The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their stellar outside linebackers -- a position that helps give them the "Blitzburgh" nickname. James Harrison, who many quarterbacks feared when he came off the edge, held the record for most career sacks in Steelers history until TJ Watt shattered it in recent years. Harrison is still checking in with the Steelers in his free time and was caught watching training camp Wednesday. He was even giving younger guys some pointers.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' retired linebacker James Harrison, also known as "Deebo," stands on the field as Pittsburgh gets to compete in a regular season contest.
After training camp, Harrison was seen giving pointers to second year outside linebacker, Nick Herbig. Herbig, who had limited snaps last season for the Steelers, wants to expand his role going into the 2024 season. Even with his limited role behind Watt and Alex Highsmith, he was still able to record 27 total tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks and two force fumbles recovering one of them. While he gets to learn from the best duo rushers in the league, working with the most fearsome edge rusher of this century isn't something you pass up on.
Steelers legend James Harrison working with Nick Herbig after practice pic.twitter.com/IhJKTWMINr
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Harrison, who spent 14 seasons with the Steelers, found a ton of success for an undrafted free agent. A two-time Super Bowl Champion, two-time All-Pro, and AP Defensive Player of the Year in 2008, Harrison terrorized quarterbacks every chance that he could get. He finished his NFL career 84.5 sacks, 128 tackles for loss, 811 total tackles, 34 forced fumbles, and added eight interceptions. He also created one of the greatest moments of Super Bowl history with his "Immaculate Interception" in Super Bowl XLIII against the Arizona Cardinals returning a 100-yard interception to the end zone.
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Steelers' James Harrison steps in for an interception during Super Bowl XLIII.
Herbig wanting to prove to the coaching staff that he can take on an expanded role, is looking for whatever it takes to get more snaps in 2024. Drafted in the fourth round in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Steelers out of Wisconsin, Herbig is trying to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Badger edge rusher TJ Watt. Herbig had a total of 211 defensive snaps including the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills. In the playoffs, he only saw 20 snaps, while former Steelers outside linebacker Markus Golden saw 51 snaps in that game. Now that Golden is no longer with Pittsburgh, Herbig is third on the depth chart, almost guaranteeing a larger work load in the 2024 season.
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Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig tackles Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith during a Week 17 game in the 2023 season.
As the Steelers continue through training camp, there will be more opportunities for Herbig to work with the first team, since Mike Tomlin told the media that some veterans like Cam Heyward, Watt, and others do not need the reps compared to the younger guys and wanting to prevent injuries before the start of the new season. Herbig can use that to his advantage by making plays against the Steelers' first team offense and showing why he deserves more snaps this upcoming season.
What Role Will The Steelers Nick Herbig Carve Out For Himself?
Herbig is taking advantage of all of the resources as he can. From learning from a Steelers legend to working with one of the best players in the NFL right now at his position, he has great leaders to learn from. If he soaks in what Harrison was showing him after practice and continuing to learn from Highsmith and Watt, the sky is the limit for him.
Will Herbig's role expand this season? Let us know in the comments.
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