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Steelers Third-Round Pick 2022 Fighting to Save His Future in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, August 2025 - For most players, the final year of a rookie contract is a crossroads. For DeMarvin Leal, it feels like a fight for survival—one that cuts deeper than numbers on a stat sheet.

Drafted in the third round of 2022, Leal arrived in Pittsburgh carrying the weight of expectation. Three years later, his journey has been scarred by injuries, inconsistency, and the harsh reality of a stacked defensive line. But while critics whisper about disappointment, Leal’s own voice refuses to bend.

Steelers activate rookie defensive end DeMarvin Leal from injured reserve |  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Standing at his locker after another grinding practice, the 24-year-old defensive lineman didn’t dodge the hard questions. Instead, he delivered a statement that resonated with fire:

“I know my back’s against the wall. I know what people say about me. But I want it clear—I want to stay here. I want to be a Steeler. This city, this team… it means everything. I’ll fight every day to prove I belong in black and gold.”

Steelers DE DeMarvin Leal Had Knee Surgery, Expects to Return

Leal’s words carried the weight of desperation and devotion. For him, Pittsburgh isn’t just a stop in his career—it’s home. He spoke about the nights spent in the training room, the battles with frustration, and the lessons learned from veterans who taught him what it means to wear the jersey.

“It’s easy to give up when things don’t go your way. But that’s not who I am. I owe it to my brothers in this locker room, to Coach Tomlin, and to the fans who still believe. I’ll give everything I have until the last snap they let me play.”

Steelers' DeMarvin Leal Delivers 4-Word Message to Doubters

The Steelers’ defensive rotation remains fierce, and Leal knows every rep could tip the scales. Yet in his voice, there was no fear—only the defiance of a player who refuses to let his story end quietly.

As the season unfolds, DeMarvin Leal’s future may still be uncertain. But one thing is no longer in doubt: his heart is anchored in Pittsburgh, and he’s prepared to bleed black and gold until his fight is finished.

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Chiefs Fan-Favourite WR Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is mourning a devastating personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin Justin Fuller, a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute 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 its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.” Rice, who grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose, has long credited that example with shaping his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Rashee that strength isn’t being unbreakable — it’s standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Rashee lives and plays today.” As a featured target in the Chiefs’ offense, Rice has earned complete trust for his short-to-intermediate separation, yards-after-catch power (YAC), and chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Coaches describe him as “calm, focused, and mature beyond his years,” a disciplined route-runner who finds tight windows in the red zone. Through Week 5 of the 2025 season, Rice has no registered game statistics as he serves a league-issued six-game suspension to start the regular season; major stat services list no 2025 game logs to date.  The Kansas City Chiefs have provided time and private support for Rice 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 messages commemorating “Spidey” continue to spread nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Rice kept his public remarks brief before leaving in the embrace of 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.”