Steelers Draft Pick Has Full Circle Moment: ‘This is a Dream Come True’
PITTSBURGH — Despite growing up in the Pacific Northwest, Pittsburgh Steelers’ seventh-round pick Carson Bruener knows all about the Black and Gold. That’s because he has Steelers bloodlines. He is the son of former Steelers tight end and current scout Mark Bruener. His father is Pittsburgh’s West Coast scout, so Washington is in his territory.
The Steelers did not draft Carson Bruener because of his dad, however. Mike Tomlin said they drafted Bruener because of his “merits,” not anything else.
“It is a worthy resume. It’s just an awesome sidenote,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin praised Bruener for his great instincts at the University of Washington, and noted that he had over 100 tackles as a starter last season.
The 23-year-old had a productive four years with the Huskies, recording 305 tackles (180 solo), one sack, four forced fumbles, five interceptions and nine passes defensed. In 2024, he had a career-high 104 tackles (60 solo), three interceptions and five passes defended.
‘This is a dream come true. I am so happy. It’s something special for sure. I can’t wait. I am sitting in the same spot my dad got drafted in 30 years ago. It’s a full circle moment. It’s crazy,” Bruener said.
Mark Bruener was in the Steelers’ war room for the first round, but left to be with his son on Saturday.
Carson Bruener said he didn’t know the Steelers would be calling, even though his dad was right there with him.
“We had no idea. He is with me, and I was able to see where they had me on the draft board,” Carson Bruener said. “The biggest thing is just patience is key and seeing where this draft leads. He said I could see the Steelers picking you with the next pick and two seconds later I get a phone call from Pittsburgh. It was a crazy moment.”
Bruener projects to start as a special teamer since he is joining a crowded linebacker room, which already includes Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Malik Harrison and Mark Robinson. However, he will certainly have the opportunity to establish himself as a runner defender on defense, standing at 6-foot-1, 227 pounds.
“Special teams is something I started playing at the University of Washington early in my career and is something I embrace and really fell in love with,” Bruener said. “It’s something I have been able to do my whole career and excel at. I know that is something I am going to be able to bring to Pittsburgh for sure.”
Bruener reunites with former Washington teammate, offensive tackle Troy Fautanu, who was the Steelers’ first-round pick a year ago.
Bruener ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 33.5-inch vertical jump and 9-foot-11 broad jump at the NFL Scouting Combine, scoring himself an athleticism score of 77, which ranked 10th among linebackers in Indianapolis.
Alan Saunders and Aaron Becker provided reporting from Pittsburgh.