Steelers' Game Wrecking Linebacker Nick Herbig Has Best Opportunity Of His Career During Alex Highsmith's Absence

Pittsburgh Steelers’ talented young linebacker, Nick Herbig grew up in Hawaii, where he developed a passion for football at a young age. He attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, where he excelled as a standout linebacker, earning recognition for his athleticism and leadership on the field. After high school, he played college football at the University of Wisconsin, where he continued to shine as a versatile and productive linebacker. During his time with the Badgers, he recorded impressive statistics, including tackles for loss and sacks, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He had a breakout season at Wisconsin in 2022, leading the Big Ten in sacks. 

Herbig's strong performance in college led to him being selected by the Steelers in the 2023 NFL Draft. His background reflects not only his physical talents, but also a commitment to hard work and improvement, making him a promising addition to the Black and Gold defense. 

Herbig has made an impressive impact during his early career in the Steel City. In 2023, he had three sacks as a rookie, while playing just 17% of the defensive snaps. As a first-year linebacker, his tenacity and agility on the field stood out, particularly in preseason games where he showcased his ability to rush the passer and defend against the run. Herbig’s versatility allows him to play multiple linebacker positions, making him a valuable asset in defensive schemes. His teammates and coaches have praised his work ethic and eagerness to learn, and fans are excited to see how he develops as the season progresses. Even his highly touted teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick believes Herbig's blend of speed and football IQ could help him become a key contributor to the Steelers’ defense in the years to come.  

"If he was anywhere else, he'd probably be starting and playing at a high level, but obviously he has two great All-Pro pass rushers in front of him," Fitzpatrick said. "He does a great job when he comes in, plays at a high level, and Alex [Highsmith] got hurt, next man up, and he went out there and did what he did."

Steelers’ superstar pass rusher, TJ Watt and Herbig share a unique mentor-mentee relationship that has developed since Herbig joined the Steelers. Watt, known for his elite pass-rushing skills, has taken Herbig under his wing, offering guidance on technique and game preparation. Their bond is rooted in a shared commitment to excellence, with Watt's experience providing invaluable insights to the younger player. 

Herbig’s willingness to learn and adapt has impressed Watt, fostering a collaborative dynamic that not only enhances Herbig's development, but also strengthens the team's overall defensive cohesion. Herbig hasn't just received praise from Fitzpatrick either, but also from Watt after the team's most recent win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

"I'm not surprised by the performance," Watt said. "He went out there today and played with a lot of swag and confidence."

Herbig has made several notable contributions in the 2024 season, recording a combination of two solo tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. While not being on the field as often as he would like, he has consistently shown his ability to impact plays both in pass rush and run defense. His growth and adaptability have been evident as he takes on a more significant role within the Steelers’ defensive scheme.

Steelers' Alex Highsmith's Injury Grants Herbig Big Opportunity

The Steelers’ starting edge rusher Alex Highsmith is dealing with a lower body injury that has raised concerns about his availability for upcoming games. Highsmith will not require surgery on his injured groin, but the Steelers’ edge rusher is still expected to miss multiple weeks. Highsmith suffered a reappearance of a training camp groin injury late in the second half of the Steelers’ Week 3 home win over the Chargers. The team is monitoring his progress closely, and updates on his status will determine whether he can return to the field in time for crucial matchups. 

In the meantime, Herbig will get his opportunity to prove to his coaches and teammates that he deserves to see the field more often. If he is able to build on his ferocious playmaking abilities that we have seen thus far, it will be hard to deny him a starting role, even upon Highsmith’s return from injury. 

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