Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Now Believes This Player Deserves To Be Loved Forever

The Pittsburgh Steelers went across the pond to Dublin, Ireland for their Week 4 matchup. It was a game against the Minnesota Vikings led by backup quarterback Carson Wentz. The Steelers got off to a strong start, with both their defense and offense making impactful plays early on. By the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh had built a comfortable 24-6 lead, showcasing a balanced attack and disciplined play. 

However, the Vikings mounted a late surge, scoring 15 unanswered points and making the game surprisingly tense down the stretch. Despite the comeback attempt, the Steelers held on for a 24-21 victory, improving to 3-1 on the 2025 season. While letting the Vikings close the gap was worrisome, the win itself was a boost for team morale and a step forward in maintaining momentum in a challenging NFL schedule.

Steelers legend and former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was in Dublin for the game and shared his thoughts on the matchup during his podcast Footbahlin on Tuesday night. He highlighted a specific play that, in his eyes, essentially saved the game for Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger focused on second-year inside linebacker Payton Wilson, who sprinted with incredible speed to prevent Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison from reaching the end zone on a critical game-changing play. 

"The fact that Payton Wilson ran that guy down," Roethlisberger said while speaking on his podcast on Tuesday night. "It’s not like he even had an angle. He just flat out said he’s going after that guy."

That one effort, Roethlisberger argued, demonstrated both instinct and determination, qualities that could define Wilson’s presence in the Steelers’ defense for years to come. 

Roethlisberger emphasized that the play should solidify Wilson’s status in the minds of Steeler Nation forever. He believes that play is the embodiment of what it means to be a Steeler.

"We all know he came out of the draft with speed," Roethlisberger said. "That play right there should have endeared him to Steelers fans. Regardless of what you think for him, you should love that guy forever because that’s embodying the Steeler Way. Never quitting, never giving up. Chasing Addison down."

The former quarterback noted that moments like these are what make fans remember young players long after a game is over. For Wilson, it was not just a highlight but a statement that he can make game-changing plays when it matters most. He also continues to show that he has an elite mindset in this game. 

That play defined who he is as a player and what it means to play for the Steelers in the eyes of Roethlisberger. Steelers fans now have a new reason to get excited about the team’s future, as players like Wilson continue to rise and make their mark in crucial moments on the field.

Steelers' Payton Wilson Puts On A Big-Time Show In Dublin

Wilson had been struggling a bit to stay in the rotation and adjust in his second season. However, in Week 4 in Ireland, he came to play. His chase-down tackle on Addison was massive, forcing the Vikings to burn precious seconds before reaching the end zone and playing a pivotal role in the Steelers’ win. Had Addison scored before Wilson got to him, the Vikings’ comeback chances would have been much higher.

Wilson balled out in Week 4, showing speed, awareness, and determination that gave Pittsburgh a critical edge. His performance not only helped secure the victory but also gave him momentum in his second year. It was the kind of play that can define a young player’s season and build trust with the coaching staff.

Steelers fans now have reason to be hopeful that this game could spark confidence in the young inside linebacker. After earlier struggles, Wilson’s dominant showing in Dublin signaled he might be ready to step up consistently and make an impact at the heart of Pittsburgh’s defense right now.

What do you make of Big Ben's thoughts on Payton Wilson after his incredible chase-down tackle in Week 4? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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