Being an undrafted free agent within the NFL is usually a robust life. It’s normally an uphill battle to make the roster, and even when that occurs, it’s robust for it to be sustained. Not everybody can have the identical success that James Harrison did. Nonetheless, rookie Max Hurleman is aiming to show the Pittsburgh Steelers’ religion in him appropriate, eager to make their 53-man roster this yr.
“I’m tremendous grateful,” Hurleman mentioned Friday on SV Sports activities’ YouTube channel. “Not solely to be signed to an NFL workforce, however to a very good group just like the Pittsburgh Steelers. I can’t thank them sufficient, Coach [Mike] Tomlin, Mr. [Art] Rooney [II], Mr. [Omar] Khan, for simply affording me this chance. I’m gonna make them proper of their choice.”
Hurleman has an fascinating story. He spent a number of faculty seasons at Colgate, the place he performed largely operating again earlier than switching to broad receiver in 2023. In 2024, he transferred to Notre Dame, the place he performed cornerback.
His versatility is certainly one of his biggest strengths, which is probably going a part of why the Steelers had been drawn to him. Throughout his tryout with the workforce, they’d him exercise at a number of positions. Whereas he’s listed as a operating again on their web site, it doesn’t sound like Pittsburgh goes to pigeonhole Hurleman into one place.
Nonetheless, Hurleman’s path to the 53-man roster goes to be a tricky one. The Steelers’ operating again room is crowded, with Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren, and Kenneth Gainwell all however assured of constructing workforce. Trey Sermon and Cordarrelle Patterson ought to make for stiff competitors, too.
Final yr, the Steelers solely carried three operating backs on their preliminary 53-man roster. Due to this fact, Hurleman may want to seek out his spot elsewhere. His greatest probability at making the workforce is probably going on particular groups. That tends to be an ideal place to begin for many Day 3 and undrafted rookies. Hurleman additionally returned punts in faculty, so he might show his value there.
Proper now, it looks like Hurleman’s objective is hard to achieve, nevertheless it’s not unimaginable. Beanie Bishop Jr. made the Steelers as an undrafted free agent final yr. Warren additionally went undrafted, and he’s a key piece of the Steelers as we speak. Hurleman is a longshot, however he has the mindset to show the Steelers proper.
