For the past few seasons, following the Super Bowl and ahead of Valentine’s Day, we at Steel City Underground spend time looking over the Pittsburgh Steelers roster for the previous season. This week, we look at the Steelers players we are currently in love with – in regard to their contributions on the field – and why.
Just for fun, the SCU team gives their thoughts on their current crushes, picking players who are crushing it on the field.
Nick Herbig
Always suckers for outside linebackers who can make big plays and get after opposing quarterbacks, it was easy to pick Nick Herbig. In his third season with the Steelers, Herbig was asked to step in and start for an injured Alex Highsmith – the team’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee – in two games at right outside linebacker. During that period, he recorded 2.5 sacks and significantly pressured the quarterback.
Herbig played 60 percent of the team’s defensive snaps throughout the season, finishing the season with 6 starts in 15 games (not including the playoffs), 1 interception (for 41 yards – his career first INT), 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks, 30 total tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 18 QB hits.
Tip drill‼️
Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/szceXBjRdr pic.twitter.com/50KE1P2WwL
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 14, 2025
Jaylen Warren & Kenneth Gainwell
The running back duo of Warren and Gainwell were like two sides of the same heart during the 2025 NFL season. Where Warren was more of the rushing workhorse, Gainwell proved versatile as a complementary back in the passing game.
In 16 games, Warren gained 958 yards on 211 carries for 6 touchdowns, and had 40 receptions for 333 yards.
gotta frame it 🖼️
More 📷: https://t.co/auMl72Iroq pic.twitter.com/rdvd9BdqTt
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 13, 2026
In 17 games, Gainwell gained 537 yards on 114 carries for 5 touchdowns, and added 73 receptions for 486 yards.
Incredible effort by KG 👏 @KENNETHGAINWEL
📺: #PITvsDET on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/CmCnSx1oLs
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2025
Darnell Washington
It’s hard not to love tight end Darnell Washington after the season he had in 2025. Involved in big ways within the Steelers offense, Washington had a breakout year. In addition to providing several key blocks, Washington gained 364 yards on 31 receptions, converted 16 first downs, and added a touchdown during the regular season.
Washington was the winner of the “Angry Runs” scepter from NFL analyst Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football in Week 11.
😡 BIG DARNELL WINS THE ANGRY RUNS SCEPTER 😡
Watch @gmfb on NFLN | 📝: https://t.co/8oQDFfgwG7 pic.twitter.com/0kuTq2SORk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 18, 2025