Latest news with #JoeyPorter
New York Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Steelers training camp: Joey Porter Jr., DK Metcalf battle; Elliott clears air with Rodgers
LATROBE, Pa. — Twenty-five years ago, Joey Porter was 23-year-old, second-year Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker who had yet to start an NFL game. With special permission from coach Bill Cowher, Porter left training camp at Saint Vincent College and flew to California to celebrate the birth of his first son: Joey Porter Jr. Advertisement On Saturday, Porter Sr. again had something to celebrate, but this time at Saint Vincent, as the Steelers announced the former linebacker will be inducted into the team's Hall of Honor. The 2025 class also features quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and center Maurkice Pouncey. 'It's an exciting day for the Porter family,' Porter Sr. said. 'For it to get announced today is even more crazy, because it's my son's birthday. … It's just full circle thinking about everything.' In his eight-year Steelers career, the swaggering linebacker earned a reputation as a hard-hitting, trash-talking competitor who became the emotional leader of the Super Bowl XL team. In addition to four Pro Bowl nods (including three with the Steelers) over his 13-year career, Porter set a standard for the son he named after himself to follow. 'To be honest, I'm trying to follow the exact steps, but even better than him,' Porter Jr. said. 'We don't try to keep it competitive (or) to compare careers, but I definitely want to do everything he did. Plus one. That's what I'm chasing, and he knows that.' Today the Steelers announced Joey Porter Sr. will be inducted into the Hall of Honor. With his dad's legacy cemented, to what standard does Joey Jr. hold himself to? 'I definitely want to do everything he did — plus one. That's what I'm chasing and he knows that.' — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 26, 2025 That's exactly who Joey Porter Jr. is. Like his dad, the third-year Steelers cornerback has never been afraid to tell you he wants the big matchup. Midway through his rookie year, the 32nd pick in the 2023 draft was asked to shadow the opponent's top threat. While he's still growing as a player — and his role will change this year in a remade secondary — training camp in Latrobe gives him plenty of chances to rise to the occasion and continue his development. That's especially true with one of the NFL's most physically imposing receivers, DK Metcalf, on the other side of the ball. Advertisement 'Freak of nature,' Porter Jr. said when asked to describe the offseason addition. 'There's not a lot of guys that look like him that can run like him.' During Saturday's practice, each player had his moment. Early during the Seven Shots segment, Metcalf ran a physical slant route, using his 6-foot-4, 230-pound frame to gain inside position on Porter Jr. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers hit Metcalf right in the numbers for the score. Later in practice, Porter Jr. got a measure of redemption. He stayed in Metcalf's hip pocket on a fade route. Rodgers tried to give his receiver a chance to make a play, but the pass sailed out of bounds and beyond Metcalf's diving attempt. At cornerback, the Steelers believe they've turned what was once a weakness into a strength with the additions of Pro Bowlers like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey working in the same defensive backfield as Porter. As camp continues, all three defensive backs will be tested by Metcalf, making for must-watch matchups. 'At the end of the day, it's iron sharpening iron,' Porter Jr. said. 'He's going to push me to my limits, and I'm going to try to push him to his.' In early February, the Instagram account JPA Football posted a picture with Rodgers that said the 41-year-old quarterback was the betting favorite to land in Pittsburgh. Steelers safety DeShon Elliott's response? 'Leave his ass at the retirement home,' Elliott commented from his verified account. DeShon Elliott not a fan of Aaron Rodgers coming to the Steelers: "Leave his ass at the retirement home" #NFL #Steelers 🤣😂 — Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) February 11, 2025 Though Elliott was far from the only person to share these sentiments, it created a somewhat awkward dynamic when Rodgers did in fact sign with the Steelers four months later. On Saturday, Elliott said he and Rodgers talked about the post, and they're moving past it. 'I'm a (social media) troll,' Elliott said. 'He's an All-Pro, and he's a GOAT. He's going to be a gold jacket guy one day. Honestly, when he got here, we communicated, we talked. He's a great person and a great ball player. Whatever the media put out there is BS. I respect him a lot. I told him that I respect him, and I apologized to him for the things I was saying about him, because honestly, he's a great man. He has a great heart, so I appreciate him, and he's funny as hell.' Advertisement Jalen Ramsey spent the first two days playing primarily as the slot corner in nickel packages and the free safety in the base defense. On Saturday, his versatility continued to shine. With the 34-year-old Slay getting a veteran day off, Ramsey was deployed often as an outside corner in the base defense. The All-Pro cornerback showed his explosiveness to close on the football, then used every bit of his 6-1 frame and 33-inch arms to reach up and intercept a Rodgers pass intended for tight end Jonnu Smith along the sideline. 'We feel like he can cover anyone,' coach Mike Tomlin said. 'He's a utility back — by that I mean he's versatile. He can play outside, he plays nickel, he plays safety, and that's just a reflection of it. Very versatile and smart, detailed veteran.' The interception was one part of a tough day for Rodgers. Now look: There will be ebbs and flows to practice, and it would be ill-advised to read into any one throw or practice. That said, this is an observations story meant to bring you inside the ropes and be your eyes and ears. Though Rodgers had good moments in Seven Shots (especially the aforementioned slant to Mecalf), the Steelers' defense definitely won the day during 11-on-11 and seven-on-seven periods. Lots of balls hit the ground. The most noteworthy miss was when Rodgers targeted second-year receiver Roman Wilson on a quick out. The two were not on the same page, as the pass sailed out of bounds. After practice, Rodgers walked Wilson through how he wants the route run. For Rodgers to thrive at his age, he and his receivers will need to be in sync on exactly that type of quick throw. The other concern came when Rodgers tried to drive the ball downfield to Metcalf and overthrew him. In the QB's defense, it's possible he saw the safety late and threw it high intentionally. Still, it was another significant miss on a day when more balls hit the ground than found receivers. Advertisement When Howard trotted out during the initial team period of practice, the crowd erupted. It was by far the biggest reaction of the day. Actually, it was the loudest ovation of camp overall. When Howard completed a pass, the fans went wild again. 'I genuinely did not know that was for me,' the rookie quarterback said. 'I thought it was like Joey Porter did something on the sideline, or Troy (Polamalu) or something.' Howard might be a sixth-round pick and the fourth quarterback in the rotation behind Skylar Thompson, but already, the fan base can't get enough of him. Perhaps it's a sign of how badly fans want a young QB to lift them out of this cycle of aging, one-year Band-Aids. Even if it's probably wise to pump the brakes and have more realistic expectations for a QB passed over numerous times by all 32 teams, good luck stopping the hype train. Will Howard: man of the people — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 26, 2025 To Howard's credit, he has a level of self-awareness. During the interview, he noticed his farmer's tan in a reporter's sunglasses and poked fun at himself. 'I realize I'm a rookie and really haven't proven anything yet,' he said. 'So I just got to keep playing and doing my thing and having fun.' Howard has looked solid in his role. A mobile athlete, he's been accurate on the move off of play-action and has been developing nice chemistry with tight end and fellow rookie JJ Galbreath. He talked about how he's been trying to throw the ball 'through' receivers, knowing his arm strength was a knock during the pre-draft process. With Rodgers' help, he's also refining his footwork to generate more power from the ground. Considering Thompson likely won't make the 53-man roster, the Steelers need to think strongly about increasing Howard's reps and limiting Thompson's. Advertisement Eventually, the Steelers will probably give Rodgers an off-day. Howard will also likely get a ton of playing time in the preseason. Those will be the best chances to evaluate the rookie. For the second consecutive day, Seven Shots began with a bad shotgun snap from center Zach Frazier. On Friday, the Steelers gave the offense a mulligan. Saturday, they weren't as forgiving, pulling the second-year center for one play before putting him back in. The defense capitalized on the miscue to win the drills, 4-3. The defense wins Seven Shots, 4-3. Another bad snap from Frazier to start the drill the second day in a row. Another nice red zone connection from Rodgers to Metcalf. — Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) July 26, 2025 (Photo of Joey Porter Jr.: Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press)
Reuters
4 days ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Steelers to honor Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey, Joey Porter Sr.
July 26 - Ben Roethlisberger, Maurkice Pouncey and Joey Porter Sr. will be inducted into the Pittsburgh Steelers' Hall of Honor at halftime of a Dec. 15 "Monday Night Football" game against the visiting Miami Dolphins. Pouncey was the center for star quarterback Roethlisberger for 11 seasons from 2010-20 while Porter was a stellar linebacker for Pittsburgh from 1999-2006. Roethlisberger played for the Steelers from 2004-21 and guided the squad to two Super Bowl victories. "It's special," Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a news release. "Just to welcome a group of guys that mean so much to Steelers football, mean so to our fans. These three guys made a difference for us over the course of their careers. This group is a pretty special group and belong in there with the rest of them." Porter was in attendance for the announcement, made Saturday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. "It's called the Hall of Honor for a reason," Porter said. "It's an honor to be in it. To be mentioned with all the guys that played before that are in the Hall of Honor is special. Being in Pittsburgh, you know the tradition of what it means to play for the Steelers. "So just to be always mentioned amongst the greats, that's what makes it amazing. It's an honor." Porter is the son of current Pittsburgh cornerback Joey Porter Jr. The elder Porter was a three-time Pro Bowl pick and won a Super Bowl during his team with the Steelers. Roethlisberger was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He holds or shares at least 52 franchise regular-season records and 18 postseason marks. Pouncey spent his entire career with the Steelers and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection. --Field Level Media
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers announce Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter, Maurkice Pouncey to join Hall of Honor
The Pittsburgh Steelers are honoring three core members of the organization this December. The team will induct quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, center Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker Joey Porter into the Steelers Hall of Honor as part of the Class of 2025. Roethlisberger, who was under center for the Steelers from 2004 to 2021, spent more than a decade as the face of the franchise. The six-time Pro Bowler led Pittsburgh to two Super Bowls, in 2006 and 2009. Roethlisberger will be inducted alongside Pouncey, his longtime center from 2010 to 2020. Porter, who played for the Steelers from 1999-2006, played with Roethlisberger for the team's Super Bowl XL win. The inductees will be celebrated with an on-field ceremony on Dec. 15, as Pittsburgh hosts the Miami Dolphins for Monday Night Football. Longtime Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, who coached both Roethlisberger and Pouncey, congratulated the trio in a video posted to social media, calling them "a small and really special group." "I can't wait to have you guys back," Tomlin said. "Well deserved." Porter's son, Joey Porter Jr., also took to social media to congratulate his father. Porter Jr., a cornerback, was selected by the Steelers in the 2023 draft, and has spent the past three years with the team. "Shout out to my dad for being a part of this year's class. It was an honor and a privilege to watch you play throughout your career, and see you put on for Steeler Nation," Porter Jr. said. "Thank you for showing me what it means to be a Steeler." The Steelers Hall of Honor, which was established in 2017, has honored players, coaches and contributors every year. Roethlisberger, Pouncey and Porter will join the 58 people who have already been inducted into the hall over the past eight years. In order to be recognized, former players must have been retired for at least three seasons and have to have played for the team for at least three seasons. (As a result, this is the first year that Roethlisberger could be honored.) Former coaches and contributors had to have made "significant contributions to the team and community." Three members of the Rooney family, who own the team, are in the Hall of Honor, including team founder Art Rooney Sr.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers announce 2025 Hall of Honor class headlined by Ben Roethlisberger
Few NFL franchises can boast the sheer volume of talent over the decades that the Pittsburgh Steelers can. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is filled with former Steelers and the franchise has six Super Bowl championships. The team also has their own Ring of Honor and each year a select few former Steelers legends get their names added. On Saturday, the Steelers announced the three former Steelers who will be a part of the 2025 class. This class is headlined by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He is joined by center Maurkice Pouncey and outside linebacker Joey Porter. To be considered for the Hall of Honor, a player must be retired for at least three seasons, have spent at least three seasons with the Steelers, and obviously have had a significant impact on the team during their tenure. Other members of the Hall of Honor include Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Mel Blount, Mike Webster, Dermontti Dawson, John Stallworth, Rod Woodson, Troy Polamalu, Donnie Shell, Ernie Stautner, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca. According to the team's press release, the Steelers will welcome the 2025 Hall of Honor Class when the team takes on the Miami Dolphins on Monday, Dec. 15. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers announce 2025 Hall of Honor class headlined by Ben Roethlisberger
CBS News
5 days ago
- Sport
- CBS News
Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter, and Maurkice Pouncey entering Pittsburgh Steelers' Hall of Honor
The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced three new members will be added to the team's Hall of Honor. The Steelers announced Saturday during a program at Saint Vincent College that Maurkice Pouncey, Joey Porter, and Ben Roethlisberger make up the 2025 class being added to the Hall of Honor. Pouncey, a first round pick out of the University of Florida in 2010, played 134 games for the Steelers and was picked to the Pro Bowl nine times while blocking for four 1,000 yard rushers during his decade he spent in Pittsburgh. Porter played eight seasons for the Steelers and recorded 60 sacks and 75 tackles for loss in 122 games. One of Porter's biggest seasons in Pittsburgh came in 2005 when he helped lead the Steelers defense to Super Bowl XL, the franchise's first championship in over 25 years. "It's called the Hall of Honor for a reason," said Porter. "It's an honor to be in it. To be mentioned with all the guys that played before that are in the Hall of Honor is special. Being in Pittsburgh, you know the tradition of what it means to play for the Steelers. Roethlisberger, the franchise's leading passer in all categories, was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and spent 18 seasons in Pittsburgh, leading the team to two Super Bowl titles, eight AFC North division titles, 12 postseason appearances, and five AFC Championship game appearances. Roethlisberger holds numerous Steelers' records including passing yards, completions, passing touchdowns, 300-yard passing games, and games played. The trio of former Steelers players will be formally inducted into the Hall of Honor on Sunday, December 14 and will be honored the following evening when the team takes on the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium.
