Steelers WR teases new uniform number
The return specialist says he won’t wear No. 42 during the regular season.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kaden Wetjen #21 of the Iowa Hawkeyes makes a catch on a punt during a 26-21 Southern California Trojans win at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) | Getty Images Getting your first NFL jersey number has to be a special experience. It’s officially official — you’ve made it to the pros.
But getting assigned No. 42 as a wide receiver? Maybe not quite as cool.
That’s what happened to Steelers rookie return specialist and receiver Kaden Wetjen as Pittsburgh unveiled the uniform numbers of its 2026 rookie class on Friday . While most of the players received standard numbers for their position — second-round receiver Germie Bernard will be No. 17, first-round tackle Max Iheanachor will be No.
71 — the fourth-rounder from Iowa received No. 42. That’s a number typically associated with linebackers, safeties, and fullbacks, and the internet definitely noticed.