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Steelers Seventh-Round CB Leaves Camp After Being Left Off Second Straight Preseason Roster

Latrobe, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers’ training camp took an unexpected turn this week when rookie cornerback Donte Kent, a seventh-round pick fighting for a roster spot, abruptly walked out midway through practice.

Donte Kent: Get To Know the Steelers Seventh-Round Pick - Yahoo Sports

According to team sources, Kent learned early in the day that, for the second preseason game in a row, his name would not appear on the active roster. For a rookie drafted on Day 3, missing valuable preseason reps can be a career-altering blow — especially when every snap is a chance to prove your worth.

Observers say Kent quietly gathered his gear, exchanged brief words with a teammate, and left the field before the final drills. The decision stunned several veterans, who saw the young defensive back as a player with raw speed and promise before an early-camp ankle injury slowed his progress.

Ex-Harrisburg High star Donte Kent inks rookie deal with Steelers -  pennlive.com

Kent arrived at Saint Vincent College with a reputation for quick breaks on the ball and a fearless approach to man coverage. Coaches had initially praised his adaptability in the secondary, even giving him special-teams reps during the first week of camp.

But as roster battles intensified, and with veterans and higher draft picks ahead of him on the depth chart, Kent’s opportunities dwindled. Sitting out the first preseason game was a setback. Learning he’d be sidelined again for the second appeared to be the breaking point.

Steelers rookie Donte Kent's biggest battle was breaking out of Harrisburg:  'A lot don't make it' - pennlive.com

Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation briefly after practice:

“We expect our guys to compete through every situation — even the tough ones. This league will test your patience and your commitment.”

The Steelers have not yet announced any disciplinary action, but insiders suggest Kent’s walkout could complicate his chances of making the final 53-man roster.

Snapshot: Donte Kent

With only one preseason game left before roster cuts, Kent’s future in Pittsburgh is now in serious doubt. Whether he returns to camp or seeks a fresh start elsewhere, the incident serves as a stark reminder: in the NFL, opportunity can vanish as quickly as it comes — and sometimes, walking away means you might never walk back in.

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Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”