PITTSBURGH — Seven months after becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler, quarterback Russell Wilson was selected by his teammates to be one of four captains for the 2024 season.
“He's a strong leader and brings experience as a veteran,” said Miles Killebrew, who was also voted team captain along with Cameron Heyward and TJ Watt. “He's been doing it at a high level for a long time and I think with that experience [he] “He calms nerves and can guide players through various situations because he's seen it all. He's seen a lot of things, so I'd say he's a calming presence.”
Before being named captain, Wilson, who signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in March, was named the team's starting quarterback over Justin Fields days after the final preseason game. Although Wilson was limited during training camp and the preseason due to a calf injury, his NFL experience and Super Bowl victory were factors in him signing with the Steelers and landing the starting job.
“Russ' resume is unique in terms of accomplishments and successes, and that often influences decision-making, but not from the decision-maker's perspective,” Tomlin said Wednesday. “It's just the fruit of his labor. He's seen a lot and done a lot, and I think that was reflected in the way he played and conducted himself.”
The Steelers have traditionally chosen their starting quarterback as a captain. Former first-round pick Kenny Pickett was a captain in 2023, while Mitch Trubisky was a captain in 2022, retaining the title even after being benched in Week 4. Ben Roethlisberger was also a captain for 13 seasons during Mike Tomlin's tenure.
Wilson was also voted captain in each of his two years with the Denver Broncos, and was voted captain in nine of ten seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has been a team captain for 12 consecutive seasons, and the only time he was not was during his rookie campaign in 2012.
“On the offensive side, there was a lot of leadership needed,” Heyward said. “And I think he's ready for that. We'll see how it goes and if you have questions, ask me, TJ or Miles.”
While Wilson is a first-time captain for the Steelers, Killebrew was selected for a third consecutive season, while Heyward's appointment is his 10th in a row and Watt earned his fourth.
“With experience alone, he has reached heights that neither I nor TJ have reached.” [reached]”I think from that standpoint, he has what we're looking for,” Heyward said of Wilson's leadership. “And we're looking forward to him stepping into the group and making sure we can all get that done.”
