PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Once again the starting quarterback is a captain, even though its someone in his first year with the Steelers. Russell Wilson is one of four named as leaders as voted by their teammates Monday as Mike Tomlin told the team after practice.
Along with Wilson is the 10th consecutive season for Cam Heyward as a defensive captain, along with TJ Watt on the defensive side for the fourth time and Miles Killebrew will lead the special teams for a third straight season.
It's not a position that is new to Wilson, he is now a captain for the 12th consecutive year, also serving with the Seahawks and Broncos.
"On the offensive side of the ball, there was a lot of leadership that was needed," Heyward said. "I think he's right for that. Just the experience alone, he's reached heights that me and TJ haven't."
"He's brought a lot of leadership," said tailback Jaylen Warren. "He brings a lot of vet energy, always appreciated which is why we named him captain."
"Everybody kind of gravitated towards him as soon as he got here," said offensive lineman Spencer Anderson. "We know his pedigree, his resume as a player. He never came in and flaunted any of that. It's not like he said 'hey, I'm Russell Wilson, like you are beneath me'. It was always 'what is your background'. 'Where did you come from'? Ever since he got here it's been a personal relationship the offense."
"He's a regular guy with status."
"He's a strong leader," Killebrew said. "He brings veteran experience, he's been doing it a high level for a long time. I think with that experience, it calms nerves. He can lead guys through a variance of situations because he's seen it. Just a calming presence."
Heyward and Watt are not only captains, but still elite players in the NFL.
"I don't take it for granted," Heyward said. "It's an honor to be selected to lead a group of men. It's not just me walking out in front of a podium. It's listening to the guys, being an extension and try to represented them as much as possible."
"Leadership from TJ and Cam that's like a master class," Killebrew said. "I know a lot of players would pay to hear from TJ and Cam. Their knowledge is very deep and vast."
A rare NFL player from Southern Utah University, Killebrew not only leads, but makes impact plays.
"When Coach said my name, it felt just as exciting as the first time," Killebrew said. "I was thrilled and humbled. It's an honor. There is no other way to describe it. Definitely something I don't take for granted. To be able to be voted by my peers in the locker room, it means a lot.
