Rookie linebacker Carson Bruener made an immediate impact for the Pittsburgh Steelers after being selected in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Bruener distinguished himself on special teams, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team as a special teamer.
He recorded 19 special teams tackles during the regular season, ranking second on the team, with seven solo stops.
“I know that’s my role that was given to me for right now, and it’s something I’ve taken on with full pride and confidence in my ability to go out there and make plays,” said Bruener regarding his contribution to special teams. “I feel like that’s the biggest thing, especially as a young guy.
“And I take it on. Some people might think start slow, don’t make mistakes. That doesn’t allow you to go make plays. I know what I’m supposed to do.”
Bruener described the mindset required for success in this part of the game: “I feel like the biggest attitude is, just screw it,” he said. “Don’t think about your body, don’t think about the person in front of you.
“Just find ball, get ball, tackle.
“That’s the biggest thing. You’ve got to have aggression. You’ve got to have passion out there. You can’t just go through the motions because everyone in the NFL, no matter special teams, defense, offense, everyone’s here for a reason, everyone’s good. If you go and you take a play off, then you’re not going to be able to succeed.”
He also acknowledged that while special teams may not always draw attention from viewers or fans watching at home, they are crucial within football games.
“I feel sometimes special teams is overlooked,” said Bruener. “I talk to my family, and sometimes they say watching the games on television is hard because sometimes during a commercial one of our plays happen, a kickoff or kickoff return.
“But at the end of the day, a lot of people overlook it. But for me, it’s just as important as any other play in football.”
Before joining Pittsburgh’s roster—an organization recognized both for its six Super Bowl championships and contributions by Hall of Honor inductees such as Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene according to their official website—Bruener played college football at Washington. He appeared in 52 games at Washington and totaled 306 tackles (180 solo), ten tackles for loss, one-and-a-half sacks, 14 passes defensed and four forced fumbles. In his final collegiate season in 2024 he played 13 games with 104 tackles (60 solo), three interceptions and eight passes defensed along with one forced fumble.
The Steelers continue their tradition within the National Football League as an established member franchise (source) while also engaging fans through historical celebrations like those featured at their Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium (source).
