2023 BUTKUS & BEDNARIK WINNER | 402 CAREER TACKLES | THE PRIDE OF RALEIGH A masterclass in resilience and raw, unadulterated speed. Before he was the steal of the NFL Draft, Payton Wilson was a legend in the 919. His college career at NC State (2018–2023) is a movie script about grit. After tearing his ACL twice and undergoing multiple shoulder surgeries that would have ended most careers, Wilson didn't just return—he became the most dominant defensive player in the country. As of February 19, 2026, his 2023 season is still talked about in Raleigh as the "Gold Standard." He was a 6'4" glitch in the Matrix, clocked at a terrifying 23.7 mph while chasing down a ball carrier against Notre Dame. He played with a "no-ACL" knee and a "burn the boats" mentality, leading the Wolfpack to a top-25 finish and officially cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever wear the Red and White. Is Payton Wilson the greatest linebacker in ACC history? 👇 #PaytonWilson #NCState #GoPack #Wolfpa...