Pack in the Pros

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Talks Payton Wilson’s NFL Preseason Debut

Published

1 year ago

August 10, 2024

Last night, former NC State All-American Linebacker Payton Wilson made his NFL Preseason debut in the Steelers’ 20-12 loss to the Texans in their 1st Preseason game of 2024. Wilson shined brightly, leading Pittsburgh in tackles with 7 (1 TFL).

Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin had good things to say about Wilson’s performance, though he wasn’t shocked.

Mike Tomlin on rookie LB Payton Wilson vs Texans: “I thought he did some really good things. A tackle on a punt there early. He was active on defense, but I think it’s kind of reflective of the production that we’ve seen from him in Latrobe. I don’t know that any of us are…

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 10, 2024

Mike Tomlin: “[DeMarvin] Leal and Mon [Montravius] Adams I thought had some splash plays. But again, much like Payton Wilson, I think it’s reflective of their play in Latrobe. And so I don’t think any of us are surprised by the positive contributions of some of the people that…

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) August 10, 2024

Wilson had this to say about his performance and his aspirations.

“I’m more worried about the plays that I’ve missed, rather than the ones that I made,” Wilson said after his first NFL action against an opponent. “There’s always room to improve. You, my goal is to be the best in the world and there’s definitely a lot to room to get to that.”

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Payton Wilson, intensity level very high: “I’m gonna give my all for the Steelers. I’m gonna try to play my best. I say it all the time. If I have to go out there and pass out or die on that field, I’m willing to do that.”

— Jason Mackey (@JMackeyPG) August 10, 2024