Steelers' Rising Star Joey Porter Jr Sends Motivated Message To Steeler Nation

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have just found their next generational talent at cornerback, after rising star Joey Porter Jr. had a stellar rookie season. The Steelers have been suffering at cornerback for years now, but after selecting Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh has seemingly finally found their guy. He kicked off his career by putting himself in the Rookie of the Year conversation, but he says he is just getting started. 

Porter Jr. started off his 2023 rookie season on the bench, behind cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has never been one to rush rookies into getting on the field. Tomlin took his time with guys like Porter Jr., and waited for the right opportunity to arise. Neither Peterson nor Wallace were getting the job done in Pittsburgh, which gave Porter Jr. a chance to show what he's got. 

Porter Jr. finally earned a starting outside corner spot in Week 8 versus the Jacksonville Jaguars and never turned back. He quickly became the best cornerback on the Steelers' roster and one of the fans' most favorite players. In fact, Peterson and Wallace were both let go by the Steelers after the 2023 season, further indicating the team's confidence in the Penn State product. After such a promising rookie year, the city of Pittsburgh is excited to see what Porter Jr. can do in the 2024 season. He recently reminded Steeler Nation that he plans on turning it up a notch this year. 

"Y'all ain't see [nothing] yet[.] [I'm] just [getting] started," the post read from Porter Jr.

Porter Jr. will be playing side by side with newly acquired cornerback Donte Jackson in 2024. Jackson should complement him well with his speedy abilities and quick hands. Jackson, 28, has 14 career interceptions, which is fourth most among his 2018 draft class. After being traded from the Carolina Panthers, Jackson said he was excited to prove himself as a top end player and how exceptional Porter Jr. is. 

"I've watched so much film on Joey. I probably can tell you every one of his plays from his rookie year. He's exceptional," noted Jackson.

Since Porter Jr. earned a starting spot, the young star matched up with every opponent's number one wide receiver. For just his second start in Week 9 versus the Tennessee Titans, Porter Jr. held DeAndre Hopkins to just four catches for 60 yards on 11 targets in a thrilling Thursday Night Football win. Two weeks later, Porter Jr. held Cleveland Browns wideout Amari Cooper to four catches for 34 yards on eight targets. Porter Jr. would say after games that he wanted these matchups, embracing that Steelers mentality. 

Steelers' Defense Will Be Absolutely Loaded In 2024

The Steelers have the opportunity to have one of, if not the best defense in all of football in 2024. On the front side, the Steelers of course have guys like TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, and Larry Ogunjobi. The defensive line alone here can turn the tables of football games themselves, but when you add in the additional talent on the back end, it just gets even better. The Steelers have a loaded middle linebacker group with Patrick Queen, Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts, and Mark Robinson.

With all of these superstars up front and in the box, it will challenge teams more than ever to run the ball against the Steelers. 

In the secondary, you still have more talent in guys like Porter Jr, Jackson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and newly acquired DeShon Elliott. The Steelers already had a solid amount of talent on their roster, but they went and added even more this offseason. New guys like Queen, Elliott, and Jackson all should bring valuable pieces to what could be the next Steel Curtain.