How A Lifelong Dream Of Playing For The Steelers Was First Made Possible For Breiden Fehoko By A Former Steelers' Legend

The Pittsburgh Steelers filled a glaring need on their defense this offseason with the addition of nose tackle, Breiden Fehoko. An undrafted rookie out of LSU in 2020, Fehoko played sparingly for the Los Angeles Chargers over the course of his three-year seasons there, making four starts. This upcoming season, he will have the opportunity to compete for the team's starting spot along the defensive line against the incumbent, Montravius Adams. While Fehoko may be entering his first season with the Steelers in 2023, he has had aspirations of dawning the black and gold for nearly his entire life. 

During an interview on the Steel Here Podcast, hosted by "Jersey Jerry" and Kevin Adams, Fehoko talked extensively about his journey to becoming a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He originally was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings due to his admiration for running back, Adrian Peterson. However, all of this changed in the blink of an eye when he had the opportunity to meet one of the greatest Steelers in the history of the franchise, Troy Polamalu. 

The two had the chance to meet at a football camp held by Steelers Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala and Chris Kemoeatu (to who Fehoko is related) in Fehoko's home state of Hawaii. While Fehoko was starstruck to meet one of his childhood heroes, he was quite shocked to see how different Polamalu was off the field during their first interaction. 

"The first time I get to meet Troy, I was like, there's no way this guy plays football. This is not Troy Polamalu. He's soft-spoken, you talk about the most humble guy," Fehoko recalled.

The Opportunity Of A Lifetime For A Young Fehoko

Fehoko went on to describe how he was fortunate enough to play Madden Football with Polamalu and spend quality time together. As a fellow Polynesian, Fehoko talked about how much it meant to him to have a role model in such a successful football player as Polamalu. Ever since then, Fehoko was hooked on all things Steelers. However, the fandom for the black and gold may have first originated with another former Steelers' Defensive Player of the Year award winner, James Harrison. 

During the interview, Fehoko explained how the trials and tribulations of Harrison's career truly resonated with him. Similar to Fehoko, Harrison was often overlooked by NFL teams and went undrafted out of Kent State, as did Fehoko during his collegiate career at LSU. He fell in love with not only Harrison but the entire Steelers' defense of this time period. Interestingly enough, Fehoko mentioned how he grew up watching fellow nose tackle Casey Hampton who he undoubtedly attempts to model his game after. This is where a young Breiden Fehoko knew he had a dream of playing for the Steelers one day. 

"I grew up watching the Steelers and it's so funny how things come full-circle. Now I'm getting the opportunity to play for them, it means a lot. There's a lot of history. There's a lot of big shoes to fill," Fehoko said on what it means to play for the Steelers in 2023.

A Perfect Match: How Fehoko's Style Of Play Fits With The Steelers 

Not only will Fehoko fit in well with the Steelers from a schematic standpoint, but he will also do so with his strong will and passion for the game of football. He explained how he thrives in types of situations where he is forced to prove himself. Fortunately for him, an opportunity of this magnitude will present itself come August as he battles it out among fellow defensive linemen for a starting spot. 

One thing is for sure, Fehoko's personality will fit in perfectly in Pittsburgh. As a lifelong fan of the team, he understands the commitment to excellence the organization strives for and vows to work tirelessly to ensure he helps the Steelers capture the elusive seventh Lombardi Trophy. Fehoko's story of becoming a member of Steeler Nation is fascinatingly unique. He now has the ability to capture his childhood dream and became a fan favorite in the Steel City. Welcome to Pittsburgh, Breiden! 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

What do Yinz think of Fehoko's story with Troy Polamalu? Who was your favorite defensive player during this era? How do you feel as if Fehoko will fit in with the Steelers defense in 2023? Let's hear it in the comments! 

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