Six months after being selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Roman Wilson finally took the field for his much-anticipated NFL debut. The moment was made even more special by the presence of his mother, who traveled all the way from Michigan to watch her son make his first professional appearance. Despite playing only five snaps, Wilson’s debut marked a significant milestone after a lengthy injury recovery.

Overcoming Injury and Setbacks

Wilson’s journey to his NFL debut was not without challenges. A high ankle sprain during the Steelers’ first padded practice in training camp sidelined him for seven weeks. The injury prevented him from fully participating in practice until the third week of the regular season. Although he was physically ready, Wilson spent the following three weeks building his fitness and mastering the playbook, remaining a healthy scratch from the active roster during that time.

With injuries to other key players like Cordarrelle Patterson and the team needing help at outside linebacker, the Steelers made the decision to activate Wilson as their fifth wide receiver. He seized the opportunity, even with the emotions running high as he prepared to take the field for the first time. Wilson acknowledged the support he received from his coaches and teammates, crediting them for helping him stay focused and ready when his moment arrived.

“It was pretty cool,” Wilson shared. “My teammates and coaches did a great job preparing me when I wasn’t active, so when I was out there, it felt pretty normal.”

A Memorable First Play

Wilson’s first contribution in the game came during a dynamic second-quarter play, as running back Najee Harris broke free for a 15-yard run. The Steelers tasked Wilson with blocking Raiders’ talented cornerback Nate Hobbs, and while Hobbs initially had a good angle on Harris, Wilson’s block created just enough disruption to allow Harris to shed the defender and keep the play alive.

Even after the game, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni reviewed the play with Wilson in the film room, offering insights on how he could refine his blocking technique. For Wilson, it was a moment of learning, but also a confirmation of his ability to contribute at the NFL level.

Reflecting on his experience, Wilson said, “It just felt like normal ball out there. Obviously, guys are a lot faster and stronger, but at the end of the day, I’m here for a reason, too. Let’s play ball.”

Looking Ahead

Wilson’s five snaps in his NFL debut are only the beginning. As he continues to gain experience and develop his skills, he’s expected to earn a larger role in the Steelers’ offense. But for now, the chance to showcase his talent in front of his family and the Steelers’ faithful marks a huge step forward in his career.

With the determination and hard work that got him through his injury setback, Wilson’s future with the Steelers looks bright. His emotional debut is only the start of what promises to be an exciting journey.