For the past few seasons, following the Super Bowl and ahead of Valentine\u2019s 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 \u2013 in regard to their contributions on the field \u2013 and why.<\/p>\n
Just for fun, the SCU team gives their thoughts on their current crushes, picking players who are crushing it\u00a0on the field.<\/p>\n
Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Nick Herbig<\/p>\n 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 \u2013 the team\u2019s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee \u2013 in two games at right outside linebacker.\u00a0During that period, he recorded 2.5 sacks and significantly pressured the quarterback.<\/p>\n Herbig played 60 percent of the team\u2019s defensive snaps throughout the season, finishing the season with 6 starts in 15 games (not including the playoffs), 1 interception (for 41 yards \u2013 his career first INT), 3 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles, 7.5 sacks, 30 total tackles, 13 tackles-for-loss, and 18 QB hits.<\/p>\n Tip drill\u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n Stream on NFL+: https:\/\/t.co\/szceXBjRdr<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/50KE1P2WwL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 14, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Jaylen Warren & Kenneth Gainwell<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n In 16 games, Warren gained 958 yards on 211 carries for 6 touchdowns, and had 40 receptions for 333 yards.<\/p>\n gotta frame it \ud83d\uddbc\ufe0f<\/p>\n More \ud83d\udcf7: https:\/\/t.co\/auMl72Iroq<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/rdvd9BdqTt<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 13, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n In 17 games, Gainwell gained 537 yards on 114 carries for 5 touchdowns, and added 73 receptions for 486 yards.<\/p>\n Incredible effort by KG \ud83d\udc4f @KENNETHGAINWEL<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa: #PITvsDET<\/a> on @paramountplus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CmCnSx1oLs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/p>\n Darnell Washington<\/p>\n It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Washington was the winner of the \u201cAngry Runs\u201d scepter from NFL analyst Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football in Week 11.<\/p>\n \ud83d\ude21 BIG DARNELL WINS THE ANGRY RUNS SCEPTER \ud83d\ude21<\/p>\n Watch @gmfb<\/a> on NFLN | \ud83d\udcdd: https:\/\/t.co\/8oQDFfgwG7<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/0kuTq2SORk<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 18, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n