Tuesday, September 30
A love of the game: "He's the goon."
Those were the words receivers coach Zach Azzanni uttered about receiver Ben Skowronek on Tuesday, and they are words Skowronek didn't mind at all.
"I just like playing football," said Skowronek. "So, whatever it takes, that's what I do.
"I've got a role. I just like football, whether it's receiver, fullback, tight end, special teams. I just like playing ball."
As a receiver, though, there is always a desire to put up big numbers, to be the guy who has the ball come his way.
So far this season Skowronek has one reception for 22 yards, that being quarterback Aaron Rodgers' first touchdown pass in a Steelers uniform.
He truly doesn't care about the numbers, though.
He just wants to play football.
"As long as we're winning, I don't really care," said Skowronek. "I just like playing football. I could have five catches in a game. I could have one, I could have zero. As long as we're winning, I really don't care.
"I just like to win. Whatever I'm asked to do to win a game, if one week it's catch five balls, whether it's zero balls, block the mike (linebacker). Whatever I am asked to, I'm going to go out there and give 100% effort and try to execute it to the best of my ability.
"The only stats I truly care about are special teams tackles, if I'm being honest. I just like tackling guys. That's it really."
Tackling and blocking were something former Steelers receiver Hines Ward was known for, a player Skowronek is very familiar with as his father grew up in Western Pennsylvania and he watched Steelers football.
Ward also caught his fair share of passes.
Does Skowronek really not mind getting the ball in his hands a lot?
"As a competitor, you obviously want the ball in your hands," said Skowronek. "But I don't think I'm like any other receiver in the league. I truly don't care how many catches I have. I'll still be happy if we win.
"I want to be in the game on offense because I know what I can bring, but I feel there's a lot more ways to affect the game than just catching balls. Obviously, we have a room with DK (Metcalf) and Calvin (Austin) as our top guys. If everyone had the same role, what type of team would we have?
"So, I want to be that enforcer. I want to be the guy who can get the run game going in that room. I play special teams, too. Those are kind of the stats I care about.
"I want to just be successful as a team. I don't care who blocks a kick. I don't care who makes a tackle. I just care about winning every single Sunday."
It's that attitude, that approach that has made Skowronek a favorite in the Steelers locker room among his teammates.
Skowronek was signed by the Steelers right before Week 1 in 2024, getting on a moving train and not having the luxury of getting to know his teammates in an offseason setting. This year, through the offseason and training camp, he was able to build a bond with them that continues to grow.
"I think Latrobe was awesome this year to spend time with the guys," said Skowronek. "I didn't have that luxury last year. I came in week one, I think I got here on Tuesday and played on Sunday and didn't know the guys' names. My number one priority was learning the playbook.
"But this year I was able to spend all offseason with the guys. Obviously, in Latrobe, there's not much to do out there besides hang out with the guys. Football is a lot more than just X's and O's. It's a relationship game. You've got to be able to trust the guy next to you. You've got to be able to trust the coaches. I think that comes with not only playing together, but hanging out outside practice, outside the facility. That's what I felt like this offseason I accomplished the most. I've got a lot of close friends on the team now, just spending the nights together in Latrobe, hanging out, talking. Getting to know each other outside the game, and that just builds trust."
Miller waiting for his time: When receiver/punt returner Calvin Austin III suffered a shoulder injury against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Dublin's Croke Park, Scotty Miller knew he had to be on alert.
Miller is not just solid depth at the receiver position, but he is also Austin's backup as a punt returner.
While Miller was ready to go, the Vikings were playing from behind and didn't punt the remainder of the game.
However, if he is needed moving forward due to Austin's injury, Miller is ready to roll.
"I was going to be there at the end of the game," said Miller. "But we didn't have any opportunities. I didn't think there really would be, just because I know they needed to score a lot of points to catch up.
"So, if (Calvin's) not playing (next game), we'll see. I'll definitely be ready to do that and just be excited for that opportunity to make some plays as well."
Miller didn't return any punts in the regular season last year, but he isn't a stranger to it.
"I'm very comfortable," said Miller. "I did it last year in the preseason. And I was backing up Calvin all year. He was healthy all year, so I didn't get any opportunities there. I did it in Atlanta a couple of times. So, throughout my career, I've always been able to do it. But I just never really had the opportunity.
"Whenever you get the opportunity to get the ball in your hands, it's something you take. So, if I get that chance, I'll work hard at it and be ready for it."
Miller might not get the touches in the passing game that Austin and DK Metcalf do, but he would welcome any opportunity he gets whether it's because of Austin's injury or not.
"I'm excited if the opportunity comes," said Miller. "I'm always ready, always looking for those opportunities. And I pride myself on being opportunistic. I know in the role I'm in, sometimes there's not many chances. But you've just got to stay ready throughout a game, throughout a season.
"And when those chances come your way, you've got to be able to take advantage."
One of the keys for Miller is not just to be physically prepared, but also always be mentally prepared for the opportunity.
The way he does that is through experience.
"I've been through it," said Miller. "It's my seventh year in the league. I've been so many different positions on the depth chart, whether it be starting or bottom of the depth chart or inactive some weeks.
"Now it's just staying ready and staying positive mentally through it all. It's knowing that if you just come to work every single day and put your best foot forward, then you'll be ready when those opportunities come your way."
Miller admits it's not always easy, but he doesn't expect it to be.
"Yeah, it's difficult," said Miller. "Obviously, it's hard not to get frustrated at some point. Receiver is a tough position. Even if you are starting, a lot of times targets aren't going to come your way. You've got to stay level-headed and always be opportunistic."
Take a look at the best photos from the Week 4 game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland
The national anthem during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (37) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Brendan Moran/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Ben McShane/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. The Steelers defeated the Vikings 24-21. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Ben McShane/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Calvin Anderson (67) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (37) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Shauna Clinton/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Tyler Miller/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19), Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14), Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Karl Roser/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97), Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland. (Alysa Rubin/ Pittsburgh Steelers)
Speed kills: If you looked at linebacker Payton Wilson, all 6-4, 242 pounds of him, a lot of words might come to mind.
Aggressive. Hard-hitting. Tough. Physical.
All of those would be spot on.
But speedster, that one might raise a few eyebrows.
Well, it shouldn't.
Wilson showed his speed on Sunday against the Vikings when he tracked down receiver Jordan Addison, tackling him at the one-yard line after an 81-yard reception.
Per Next Gen stats, Wilson hit 22 miles per hour tracking down Addison, the fastest a linebacker has run in the Next Gen Stats era (2016).
"That was huge," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "He does that every single day at practice with DK (Metcalf). DK will get the ball, and he'll just try to haunt DK the whole time. He'll be talking to DK while running. He's like, you're slower than me. I'm going to catch you and stuff.
"The dude comes out there and he works every single day like that. So, I don't expect anything less.
"And that was huge for our team. As you can see, we ran time off the clock, gave us a chance. So huge shout out to him for that. You definitely don't see that in today's game. So, him being able to go out there from doing that in practice and the game was extremely huge."
But 22 miles an hour.
That really is unheard of.
"No, that's crazy," said Queen. "Especially for a linebacker that weighs how much he weighs, which people probably don't realize. Payton is actually a heavy guy. For him to be able to run that fast, a guy who's already ahead of him and be able catch him on a short angle that's not like a true rundown angle, that's extremely impressive."
Queen said he would take Wilson in a one-on-one race with Metcalf, even if he isn't fully confident in who the winner would be.
"I'm going to pick Payton. I think it'll be a great race," said Queen. "I think DK probably will get him. I'm not going to let him hear that though, obviously. It'll be extremely fun to watch."
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