All 90•Pittsburgh Steelers•Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted rookie Max Hurleman celebrates his touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 9, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
In the unforgiving world of the NFL fringe, survival requires a willingness to do absolutely anything. That chameleon mindset defines Pittsburgh Steelers versatile weapon Max Hurleman, whose ultimate “Swiss Army Knife” utility has kept his professional football dreams alive.
Hurleman’s journey to the Steel City is a masterclass in perseverance. After a multi-faceted collegiate career that saw him play running back and receiver at Colgate before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate walk-on cornerback, he arrived at Steelers rookie minicamp in 2025 strictly as an unsigned tryout player. He quickly turned heads with his work ethic, ultimately spending the entire 2025 campaign developing on the team’s practice squad.
That “do-it-all” reputation is something Hurleman actively embraces. When asked on the Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast by Steelers Now if coaches have always wanted to leverage his versatility, Hurleman made his mindset clear.
“I want to do it all,” Hurleman said. “I want to play kick returner, punt returner, if you ask me to play two ways, I’ll play two ways.”
Now entering his second professional year, management has rewarded that flexibility. The Steelers signed Hurleman to a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract for the 2026 season. According to contractual details, the agreement features zero guaranteed money or signing bonuses. This offers Pittsburgh total cap flexibility while giving the former Fighting Irish special teams ace a clear directive to remain indispensable.
Whether covering punts, tracking down returners, or taking reps out of the backfield, Hurleman’s diverse skillset provides vital roster depth. As training camp battles loom, his unique ability to wear multiple hats remains his strongest currency in a league where positional flexibility translates directly to job security.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Max Hurleman makes a catch at training camp on Aug. 3, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
84 • Max Hurleman, Running Back, Notre Dame
Acquired: Hurleman’s new agreement with the Steelers provides the franchise with total financial flexibility heading into the 2026 season. Hurleman locked in a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract that features zero guaranteed money or signing bonuses, anchoring his salary cap hit at that exact same figure. The Steelers can cut or trade the former Notre Dame product prior to the regular season without absorbing a single dollar in dead cap space, clearing the entire $885,000 off their books.
Last Year: The Steelers kept Hurleman within the organization for the entirety of his 2025 rookie campaign. After originally joining the team as an unsigned tryout candidate during rookie minicamp, Hurleman logged three receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown across three preseason contests. Though he failed to make the initial 53-man roster out of training camp, the undrafted Notre Dame product cleared waivers and immediately signed to the practice squad. Hurleman did not see regular season action but remained a developmental piece on the scout team all year, ultimately earning a reserve/future contract following the conclusion of Pittsburgh’s season.
Pro Career: The Steelers signed Hurleman to a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract for the 2026 season, securing the multi-positional athlete after a developmental rookie campaign. Originally joining the club as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame following a successful rookie minicamp tryout in 2025, Hurleman spent his entire first professional season on Pittsburgh’s practice squad.
MAX HURLEMAN NFL CAREER STATS
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Max Hurleman at minicamp on June 5, 2025. — Ed Thompson/ Steelers Now
YearTeamGPGSYdsTDsRecYdsTDsPFF2025PITT0000000N/AMax Hurleman has yet to make NFL Debut
MAX HURLEMAN COLLEGE CAREER
Hurleman constructed a highly versatile collegiate resume across 51 career games at Colgate University and the University of Notre Dame. Hurleman spent his first four seasons at Colgate, where he started 23 games and dual-thrived on offense. He amassed 814 rushing yards and one touchdown on 194 carries while adding 80 receptions for 841 yards and three scores. He also secured first-team All-Patriot League honors as a specialist in 2023. Transitioning to Notre Dame as a graduate transfer walk-on for the 2024 season, Hurleman shifted primarily to the defensive side of the ball. He emerged as a vital special teams ace, logging 13 tackles and a fumble recovery, while operating as the Fighting Irish’s primary punt returner with 23 returns for 138 yards.
MAX HURLEMAN COLLEGE STATS
YearTeamGPGSYDSTDSRECYDSTDSPFF2024Notre Dame1600000060.02023Colgate11225028273263.02022Colgate1111397020239164.12021Colgate1110346130281073.32020Colgate20460248065.9Rushing & Receiving Statistics
YearTeamGPATTYDSTDSPFF2024Notre Dame1623138063.22023Colgate111277075.02022Colgate1114138061.52021Colgate11000N/A2020Colgate2000N/APunt Return Statistics
MAX HURLEMAN PRE-DRAFT TESTING
Measured at the 2025 Notre Dame Pro Day: 5-foot-10.7, 200 pounds; 4.64-second 40-yard dash, 1.70-second 10-yard split; 36.0-inch vertical, 9-foot-11 broad jump.
Max Hurleman had a 5.73 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10.
The Steelers signed Hurleman to a one-year, $885,000 reserve/future contract for the 2026 season. The deal contains no guaranteed money or signing bonus, leaving Hurleman with an identical $885,000 salary cap hit. Because the contract lacks financial guarantees, the Steelers would incur $0 in dead cap and recover the full $885,000 in cap savings if he is released or traded before the regular season begins.
ODDS AND ENDS
At Wyomissing Area High School in Pennsylvania, Hurleman didn’t just dominate in football (winning Team Player of the Year). He also lettered in four different sports—football, basketball, track and field, and lacrosse—while serving as a two-year captain for both the basketball and lacrosse teams.
MORE STEELERS ALL 90
Mentioned In This Article: All 90 Max Hurleman NFL Pittsburgh Steelers Steelers