Steelers' Payton Wilson Fires Off Hilarious Warning To Jaylen Warren

The Pittsburgh Steelers put their pads on for training camp on Tuesday. Up until this point, all activities had been non-contact, but once the pads come on, it’s a clear sign that the NFL season is getting closer. With plenty of new faces on the roster and competition at several key positions, this year’s camp has generated a lot of extra attention in Pittsburgh.

One player who’s especially looking forward to padded practices is linebacker Payton Wilson. After flashing his potential as a rookie in 2024, Wilson enters his second season with higher expectations and a greater understanding of the defensive system. Coaches and fans alike are eager to see how much he’s progressed after an offseason of development.

Wilson spoke with ESPN Steelers insider Brooke Pryor on Tuesday and shared his excitement about ramping things up. He also had some fun with the moment, sending a light-hearted warning to running back Jaylen Warren ahead of the team’s first fully padded session. While the comment was made in good spirits, it reflected the competitive energy surrounding camp as players start to shift into full football mode.

"I’m ready to play some daggum ball, hit Jaylen Warren a little bit, fly around, hit some O-linemen," Wilson said. "This is what you look forward to."

Wilson is about as true a football player as they come. He’s physical, relentless, and always ready to get his hands dirty. Wilson thrives on contact and embraces the gritty, hard-nosed side of the game. Whether it’s shedding blocks or chasing down a ball carrier, he plays with the kind of edge that fits perfectly in Pittsburgh. So when the pads finally came on during training camp, it was no surprise that Wilson was one of the most fired-up players on the field.

With his fearless style and high-energy motor, Wilson flies around the field looking to make an impact on every snap. Padded practices give him the chance to fully unleash that aggressive approach. It’s the kind of football he lives for, and it’s where he feels most comfortable. For a player like Wilson, non-contact drills only go so far. Once the hitting starts, that’s when he feels like the real work begins.

Still, his media session on Tuesday with Pryor took a funny and unexpected turn. While talking about how excited he was for the first padded practice, Wilson randomly mentioned Warren, which caught Pryor’s attention. When she asked why Warren specifically, Wilson gave a short and simple response that left everyone laughing. The moment was playful, but it highlighted Wilson’s competitive spirit and the kind of energy he brings to camp.

"Because he’ll be out there first," Wilson said.

Warren entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, and ever since, he’s had to earn every opportunity through grit, work ethic, and consistent production. Now, heading into the 2025 season, Warren has a real shot to take over as the Steelers’ lead running back with Najee Harris no longer on the roster. 

The team did invest in rookie Kaleb Johnson during the draft, and he’s expected to play a significant role right away, but Warren remains the most experienced and proven back on the depth chart.

Steelers' Payton Wilson Is Ready To Battle Jaylen Warren

Regardless of how the touches are split, Warren is going to be running with extra fire. He battled through injuries during the 2024 season, which slowed his momentum, but he’s fully healthy now and ready to prove why he’s become such a valuable piece of the Steelers' offense. His physical style, quick burst, and ability to make plays in both the run and pass game make him a tough player to keep off the field.

Watching Warren and Wilson compete in training camp is going to be one of the more entertaining storylines to follow. Both players are known for their intensity and toughness, and neither backs down from contact. Their one-on-one battles during padded practices will offer a glimpse into the kind of physical football the Steelers are hoping to bring back in 2025.