The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for finding diamonds in the rough. They have a history of taking undrafted or overlooked players and turning them into fan favorites. Some of the names would surprise people: Donnie Shell, Willie Parker, and James Harrison are a few. In recent seasons, Jaylen Warren has been impressing the Steel City as a running partner to Najee Harris.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jaylen Warren.
Another undrafted player who got his shot in Pittsburgh was offensive lineman Chris Hubbard. Hubbard was signed in 2013 when he failed to be selected in the NFL Draft. He served primarily as a backup to one of the best offensive lines in the NFL and saw playing time when Marcus Gilbert was injured.
Recently, Hubbard spoke with Duane Osterlind, the host of The Addicted Mind Podcast, to discuss his career. He said the Seattle Seahawks had expressed interest in him pre-draft, but they never called. Instead, he got a call from Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
"I got the call after the draft, which was, man, I thought I was gonna get drafted, but it's okay. I still got a call. I got the call from the Pittsburgh Steelers right after the draft. They said, 'How would I like to be a Pittsburgh Steeler?' I said, 'Man, Coach, sign me up right now. I'm ready.' I got the chance to talk to Coach Tomlin and Mr. Rooney, a special group of people there."
Not being drafted came as a bit of a shock to Hubbard. After four solid years for the University of Alabama, Birmingham, he played a prominent role on the Blazers' offense, starting more than 20 games and playing in over 30. Despite the fact that UAB is not a traditional football powerhouse, Hubbard expected to be drafted.
Peter Diana / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Chris Hubbard blocks for Le'Veon Bell.
After getting the call from the Steelers, Hubbard played as a reserve tackle and saw action in one game in 2014. When Gilbert was injured, he was able to start four games in his place in 2015 and played in a total of 15. Now with the San Francisco 49ers, Hubbard said he is forever grateful to the Black and Gold.
"Pittsburgh holds a place in my heart always because they gave me an opportunity. They gave me a chance in 2013. My first year there, I was excited, man, very excited. Didn't know what I was getting myself into. Kind of got under the older guys that were there in Pittsburgh. I got the chance to be around Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Maurkice Pouncey, Ramon Foster, the guys that are on the o-line, Ben Roethlisberger. It was just a prestigious group of guys that were there. I got to watch those guys day in and day out, how they carried themselves on and off the field. I was like, 'Man, I wanna be like that.' I wanna be able to make a name for myself here in the league and do it the right way, because I saw it from the guys, they did it the right way. They took care of their body. They took care of their mind."
Hubbard and that incredible line never got a shot at a Super Bowl, but they did make an indelible impression on nearly everyone who came through the Steel City. The line was well known for getting together multiple times during the week to build a bond, a kind of brotherhood.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' Maurkice Pouncey, Ben Roethlisberger, Ramon Foster, and Alejandro Villanueva.
While Hubbard's time in Pittsburgh may have been brief, it left a lasting impression—one that has helped him remain in the league for more than a decade.
Steelers' Newest Undrafted Players Are Fighting For Roster Spots
It is no surprise that the Steelers have new undrafted players fighting for spots on their roster. One of those is Jack Colletto, a fullback who was selected by the 49ers in 2023, but later signed to the Steelers' practice squad. The fullback position may have fallen out of favor in the NFL, but not in Pittsburgh, and not in Arthur Smith's offense.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr.
Rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. is also making waves at camp. Recently, Tomlin shared that he thinks he has the potential to be "great." A cornerback, Bishop seems poised to take over the slot role and provide much-needed help while Cam Sutton is suspended.
What do you think it is about the Steelers that helps players like Hubbard? Click to comment below.
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