Explaining the Steelers' jersey patch in 2024: What does Russell Wilson's mean?

If you pay close attention to NFL jerseys, you'll notice that certain teams and players have oddly specific patches on their uniforms. In 2024, the New York Giants are sporting a '100' patch to celebrate their 100th season as a professional football team. Since 2007, teams have been permitted to give out the 'C' patch, recognizing team captains.

But not every NFL patch is self explanatory.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a pair of players sporting a patch you may not have picked up on before now. On the right side of Russell Wilson's jersey, opposite the team logo, is a bronze-colored patch of a caped player. This logo commemorates those who have been named the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Origin of Walter Payton Man of the Year award and logo

The NFL Man of the Year logo was first created as a sculpture by artist Daniel Bennett Schwartz in 1969, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The sculpture portrayed a nondescript caped lineman standing alone on the sidelines. The focus of this player standing off the field represents the award's meaning: recognizing excellence both on and off the field.

Johnny Unitas won the first NFL Man of the Year award in 1970. Legendary running back Walton Payton would go on to win this award in 1977. Following his death in 1999, the NFL Man of the Year award was renamed the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.

What year did the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch start?

While the NFL has been handing out the Walter Payton Man of the Year award since 1970, players were not recognized with a specific jersey patch for this award until 2017. Players like Larry Fitzgerald and J.J. Watt could be spotted wearing this honorary symbol after the patch was recognized by the league.

Which Steelers wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch in 2024?

Earning Walter Payton Man of the Year honors is no easy feat. Only one player can represent each team per season for a chance to earn this award. The winner of the 32 nominees is announced at the NFL honors ceremony following the season.

Russell Wilson earned his Walter Payton Man of the Year patch in 2020. But he's not the only Steeler recognized by this prestigious honor.

Following the 2023 season, Cameron Heyward was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his character and contributions to the community. Because of the positioning of the Steelers' logo above the left pectoral on every jersey, Wilson and Heyward wear their Walter Payton Man of the Year patch on the right side of their jersey. This is the opposite of the standard positioning for this patch.

Which active players wear the Walter Payton Man of the Year patch in 2024?

Surprisingly, only four active players in the NFL are previous Walter Payton Man of the Year award winners, and two of them are on the Pittsburgh Steelers. The other two players sporting this honorary patch in 2024 are Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (2022 recipient) and Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Calais Campbell (2019 recipient).