Steelers OLB Nick Herbig Continues to Wreak Havoc in Preseason

Pittsburgh Steelers second-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig recorded two sacks on the Detroit Lions’ first possession in Saturday’s preseason finale. Herbig’s second sack resulted in a fumble by quarterback Hendon Hooker, and defensive lineman Dean Lowry came up with the recovery at the Lions 35-yard line. Herbig executed a perfect cross-chop move on the sack. Six plays later, running back La’Mical Perine rushed for a 1-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 14-0 lead.

A look at the Nick Herbig strip sack from the prior series. #Steelers pic.twitter.com/vuxQygRiCa

— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) August 24, 2024

Herbig has wreaked havoc throughout the preseason, recording nine total tackles (6 solos), 3.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and a forced fumble. Mike Tomlin expects big things from Herbig in Year 2.

“Herbig is an example of our expectations for year two guys,” Tomlin said after a training camp practice at St. Vincent College. “He showed some flashes a year ago… we’re just getting him to develop all components of his game and being varsity in all areas. He’s definitely capable of that and focused on that.”

Herbig recorded 27 tackles, three sacks and two forced fumbles in 17 games played as a rookie. Herbig feels like he’s ready to take a big leap this season.

“I think there’s never going to be a true time when you’re like, ‘OK, I’m ready.’ When the lights come on, you’ve gotta show up,” Herbig said. “You’ve just gotta stay ready so you don’t gotta get ready.”

Herbig has two great mentors in veteran outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt also trains with Watt in Wisconsin during the offseason. Watt, Highsmith and Herbig have the potential to be one of the best edge rusher trios in the NFL.

“I think just recognizing alignments and pre-snap things, stuff I wasn’t keen to last year,” Herbig said of his growth from Year 1 to Year 2. “I think that’s coaching and being around guys like T.J., Alex and seeing how they go about their business and trying to take mental notes of that.”

Herbig also got pass rushing tips from Steelers legend James Harrison after a training camp practice at St. Vincent College a few weeks ago. Harrison was showing him his vintage dip-rip move.

“That was awesome,” Herbig said about learning from Harrison. “Obviously he’s a Hall of Famer, he’s a legend here in Pittsburgh. Just being able to pick his brain for a little bit and get a few new tools in my toolbox that I can use.”

Herbig hopes that he can build off his impressive preseason. He feels like he’s playing for a bigger purpose than just himself.

“Any time I get a chance to strap the helmet up I feel like I have the whole state of Hawaii on my back,” Herbig said. “From my brother, to my parents, to my grandparents. Everybody that raised me and made me who I am, brought me up in this life. I feel like I got the whole community on my back, so I am really going out there for a bigger purpose.”