Pittsburgh Steelers name former Wisconsin legends team captains for 2024 season

The Pittsburgh Steelers named former Wisconsin quarterback Russell Wilson and linebacker T.J. Watt as two of their team captains on Monday.

Wilson and Watt will serve as two of four team captains for the 2024 slate alongside Pro Bowl safety Miles Killebrew and three-time All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Hayward,

The news arrives just four days after Wilson edged out Justin Fields for the Steelers’ starting quarterback job this season. Despite receiving criticism throughout the offseason, head coach Mike Tomlin opted to put his faith into the former Super Bowl champion and NFL veteran.

For Watt, this will mark the fourth season as a Steelers team captain. He was also a captain in 2020, 2022 and 2023. Ironically, his brother and UW alumnus Derek Watt, was team captain in 2021.

As a unit, the Steelers enter this season fresh off a 10-7 output in 2023 in search of some offensive stability. Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith joins the fold as Pittsburgh’s newest offensive coordinator, and Wilson will take snaps as a first-year quarterback for Tomlin.

Given the crew’s defensive dominance, which in large part falls on the shoulders of Watt, Wilson simply needs to paint by the numbers to captain the Steelers to another playoff run.

The only question revolving around the nine-time Pro Bowler is whether or not his Denver regression will haunt him in Pennsylvania. Prior to signing with the Steelers, Wilson posted an 11-19 record as a starter with the Broncos from 2022-23.

Still, his dominance as a Seahawk provides the fan base with hope in a competitive AFC North. And Watt, who owns six Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro honors, is as dominant as ever.

The Steelers begin their season in Atlanta on Sept. 8.