
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Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
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