The Steelers have traditionally elected their starting quarterback to be a captain. Former first-round pick Kenny Pickett was a captain in 2023, while Mitch Trubisky was a captain in 2022, retaining the title even after he was benched in Week 4. Ben Roethlisberger was also a captain for 13 seasons during Mike Tomlin's tenure.
Wilson was also elected to be a captain each of his two years with the Denver Broncos, and he was voted captain in nine of 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Wilson has now been a team captain for 12 consecutive seasons, and the only time he wasn't one was his rookie campaign in 2012.
"On the offense side of the ball, there's a lot of leadership that was needed," Heyward said. "And I think he's ready for that. We'll see how he does, and if he has questions, ask me, T.J., Miles."