After a heartbreaking loss to the Bengals, T.J. Watt returned to training. He arrived at the Steelers’ facility at 4 A.M.

Pittsburgh, PA – October 19, 2025

After a crushing 31–33 loss to the Bengals, the Steelers’ defense has come under fire — and no one felt that sting more than veteran captain

T.J. Watt. Known for setting the tone with effort and leadership, Watt was back at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex by 4 A.M. the next morning, determined to fix what went wrong.

But when he walked in, someone was already there.

“He looked like he never left after the loss,” Watt said quietly. “That’s when I knew this kid gets it. He’s built for Pittsburgh.”

That “kid” is Derrick Harmon, the Steelers’ rookie defensive tackle out of Oregon — and the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Through four games, Harmon has started every one, posting

14 tackles (8 solo), 2.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble — numbers that already put him in early contention for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Harmon has flashed explosive power next to Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton in the Steelers’ 3-4 front, filling the void left by Larry Ogunjobi’s offseason departure. His blend of speed, leverage, and awareness has made him an immediate impact player. In Week 1 against the Jets, he recorded a crucial pressure on Justin Fields that sealed a narrow 34–32 win. By Week 3, he was dominating interior gaps, tallying a sack and four tackles against New England.

Even with the loss to Cincinnati, Harmon’s intensity stood out. “Harmon has Steeler DNA — grit and dominance,” said head coach Mike Tomlin, praising the rookie’s attitude after the defeat.

Fans on X have taken notice too, with one post from @SteelersDepot going viral: “He’s Heyward 2.0. The future of the Steelers’ D-line starts now.”

For a team searching for answers on defense, Derrick Harmon may already be the one providing them — not just through stats, but through relentless effort.

Because while the Steelers’ veterans mourned the loss, their rookie stayed behind — ready to rebuild the standard, one rep at a time.

Seahawks’ New Leader Vows to Finish His Story With a Lombardi in Seattle

Seattle, WA – September 24, 2025

The Seattle Seahawks entered this season searching for stability at quarterback, and through three weeks, they may have found more than just competence. They’ve discovered a leader with both production and conviction.

After years of questions about his future, the 27-year-old signal-caller has embraced Seattle as more than a fresh start. He’s embraced it as the place where he wants to cement his legacy once and for all.

Sam Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal in March, has been clear about his motivation. “I’m not grinding for a paycheck anymore. I’ve already made enough to last ten lifetimes. Now I play for the Seattle Seahawks, for the loyal fans who believe in me, and for the legacy I still haven’t completed — a Super Bowl. I came here to make that happen.”

Through three games, Darnold has backed up his words. He’s completed 52 of 74 passes (70.3%) for 663 yards, 4 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions, earning a 104.7 passer rating. His Week 3 breakout against the Saints — 255 yards and 2 TDs with near-flawless efficiency — silenced critics and energized the fan base.

Pro Football Focus graded him at 82.1 overall, placing him among the league’s top quarterbacks through September. Analysts point to his red-zone composure and improved decision-making as the clearest signs of his evolution.

Financially, Darnold has already secured over $101 million in career earnings across six NFL seasons, excluding endorsements. That cushion has allowed him to frame his mission in Seattle around purpose rather than paychecks.

Head coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s leadership, noting how he’s elevated rookie Jalen Milroe while commanding the respect of veterans like Cooper Kupp and Kenneth Walker. The locker room echoes the sentiment: Darnold’s message of unfinished business resonates.

Still, challenges remain. Seattle’s offensive line has allowed 3 sacks and multiple pressures, a reminder that protection could define how far this team goes. For Darnold, though, the focus is bigger than numbers.

His journey from draft-day promise to journeyman, and now to centerpiece of Seattle’s playoff hopes, is about narrative as much as stats. And for him, that story isn’t complete until a Lombardi Trophy arrives in the Pacific Northwest.