Steelers' Nick Herbig Shares How Mike Tomlin Helped Him Make Life-Changing Money

At the time that the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, few could have predicted how quickly he'd come in and make game-changing plays. From his rookie season, Herbig was making splash plays, and it seemed like virtually every single time he got a chance on the field, he made a game-changing play. Herbig had the luxury of coming in and learning from stars like TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith.

He learned so much that he actually ended up earning a four-year, $100 million extension. In an ironic twist, Herbig is now going to be making more per year than Highsmith, who is still currently ahead of him on the depth chart. Steelers former Head Coach Mike Tomlin placed a big emphasis on creating a culture of turnovers. Tomlin felt like if the Steelers consistently won the turnover battle, they would always be competitive, and he was right, as Tomlin never had a losing season, though he also hadn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season.

Now, with a new era led by Mike McCarthy and new Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, there's a lot of optimism about what this defense should look like. For Herbig, he's going to be looking to have a career year after getting paid and should see more opportunity in a three-edge-rusher rotation between him, Watt, and Highsmith. Herbig was speaking on The Fehoko Show when he revealed how the turnover culture Tomlin created played a critical role in him landing his $100 million deal.

"I wish I knew that earlier when I was in college and even in high school," Herbig said. "I just see old clips pop up of myself, and I am like, 'Bro, I could have changed so many games,' because you're just thinking about a sack. I just wanted to get them down, but man, the ball is where the money is at. That's really a testament to the culture that Mike Tomlin created in Pittsburgh. He made that a big emphasis since the day I got there."

It's no secret that coming into a room with tremendous players like Watt and Highsmith also played a huge role in him earning that big payday. 

Herbig explained how watching those two consistently do it in practice helped create a rare habit and ultimately led to him doing it as well.

"Obviously, guys like TJ and Alex putting that on tape," Herbig said. "Just learning from them and how they approach it, and what hand are you getting the ball with when you rush different ways. If you play a left-handed quarterback, how are you doing that? It's just a bunch of stuff that goes into it. It's not that complicated, but it's stuff you have to actively think about. Alex and TJ literally, every rep in practice, bro, whether it was a drill or a team period, every single rush they finish, they are mimicking like they are hitting the ball out every time. I am like, 'OK, I gotta start doing that.'"

Steelers' Defense Has The Talent To Deliver A Historic 2026 Campaign

Steelers fans have heard this all before, but with exciting and seemingly positive changes to the coaching staff, along with young talent continuing to develop together and veterans filling key positions, this unit should be in for a special campaign. 

Of course, that's what Steelers fans have thought over the last few seasons, and many won't believe it until they see it.

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