Steelers’ Payton Wilson Admits His Greatest Inspiration Was Bill Cowher But Not Only Because Of Coaching

While most recognize Cowher for his coaching prowess in Pittsburgh, Wilson's admiration stems from Cowher's days as a formidable linebacker at NC State, where he left an indelible mark from 1975 to 1978. Cowher is a member of the Wolfpack's Ring of Honor. Wilson's deep-seated fandom for Cowher adds an extra layer of excitement to his journey with the Steelers.

During Cowher's tenure as a linebacker for the Wolfpack, he secured his place in school history, ranking seventh in tackles all-time. His remarkable achievement of 195 stops during the 1978 season remains unchallenged as a single-season record. Notably, he achieved two remarkable 24-tackle games, against South Carolina in 1977 and Clemson in 1978, placing him second in the record books for these outstanding performances.

Wilson's collegiate career speaks volumes about his talent and dedication to the game. Garnering accolades such as the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson has consistently showcased his prowess as a playmaker on the field. His impressive stats reflect his impact, boasting an impressive 402 total tackles, 48 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and seven interceptions over his five seasons in college.

Steelers Land Another Steal On Day 2 Of 2024 NFL Draft

Despite his undeniable talent, Wilson's draft trajectory took an unexpected turn due to concerns surrounding his injury history. While other teams may have been hesitant, the Steelers demonstrated unwavering confidence in Wilson's abilities and his potential to overcome past setbacks. They view him not only as a valuable addition to their linebacker corps but also as a promising asset on special teams.

With Wilson poised to enter the star-studded Steelers linebacker room, competition for a spot will undoubtedly be fierce. However, his combination of skill, determination, and admiration for the game ensures that he will approach this challenge with tenacity and a desire to make a significant impact.

As Steelers fans eagerly await the upcoming season, the addition of Wilson promises to inject excitement and anticipation into the team's defensive lineup. The Steelers have had a draft where everything seemed to go their way. Omar Khan had a successful draft in 2023 and it appears as if he's carried that momentum with him to the 2024 draft.