The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Yahya Black in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, choosing him with the 164th overall pick. Black, a defensive end from the University of Iowa, played all 13 games in 2024 and made a total of 27 career starts. His performance included 34 tackles—18 solo—and seven tackles for loss, along with one sack, two passes defensed, two quarterback pressures, and a blocked field goal.
Black’s dedication and leadership were recognized when he received the Hayden Fry ‘Extra Heartbeat’ Award. This award is given to team members who demonstrate exceptional commitment throughout the offseason.
Before his college career, Black attended Marshall High School in Minnesota. There he achieved all-state honors as a senior and was named district Defensive Player of the Year. As a junior, he earned the title of district Defensive Lineman of the Year and set a school record with 17.5 career sacks. In addition to football, Black lettered in track and basketball for four years.
In an unusual pregame ritual for a football player, Black listens to Adele’s music before taking to the field. He describes this practice as “the calm before the storm,” explaining that it helps him stay grounded rather than overly excited before games.
“That’s what I did every single game since freshman year,” said Black. “It was the calm before the storm.”
“A big part of it was I don’t want to rile myself up, and Adele is that soothing voice,” he added.
Black also shared his positive first impressions of Pittsburgh after visiting during pre-draft activities. He expressed admiration for both the city’s beauty upon entering through Fort Pitt Tunnel and its residents’ mindset.
“First, can we talk about how pretty it is when you drive into Pittsburgh?” said Black about his visit. “Everybody in that city…has such a great mindset.”
“I loved it there,” he continued. “They are great people… The black and gold stays around.”
