Pittsburgh Review

Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, a series on Steelers.com explores significant moments in the lives of key players in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. As the franchises commemorate the 50th anniversary of Super Bowl X and the 20th anniversary of Super Bowl XL, former players of these celebrated teams are sharing their draft experiences.

Joey Porter Sr., who was a linebacker for the Super Bowl XL team, recalls his journey through the draft process and the NFL Combine. Porter describes the combine as an opportunity to compete against top prospects, saying, "For me the Combine was more about wanting to go against all of the guys rated above me." He emphasizes the excitement and nerves involved, noting, "You are excited and nervous at the same time. You are more excited than nervous, though."

Porter mentions that the nature of the combine has evolved since his time, commenting, "The Combine wasn't like it is now. They didn't have all of the stuff they have now, all of the personal questions, the way they monitor your social media accounts."

Porter also detailed his interactions with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the interview process, which focused on football-related matters. He highlights the importance of his pro day, where he achieved impressive metrics, including a 4.4-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical jump. Reflecting on the combine's pressure, he says, "I think there is more pressure at the Combine than the pro day because it is first."

Porter's draft experience also included the expectation of being picked by the Dallas Cowboys. "I honestly thought it was going to be Dallas that drafted me," he recalls, describing the pre-draft interactions with the team, only to be informed they were going in another direction.

Ultimately, Porter reflects on the moment when the Steelers selected him in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft. "When I got the call from the Steelers, I was on the phone just saying yeah, yeah. I don't even know what anyone was telling me or asking me. I was just agreeing to whatever was said because I was so excited."

For Porter, being drafted was a standout moment in his life, only topped by winning Super Bowl XL. "The draft was the first Super Bowl and then I got the real one," he remarks, underscoring the significance of these milestones alongside personal achievements such as marriage and fatherhood.