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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.
Wetjen seems well aware himself, and reassured fans later in the day that he won’t be wearing the number for too long.
“Don’t worry folks, we will have a new number for the szn Fs,” he captioned an Instagram story on his official account.
Currently, the Steelers offseason roster is at near-capacity with 89 players. More numbers will open up after cutdowns ahead of the regular season. Wetjen’s college No. 21 is currently assigned to running back Travis Homer.
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