The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense delivered a crucial takeaway against the New Orleans Saints in Paris, and linebacker Payton Wilson made sure to give credit where he believed it belonged. His interception near the goal line was not simply a matter of instinct. According to Wilson, the play was something the Steelers had prepared for repeatedly during practice, allowing him to recognize the opportunity when it appeared in the game.
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Steelers LB Payton Wilson intercepts a pass in Paris, France during a game against the Saints on Oct. 25, 2026.
Wilson explained how that preparation helped him make the play.
“That’s honestly just a credit to our coaches… I've repped that play no lie more than 20 times now.”
The interception became one of the defining defensive moments of Pittsburgh’s 16–10 victory over New Orleans. With the Saints threatening near the Steelers’ goal line, Wilson read the play and came away with the football, preventing the offense from turning a promising possession into points. For a defense looking to make its presence felt, the timing could hardly have been better. Pittsburgh needed players to execute under pressure, and Wilson showed how preparation could make the difference when a game-changing opportunity arrived.
Steelers' Rodgers Reveals His Connection To Wilson's Interception
Wilson’s explanation also revealed an interesting connection between the interception and the Steelers’ practice sessions. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had apparently helped provide a preview of the situation, giving Wilson an opportunity to experience a similar play before facing it against an opposing offense. That detail makes the interception more than an isolated highlight. It illustrates how repetition during the week can help defenders recognize formations, anticipate routes and react quickly when the same concepts appear on game day.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Rodgers brought up their practice encounter when Wilson was discussing the play.
“Did it help that you picked me off in practice on this very similar play this week?” Wilson responded with a little humor, adding, “Also, I took it all the way back to the house on that one.”
The question highlighted the connection between what happened during practice and what Wilson accomplished against the Saints. Facing a similar situation beforehand had given the linebacker valuable experience, even if neither player could have known exactly how significant that preparation would become once the teams took the field.
His response offered a glimpse into the competitive atmosphere surrounding the Steelers. An interception during practice can become a memorable moment between teammates, but it can also serve a practical purpose by helping players prepare for situations they might encounter during a game. For Wilson, the ability to recognize the play against New Orleans demonstrated the value of those repetitions. Rather than having to process everything from scratch, he had already encountered a similar scenario and could trust what he had learned.
It also provided an encouraging example of how young defensive players can contribute in meaningful situations. Wilson did not need to make the moment about himself. Instead, he pointed to the coaching staff and the work that had taken place before kickoff. That approach reflects a larger principle for Pittsburgh: successful defensive plays often begin long before the ball is snapped on Sunday. Film study, practice repetitions and communication can help players identify opportunities that might otherwise pass them by.
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