RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – One of the best players to ever suit up for the North Carolina State football program will soon be recognized among the Wolfpack faithful.
Former linebacker Payton Wilson is set to be inducted into the Wolfpack Ring of Honor later this season, N.C. State director of athletics Boo Corrigan and head football coach Dave Doeren announced Tuesday.
He’s slated to be honored during a ceremony before the Wolfpack square off against Stanford on Nov. 2.
“Payton Wilson was a dominant player on the field, but even more importantly grew to become a great leader,” Corrigan said in a statement. “He brought recognition and honor to our university and we are proud to celebrate his accomplishments by inducting him into the Ring of Honor.”
“Payton was the embodiment of ‘Hard. Tough. Together,’” Doeren said in a statement. “Watching him develop as a player and as a person during his time at N.C. State was one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I am so proud of him and honored to have been his coach.”
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North Carolina State head coach Dave Doeren, left, speaks with North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson wearing a knee brace following an injury during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker) -
FILE – North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (11) lines up on defense during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Carolina, Nov. 25, 2022, in Chapel Hill, N.C. N.C. State opens the season at Connecticut on Aug. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Chris Seward, File) -
Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik (2) tries to throw the ball with North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (11) closing in during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker) -
North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton (28) gets wrapped up by North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (11) and defensive tackle Davin Vann (1) with cornerback Shyheim Battle (7) nearby during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker) -
North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (11) stiff arms Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo (23) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Friday, Sept. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker) -
North Carolina State linebacker Payton Wilson (11) watches the ball against North Carolina during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Raleigh, N.C., Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker)
Wilson collected a lengthy list of accolades during his time with the Wolfpack, especially in his final season. Along with becoming a unanimous All-American selection in 2023, the Hillsborough native was named the winner of the Dick Butkus Award and Chuck Bednarik Award, which is given to the top linebacker and defensive player in the country, respectively.
He was also the 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year, as well as only the fourth unanimous first-team All-American in N.C. State history.
“I am so grateful to be inducted into the Wolfpack Football Ring of Honor,” Wilson said in a statement. “It was one of my goals to have a career at N.C. State that would result in my name being listed among the all-time greats and I’m proud that I accomplished it. I appreciate everything that Coach Doeren and Coach [Tony] Gibson did for me.”
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Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover, right, carries defended by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson, left, in the first half of a preseason NFL football game, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed) -
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) lines up during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. The Steelers defeated the Falcons 18-10. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik) -
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson stands on the field before a preseason NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Freed) -
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson runs a drill during the team’s NFL OTA’s football practice in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) -
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson runs a drill during the team’s NFL OTA’s football practice in Pittsburgh, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Wilson led the Atlantic Coast Conference in tackles in 2020 and 2023. In his last year, he racked up 138 tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, six pass deflections, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and a defensive touchdown.
He now plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.