Joey Porter established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the National Football League last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former second-round pick did not see much playing time throughout the early part of his rookie season, but he earned his way onto the field over the course of the year. By the time the NFL season came to a close, he was primarily covering opposing teams number one wide receivers and shutting them down week after week.
He is certainly looking like he’s following in his father’s footsteps when it comes to NFL fame.
By The Numbers
Last season, his numbers proved that he could hang with the big boys. He posted 32 solo tackles, 11 assisted tackles, one interception, and 10 pass breakups. Although on the surface, that doesn’t seem like a lot for someone who thinks of himself as the best DB in the league, when you look deeper, he may have a case.
He played 72% of snaps on defense in 2023, and he was targeted only 63 times in 17 games. Less than half of those passes were completed.
Leaving a great legacy on the football field is practically something that is in his blood after his father enjoyed a legendary career in the NFL with the Steelers and multiple other teams. Now he will take the next step in his sophomore campaign in 2024, as Pittsburgh looks to return to the postseason and get back to their winning ways with an entirely new team.
What Porter Had To Say
When Joey Porter Jr. was asked who he thought the best cornerback in the National Football League was, he said, “always going to pick me over anybody else.” Following up on his choice by saying “there are a lot of good DBs in this league,” he added, “Nobody was doing what I was doing, going against WR1s the entire year and locking him down. I don’t care if I am mentioned in there or not because they are going to hear my name eventually.”
After a stellar rookie campaign, he finished fifth in the NFL rookie of the year award voting, and he will look to improve upon his numbers in year number two with Pittsburgh.
This could be a special year for a Pittsburgh Steelers team that is used to winning Lombardi trophies. Although it has been 16 years since the organization last lifted a title back in 2008.
What’s Next For Pittsburgh
With brand new pieces on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh is reloaded and ready to go in the most competitive division in football, the AFC North. It is almost certain that Joey Porter Jr. will be one of the main focal points of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense this upcoming season.
He will be counted on to produce and live up to his thoughts that he is the best defensive back in the National Football League right now.
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