No NFL player it makes it to the league alone, which is why so many give back to the family and friends that supported and assisted them along the way.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith is latest example, surprising his mother Pamela with a brand new Toyota SUV on Thursday.
The rookie shared his mother’s emotional reaction on social media. Have tissues nearby.
https://twitter.com/highsmith34/status/1357502943835148289?s=21
Thrust into the starting lineup following outside linebacker Bud Dupree’s season-ending knee injury, made the most of his opportunity, demonstrating a knack for causing disruption and making plays.
Highsmith recorded 48 combined tackles, two sacks, five tackles-for-loss, six quarterback hits and an interception in his rookie campaign. According to Pro Football Focus, Highsmith recorded 22 total pressures on 224 pass-rushing snaps.
Selected in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Charlotte, Highsmith tallied 75 total tackles, 21.5 tackles-for-loss and 15 sacks as a senior — the third-most in the nation.
Highsmith is expected to have a further expanded role in 2021, with Dupree likely moving on from Pittsburgh in free agency this offseason.