Steelers’ Payton Wilson Is Eager To 'Take People’s Heads Off'

The Pittsburgh Steelers undoubtedly struck gold in the 2024 NFL Draft with the acquisition of linebacker Payton Wilson from NC State in the third round. Despite lingering concerns surrounding his injuries, Wilson's raw talent shone brightly, earning him recognition as one of the premier linebacker prospects in his class.

The Steelers' astute move in securing Wilson highlights their discerning eye for talent and their willingness to embrace calculated risks. With Wilson poised to unleash his defensive prowess on the field, Pittsburgh's decision to draft him holds the promise of transforming their defense and cementing their status as a formidable presence in the league for years to come.

Wilson, along with the other newly drafted players, joined Cam Heyward on his popular Not Just Football podcast. Heyward, hosting a special draft episode, spotlighted the incoming rookies. Amidst the discussion, Wilson delivered a statement sure to ignite the passion of every Steelers fan worldwide.

"If there's 75 plays, I'm just the kind of person that wants to make 75 tackles, whatever it is. That's just how I've played. Grew up in a very blue-collared area, grew up wrestling. So that mentality's kind of been instilled in me my whole life. Like, I don't know, when I'm out there and someone's got the ball in their hands, I want to hit them so bad. I want to be the first person there every single time."

Wilson epitomizes the dynamic linebacker who seemingly covers every inch of the field with relentless speed. One moment he's on one side, then suddenly, he's on the opposite end in a flash. 

His playing style has drawn comparisons to a blaze of fire, fueled by his remarkable agility and intensity. His aspiration is crystal clear: to recapture the ferocious energy of the legendary 2010 Steelers defense, where players soared across the field, delivering bone-jarring tackles with unrivaled intensity.

"Even if you go back to the 2010, 2012 Steelers defense, that's who I am," he said. "I like to take people's heads off and I like to fly around with the best of them."

While Wilson eagerly yearns for the return of the hard-hitting days of yore, the league has unequivocally veered away from the bone-crunching tackles of the past decade. Many of the hits once celebrated by Steelers players a decade ago would now likely result in suspensions.

Nevertheless, Wilson remains undeterred, committed to playing with fervor within the bounds of the game's legal parameters. His objective is clear: to make a seismic impact on the field through bone-rattling hits and game-altering plays. In college, Wilson's star shone brightly. In 2023 alone, he nearly doubled the total tackles of his team, amassing an impressive 138 tackles. With 17.5 tackles for loss, he rightfully earned the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award, showcasing his dominance in the collegiate arena.

Versatile and agile, Wilson possesses the ability to drop back into coverage, disrupting passes and securing interceptions. His highlight reel includes a memorable interception returned for a touchdown against Clemson, further underscoring his multifaceted skill set. Despite concerns over his injury history, including the absence of an ACL in one of his knees and multiple surgeries, Wilson's production has remained resolute.

Steelers’ Payton Wilson Earns High Praise From Great Linebacker

Receiving praise from former standout linebacker Luke Kuechly, who likened him to a swifter version of himself, Wilson carries significant expectations as he embarks on his journey with the Steelers. Steeler Nation is more than ready to watch Wilson fly around on special teams and fight for playing time at the linebacker spot. 

With his unwavering attitude and relentless work ethic, Wilson appears poised to earn substantial playing time in 2024. Anticipation mounts as fans eagerly await his impact, buoyed by his passionate commitment to restore the Steelers' defensive prowess to its former glory.