Russell Wilson Selected as One of Four Captains for the Steelers

PITTSBURGH — After joining the Pittsburgh Steelers seven months ago, quarterback Russell Wilson has been chosen by his teammates as one of the team captains for the 2024 season. The selection underscores Wilson’s role not only as a key player but also as a leader on the team.

“He’s a strong leader, and he brings veteran experience,” said teammate Miles Killebrew, who was also elected as a captain alongside Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt. “He’s been doing it at a high level for a long time. With that experience, he calms nerves and can lead guys through various situations because he’s seen it all. He’s a calming presence, I would say.”

Wilson signed a one-year deal with the Steelers in March and was named the starting quarterback just days after the final preseason game, overcoming a calf injury that limited him during training camp and the preseason. His extensive NFL experience, including a Super Bowl victory, played a crucial role in his selection as the starter.

“Russ’ resume is a unique one in terms of lift and success, and that tends to play a factor in the decision-making,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. “It’s just the fruit of his labor. He’s seen a lot and done a lot, and I think that was reflected in how he played and conducted himself.”

It has been a tradition for the Steelers to elect their starting quarterback as one of the team captains. In recent years, former first-round pick Kenny Pickett held the captaincy in 2023, while Mitch Trubisky was a captain the previous season, even after being benched in week four. Legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger served as a captain for 13 consecutive seasons during Tomlin’s tenure.

Wilson brings an impressive track record to the Steelers; he was chosen as a captain in both of his years with the Denver Broncos and earned captain status in nine out of ten seasons while with the Seattle Seahawks. This means Wilson has now been a team captain for 12 seasons in a row, with the exception of his rookie year in 2012.

“On the offensive side of the ball, we needed a lot of leadership,” Heyward explained. “I think he’s ready for that. We’ll see how he performs, and if he has questions, he can always ask me, T.J., or Miles.”

While this marks Wilson’s first time as a captain for the Steelers, Killebrew has been elected to his third consecutive season as captain, Heyward is making his 10th straight appearance as captain, and Watt is earning the title for the fourth time.

“Just his experience alone is significant,” Heyward noted. “He’s achieved heights that T.J. and I have yet to reach. From that standpoint, he’s got the knowledge we’re looking for. Hopefully, he will enhance our group and help us achieve success together.”