- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,198,341
- Reaction score
- 59
Nick Herbig got his money, but the process wasn't easy.
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with Herbig after he opened minicamp in a hold-in. The deal, which includes $42 million guaranteed, is a massive commitment to a young edge rusher who still hasn’t been a full-time NFL starter.
From a fan's perspective, it’s easy to look at the number and assume everything worked out perfectly. But Herbig revealed the real emotional toll that came before the deal got done.
During an appearance on teammate Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, Herbig admitted the uncertainty became overwhelming enough that he had to get away from the noise entirely.
“I had to delete all my socials. Like I just couldn’t see anything, bro, cuz then it would just I would just be like, ‘Man, I want to be there,’” Herbig shared.
That’s the human side that fans don’t always see during contract talks. Herbig wasn’t just waiting on a number. He feared for his future in Pittsburgh and whether it was slipping away.
“Am I going to be on a different team next year? Am I ever going to be a Steeler again? Am I ever going to be in that building?” Herbig wondered.
For a player who’s quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s most productive young defenders, that uncertainty hit hard.
“Am I just going to get a box one day at my house of all my stuff? Like you really don’t know,” Herbig said.
Herbig’s production made the Steelers’ decision easier. Since being drafted in 2023, he’s piled up 79 tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries despite playing limited snaps.
The Steelers rewarded him appropriately, but before that, he was stuck dealing with the part of the business that players are rarely open about.
In Herbig’s case, there was only one way through it.
“Just disconnect from the world, bro,” Herbig said. “Just disconnect.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Nick Herbig opens up on Steelers contract uncertainty
Continue reading...
The Pittsburgh Steelers recently agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension with Herbig after he opened minicamp in a hold-in. The deal, which includes $42 million guaranteed, is a massive commitment to a young edge rusher who still hasn’t been a full-time NFL starter.
From a fan's perspective, it’s easy to look at the number and assume everything worked out perfectly. But Herbig revealed the real emotional toll that came before the deal got done.
During an appearance on teammate Cam Heyward’s “Not Just Football” podcast, Herbig admitted the uncertainty became overwhelming enough that he had to get away from the noise entirely.
“I had to delete all my socials. Like I just couldn’t see anything, bro, cuz then it would just I would just be like, ‘Man, I want to be there,’” Herbig shared.
That’s the human side that fans don’t always see during contract talks. Herbig wasn’t just waiting on a number. He feared for his future in Pittsburgh and whether it was slipping away.
“Am I going to be on a different team next year? Am I ever going to be a Steeler again? Am I ever going to be in that building?” Herbig wondered.
For a player who’s quickly become one of Pittsburgh’s most productive young defenders, that uncertainty hit hard.
“Am I just going to get a box one day at my house of all my stuff? Like you really don’t know,” Herbig said.
Herbig’s production made the Steelers’ decision easier. Since being drafted in 2023, he’s piled up 79 tackles, 16 sacks, one interception, nine forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries despite playing limited snaps.
The Steelers rewarded him appropriately, but before that, he was stuck dealing with the part of the business that players are rarely open about.
In Herbig’s case, there was only one way through it.
“Just disconnect from the world, bro,” Herbig said. “Just disconnect.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Nick Herbig opens up on Steelers contract uncertainty
Continue reading...
