The Pittsburgh Steelers have a rich history of NFL connections, exemplified by the selection of Joey Porter Jr. in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This pick was met with enthusiasm as Porter Jr., a standout at Penn State, was seen as a vital addition to the team”s defense. Now, entering his third season in 2025, he has shown promise and is on track for a significant contract renewal. The excitement surrounding his draft was further amplified by the legacy of his father, Joey Porter Sr., a cherished figure in Steelers lore who contributed to the team”s Super Bowl victory.
Porter Sr. has maintained a close connection to the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout his career. He began his coaching journey with the team in 2014 as a defensive assistant, eventually becoming the outside linebackers coach from 2015 to 2018. After a brief role in the XFL in 2023, he remains a respected voice in the Steelers community, known for his dual experience as both a player and coach.
While attending Radio Row for Super Bowl LX, Porter Sr. had a moment with Pat McAfee on his show, where he expressed his strong desire to return to the coaching ranks in Pittsburgh under new head coach Mike McCarthy. “I thought about just getting back in the building. I feel like my presence is needed just to be back in the building, but you know, to the powers that be, they know I want to come back home,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to the organization.
Porter Sr. is open to any coaching position, noting the rapid filling of positions on McCarthy”s staff. He underscored the importance of having experienced Steelers alumni in the building to guide younger players. “I would love to coach. I never wanted to stop coaching, but you know I can take any role. I just feel like having older Steelers in the building to show how it”s supposed to go, what it looks like. I ain”t gonna hurt nobody,” he remarked.
Clearly, Porter Sr. has much to offer the Pittsburgh Steelers. His background as a player, coaching experience, and passion for the team make him a valuable asset. As McCarthy builds his staff, there is a genuine opportunity for Porter Sr. to reintegrate into the organization, potentially guiding the next generation of Steelers players. His return would not only reunite him with his son, Joey Porter Jr., but also help preserve the enduring legacy of Pittsburgh Steelers football.
