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New Steelers Star Vows to Retire in Black and Gold — Promises Lombardi Glory at Any Cost

Pittsburgh, PA – September 25, 2025 — When the Steelers swung a surprise trade with the Dolphins back in July, it was clear they were looking for a veteran presence to stabilize their secondary. Three weeks into the season, that move is already paying dividends.

The man in focus is a proven All-Pro defender whose arrival has changed the culture in Pittsburgh’s backfield. He has delivered veteran leadership, versatility, and the kind of swagger that fans have long associated with the franchise’s proud defensive history.

 

That player is Jalen Ramsey, a three-time All-Pro who has immediately become the heartbeat of the Steelers’ defense. His ability to play both cornerback and free safety has given Mike Tomlin a dynamic piece in reshaping a once-struggling unit.

 

"The moment I put on the black and gold, I knew this was home," Ramsey said earlier this week. "I wasn’t traded to Pittsburgh by accident — I was meant to be a Steeler. I swear to retire in this jersey, and I’ll fight with everything I have to bring Lombardis back to this city, no matter the cost."

 

 

Through three games, Ramsey has logged one interception — a 37-yard return against Seattle — along with two yards on the stat sheet. But his impact extends beyond numbers, transforming the Steelers’ defense into a more cohesive, confident group.

In Week 1 against the Jets, he registered three tackles and a pass defensed while limiting Garrett Wilson to just 60 yards. A week later, his interception energized the crowd, even as Pittsburgh’s defense allowed 31 points to Seattle’s offense.

 

Week 3 was arguably his best performance so far. Ramsey posted four tackles and erased tight end Hunter Henry for much of the night, holding him to two catches on five targets. The Steelers forced five turnovers, setting a dominant tone in front of their fans.

PFF currently ranks Ramsey among the league’s top-10 cornerbacks with an 80.5 coverage grade. Teammates credit his leadership in practice, while fans on X have quickly nicknamed him “Tomlin’s secret weapon.”

 

Statistically, the Steelers’ pass defense has climbed from 27th in the NFL a season ago to 18th through three weeks. Coaches highlight Ramsey’s versatility and communication skills as major reasons behind the early-season improvement.

For Steelers fans, his vow to retire in black and gold is more than just words. It represents a commitment to tradition, legacy, and the relentless pursuit of championships that defines the franchise.

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Steelers Sign 1,174-Tackle Former Pro Bowler to Practice Squad, Just Hours After Raiders ‘Poach’ LB Jon Rhattigan
PITTSBURGH — October 8, 2025 — Just hours after the Las Vegas Raiders poached linebacker Jon Rhattigan from their practice squad, the Pittsburgh Steelers responded swiftly by signing Eric Kendricks—a former Pro Bowler with 1,174 career tackles—to their practice squad. The move not only offsets the immediate personnel loss but also injects a seasoned defensive leader into the heart of the black-and-gold. In his first comments, Kendricks explained his decision:“I turned down the Ravens as soon as I knew the Steelers were calling. The Raiders ‘stealing’ Rhattigan put Pittsburgh in a bind, and they showed me they value what I bring. Wearing Pittsburgh— even on the practice squad— is worth it. I believe my experience can help the front office and the team.” Kendricks (33) was a 2015 second-round pick out of UCLA, establishing his name with the Minnesota Vikings (2015–2022) before stints with the Chargers (2023) and Cowboys (2024). His peak came in 2019, when he earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors—reflecting a complete skill set: zone-match diagnostics, precise hook/curl drops, sharp screen recognition, and, crucially, command of the front seven with the defensive green-dot. Beyond his 1,174 tackles, Kendricks has compiled 21.5 sacks, 11 interceptions, 60 passes defended, and 3 defensive touchdowns, underscoring value that exceeds a mere rotational plug-in. Schematically, the Steelers can deploy Kendricks as an immediate stabilizer: tightening communication at the second level, serving as an on-field coordinator in high-leverage situations (third down, red zone), and contributing on special teams. If he acclimates quickly over the next few weeks, a path to gameday elevations—and potentially the 53-man roster—is very much on the table.