Rookie linebacker Nick Herbig was expected to contribute on special teams going into the 2023 campaign, but his influence outside of that was still unknown.
The Wisconsin player selected in the fourth round did not take long to demonstrate his potential.
He recorded 22 tackles for a loss of 24 yards at the end of the season, 15 of which came from solo stops, and three sacks. In addition, he recorded two forced fumbles, five tackles for a loss, and one fumble recovery.
Herbig added five tackles on special teams, including four solo stops.
“I learned a lot this year about who I am on and off the pitch,” Herbig said. “T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and M.G. (Markus Golden) have all inspired me much.
When there were injuries, or even when Watt or Highsmith needed a break, Herbig stepped up big time. His snaps increased in tandem with his discernible growth throughout the course of the year.
Despite just playing two defensive snaps during the game, Herbig came up with one of the key defensive plays of the game for the Steelers against the Seattle Seahawks in a pivotal Week 17 victory.
Herbig sacked Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith in the fourth quarter, taking the ball away from him and recovering it at the Seattle 16-yard line as the Steelers led 27-20. The Steelers increased their lead to 30-20 by making a field goal after the turnover.
“Coach (Mike) Tomlin has stated that the standard is the standard from the beginning. That’s even on our shirts,” Herbig added. “I have to make sure the standard is the standard when I hear my number called and there are men like T.J., Markus, and Alex in front of me. That’s what T.J. and Alex have been doing all year. I also have to maintain that standard.”
Herbig has appreciated Watt’s support, even in the aftermath of his strip-sack against the Seahawks when the rookie was at a loss on what to do.
It’s humorous because, when we discussed it after the event, it was one of your career’s first major plays. I’ve discussed it extensively when you get dark,”
It’s humorous because, when we discussed it after the event, it was one of your career’s first major plays. Watt stated, “I’ve talked about it a lot as you black out. “You’re not really aware of what’s happening. You simply exude excitement. You’re quite emotional. I was merely attempting to mentor him through it all. Let’s quickly shake hands. Let’s enjoy ourselves. I said, “All the cameras are over here,” as he was kind of racing around. Let’s head over here, and I was guiding you through the entire procedure.”
Watt is thrilled for all of the outside linebackers to succeed because he is aware of the everyday effort they put in.
Watt remarked, “You know how much work he’s put in.” “You guys witness every exercise we perform both before and after training. That applies to each and every outside linebacker. It’s an addicting feeling, so I’m pleased he got a taste of it and you keep trying to do that more when that feeling pays off and you go home and you can make a big play.
“It bothers me when someone in our room, a man in particular, makes a play because I understand how much work and what goes into those large-scale productions behind the scenes. None of those things are random events. It takes a tonne of repetitions to produce those plays.
