As the 2025 NFL Draft reached its final round, Donte Kent, a cornerback from Central Michigan, received a pivotal phone call. While speaking with a team interested in signing him as an undrafted free agent, another call came through. Trusting his instincts, Kent answered.
“The call was actually coming from an unknown number,” Kent explained. “I was on a call with a team who were trying to sign me as an undrafted free agent, and I see a 412-area code number calling. The first thing I said to the coach I was on the phone with is I have a random number calling me and I think I should take this.”
The unknown caller turned out to be Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Coach Mike Tomlin. They informed Kent that he was being selected by Pittsburgh in the seventh round as the 229th overall pick.
“It was amazing because I actually felt a team wanted me because they were drafting me,” said Kent. “The fact that Pittsburgh took a chance on me. They believe in me.”
Kent reflected on how football has shaped his life positively, steering him away from potential pitfalls of growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania—a place where distractions are common.
“Where I’m from, not a lot of people make it out,” he shared. “It’s easy to get distracted, easy to get in trouble.”
Having attended Harrisburg High School alongside Cowboys player Micah Parsons, Kent stayed focused on sports like wrestling and track which kept him disciplined.
Kent expressed gratitude for joining the Steelers due to its proximity to his hometown making it easier for family visits.
“I am from Pennsylvania,” he stated. “I always felt PA babies stay in PA.”
Now part of Pittsburgh’s roster, Kent aims to contribute significantly during Phase Two of their offseason program by leveraging his versatility across defense and special teams.
“I’m a versatile player,” noted Kent about his capabilities ranging from playing various defensive positions to returning punts or kickoffs.
Recognizing special teams’ importance for rookies seeking respect within NFL locker rooms; he emphasized dedication towards excelling there too: “It’s extremely important…That’s something I take pride in doing.”
