Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Wins Award for Crushing Block vs. Bengals

Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has won the NFL’s ‘Way to Play’ Award for his crushing block against Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt on Saturday. The award is given to the player who makes a physical play in a safe manner, and two other Steelers have won it this year in Isaac Seumalo and Cole Holcomb.

Warren is a player who has often been fined this season for controversial hits, although the biggest one for a routine pass protection rep got overturned. As a result of winning this award, Warren wins a $5,000 equipment grant that can be awarded to a program at the high school or youth level of his choice.

HOLY SHIT THIS BLOCK BY JAYLEN WARREN pic.twitter.com/WDtoEWkFeJ

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 23, 2023

Warren, who has built a reputation for ferocious blocks over his career, is used to blocks like that. Warren’s blocking is one of his best traits. Not just as a lead blocker but a pass protector, Warren has become one of the NFL’s best all-around running backs, including as a pass protector. So, it’s no surprise that the team would give him looks in these moments. Warren has earned that and then some as the type of player they can depend upon. And all he wants to do during the play is complete his part in the wheel.

“If anything I will remember that play more than a run,” Warren said. “I love plays like that when I can help the team, Calvin scored and that means a lot. Seeing him score like that, I am glad I did my job, my 1-of-11 job that helped him succeed.”

The team has drilled a similar play in practice all year. Jaylen Warren always ends up creating space for Austin to make moves, and so Austin was not surprised one bit when he saw Warren throw a guy into the turf. It’s just what he does, and Austin was prepared to accelerate right through the alley.