Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig is no longer just a promising young talent or T.J. Watt’s understudy; he’s becoming a bona fide star, demonstrating a relentless playstyle and versatile skill set that has forced coaches to find more ways to keep him on the field, even as his veteran counterparts return from injury. His journey from an undersized draft pick to a disruptive force is a testament to his ingrained “me against the world” mentality and keen football instincts, making him a critical component of the Steelers’ formidable defense.
In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where physical prowess often dictates potential, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig is an anomaly. Standing at a modest 6-foot-2 and 240 pounds, he doesn’t possess the hulking physique of many elite edge rushers, including his formidable teammates T.J. Watt (6-4, 252), Alex Highsmith (6-4, 242), or rookie Jack Sawyer (6-4, 260).
“I think that’s been my stigma my whole life,” Herbig openly admitted. “I’m too small to do this. I’m too small to do that.”
Defying Expectations: Herbig’s Emergence on the Field
Despite the perennial skepticism about his size, Herbig has proven that what he lacks in prototypical dimensions, he more than makes up for in heart, instinct, and a relentless motor. The third-year pro has seized his moment, particularly while filling in for an injured Alex Highsmith, who was recovering from a high ankle sprain. During this critical period, Herbig turned his consistent “spark” from previous seasons into a full-blown inferno of disruptive play.
His recent stat line speaks volumes: 2 1/2 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble over just three games. Such production from an “undersized” player is not just impressive; it’s compelled the coaching staff to reconsider how they deploy him. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin lauded Herbig’s impact, stating, “It’s my job to find ways to get him out there (and) to keep him on the field with what he’s done because he’s a splash player. He’s always around the ball. He makes it miserable for offensive tackles. He’s playing well. Guys that play well get rewarded by playing more.”
A Fortunate Fall: The Draft and Tomlin’s Vision
Herbig’s path to becoming a key contributor for the Steelers was not without its detours. Despite leading the Big Ten in sacks during his final season at Wisconsin, he slid into the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This “fortunate fall” likely stemmed from the very physical measurements that continue to define him.
However, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is renowned for his ability to identify talent that doesn’t necessarily fit the conventional mold. As Tomlin explained, “That’s why you’re able to get people sometimes a little bit later in the draft than maybe their tape would indicate, because they don’t fit the cookie-cutter component of it.” The team never harbored doubts about Herbig’s capabilities, understanding that his game transcended mere measurements. His draft position is a prime example of how teams find value in players who might be overlooked by others, as further detailed by this report from the Associated Press.
Mentorship and Watt-esque Disruptiveness
Upon arriving in Pittsburgh, Herbig found an ideal mentor in T.J. Watt, a fellow Wisconsin alum who has cemented his legacy as one of the game’s most feared pass rushers. The parallels between the two extend beyond their alma mater; both were the youngest of three brothers, accustomed to fighting for respect and growing up in the shadow of siblings who also reached the NFL (Nate Herbig as an offensive lineman, and J.J. Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, destined for the Hall of Fame).
Herbig’s inquisitive nature immediately caught T.J. Watt’s attention, not just for his play, but for the depth of his questions in meetings. While still developing, elements of Herbig’s game undeniably echo his mentor’s style. He combines exceptional quickness with innate instincts, allowing him to be disruptive regardless of the 300-pound offensive linemen standing in his way—a trait often described as “Watt-esque.”
Key Moments: From Picks to Game-Clinching Fumbles
After a hamstring injury slowed him down in training camp and caused him to miss the season opener, Herbig wasted no time making an impact. On September 14, he snagged his first career interception against Seattle, racing 41 yards. The following week against New England, he chased down Patriots quarterback Drake Maye in the waning minutes, producing a game-clinching fumble that sealed the victory.
His stellar form continued during Pittsburgh’s 24-21 victory over Minnesota in Dublin, Ireland, two weeks ago. In that contest, Herbig dropped Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz to thwart an early drive and effectively ended the game by forcing Wentz into an intentional grounding penalty in the final seconds. This impressive performance in the Dublin game underscored his burgeoning ability to deliver in crucial moments, as highlighted by the Associated Press.
More Than a ‘One-Trick Pony’: Expanding His Game
While Herbig acknowledges that the attention T.J. Watt commands on every play creates opportunities for him, he has actively worked to evolve beyond a mere pass-rush specialist—the role the Steelers initially envisioned when drafting him 132nd overall in 2023. Opponents attempting to neutralize Watt often run plays in the opposite direction, directly challenging Herbig.
This has required him to master handling 300-plus-pound offensive linemen intent on driving him backward. Though rarely winning a pure strength battle, Herbig counters with an inherent tenacity, significantly improved footwork, and a remarkable ability to quickly diagnose plays. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin confirmed his growth: “Sometimes you beat ’em to the punch in terms of setting edges and things like that. So he does a really good job. He’s improved in that area… he’s developed into a guy that can play the run and be effective in the run game.”
The “Me Against the World” Mentality
Herbig’s impressive ascent is deeply rooted in his upbringing in Kauai, Hawaii. The mantra “no whining” was a constant in his household, and as the youngest of three brothers, he was never coddled. He learned early on that respect had to be earned through relentless effort and performance.
“Just having that mindset, that mentality and being a younger sibling, I feel like it’s me against the world,” Herbig explained. “And that definitely developed me into who I am today.” This deeply ingrained resilience and competitive spirit have served him well in the NFL, transforming what might be obstacles for others into fuel for his continued growth.
As Alex Highsmith prepares to return, Herbig’s exceptional play ensures that the Steelers now have an even more formidable and versatile defensive front. His transformation from T.J. Watt’s promising protégé into a star in his own right is not just a feel-good story; it’s a strategic advantage for Pittsburgh and a testament to the enduring power of grit and determination over conventional expectations.
