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Steelers Sign Gritty Linebacker ‘Workhorse’ with 52 Career Games and 44 Tackles to Practice Squad After Robinson Exit

Neuqua Valley graduate Jon Rhattigan, recovering from a torn ACL, is  excited about Year 2 with Seattle Seahawks: 'I've done it before.' –  Chicago Tribune

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Steelers didn’t waste time filling a void in their linebacker room. After Mark Robinson’s surprising move to the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh turned to a name forged in grit: Jon Rhattigan, a workhorse linebacker who has fought for every snap of his NFL career.

At 26, Rhattigan carries the discipline of his Army roots into the league. Undrafted in 2021, he carved out a reputation with the Seattle Seahawks before earning a role in Carolina last season. There, he played in all 17 games, making 12 tackles on special teams — the type of production that rarely makes headlines but wins respect inside locker rooms.

Over four seasons, Rhattigan has appeared in 52 games with 44 total tackles, proof that toughness and persistence can outlast raw measurables. At his pro day, he ran a modest 4.77 in the 40-yard dash, but what he lacked in speed he has always made up for with physicality and instincts.

For Pittsburgh, the signing is less about flash and more about continuity. The linebacker room has been reshuffled, and Robinson’s exit left the practice squad thin. Rhattigan arrives as a steadying force — a grinder who embraces special teams, fills gaps, and does the dirty work the way Steelers fans demand.

As one fan put it on X: “Not a star, but a worker — exactly what the Steelers need.” That line could just as well be a chapter in the team’s playbook.

This isn’t just insurance. It’s another nod to the franchise’s enduring values: toughness, reliability, and the next-man-up mentality. The Steelers know highlight reels don’t win January football. Workers like Rhattigan do.

With his arrival, Pittsburgh reinforces its defense with a player who mirrors the city’s own identity — blue-collar, disciplined, and relentless.

Amid NFL Community's Criticism of Bad Bunny as a Mistake in the Super Bowl - Steelers Legend HOF Strong Reaction Leaves Fans Speechless
Pittsburgh, PA - October 5, 2025 The American football world is buzzing after a segment of the NFL community labeled the invitation of global superstar Bad Bunny to perform at the Super Bowl Halftime Show as a "mistake." The backlash spread rapidly, with critics arguing that the world's biggest sporting event should spotlight artists rooted in traditional football culture. But no one saw it coming when one of the Pittsburgh Steelers' all-time greatest legends—James Harrison, the Hall of Fame linebacker with 5 Pro Bowls and the fearsome heart of the Steel Curtain—stepped up to shut down the noise. His response left fans stunned and inspired. In a candid media sideline chat, Harrison passionately backed Bad Bunny: "Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl? That says it all—he's not just a singer; he's a cultural force. The Super Bowl isn't only about gridiron glory; it's a worldwide spectacle where music and sports collide to make history. If the NFL picked Bad Bunny, it's because he's earned the right to own that stage." The no-nonsense words from the Steelers icon, who anchored Pittsburgh's defenses for 15 seasons and remains a fan favorite for his relentless intensity and that iconic Super Bowl pick-six swagger, ignited social media. Even initial detractors conceded: Harrison's take made sense. The Halftime Show isn't just for the stadium crowd—it's crafted for hundreds of millions tuning in globally. Bad Bunny, the unrivaled king of Latin music, commands a fanbase that transcends sports. His inclusion could rocket the NFL's reach into untapped markets. When a Steelers legend like Harrison—adored for his heart, hustle, and that signature bearded ferocity—vouches for it, it's more than artist support; it's a nod to the NFL's bold push for global relevance. Harrison's stand is flipping the script on public sentiment. Once again, this Steelers great reminds us: His voice still packs a punch, long after the final whistle. #SteelersLegend #BadBunny #SuperBowlHalftime #NFLGlobal