Wisconsin outside linebacker Nick Herbig got the call of a lifetime on Saturday when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him at 132nd overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Not only did his dream come true of making the NFL, but he’ll be teammates with his older brother Nate in Pittsburgh, as well. Nate and Nick Herbig last played on the same team when Nick was in second grade and Nate was in sixth grade on the Kauai Bulldogs in Hawaii.
“Of course, they talk about something that they dream of, but I think even more amazing is where we come from. It’s such a small island in the middle of the ocean, and here (are) two brothers who are not just playing in the NFL, but playing in the NFL together on the same team. It’s all just really like a dream,” the Herbig brothers’ mom Robyn said during an interview with Luke Gamble of WKOW 27 News in Madison, Wisc.
The Herbig brothers’ dad Bruce added, “It’s indescribable. Really, I mean, I was lightheaded I was yelling so much.”
'That's my best friend. I don't think blood could make us any closer'
It's a family affair in Pittsburgh as the #Steelers draft @nickherbig_ to join his big bro @nate_herbig
How do mom & dad feel about it? Big thanks to @robynherbig & @BruceHerbig for sitting down with me! pic.twitter.com/2TNyz9RyqX
— Luke Gamble (@LukeGambleTV) May 3, 2023
Nate Herbig immediately advocated for his brother Nick when he signed with the Steelers as a free agent in March.
“I came in the building screaming it. Like come on, let’s get him here. Nick Herbig … STUD. Absolute STUD. I should be his agent,” Nate joked during his introductory press conference.
Nick has the same love and respect for his brother in return.
“We share the same dream,” Nick said. “We workout together. We do everything together. Like, that’s my best friend. I don’t think blood can make us any closer.”
The Herbig brothers’ dad Bruce thinks Nate and Nick’s play is just going to rise with them on the same team.
“I think it’s good for the Steelers because they’re going to get the best out of both of them,” Bruce said. “It’s going to raise their level of play. I don’t know how it can go any higher but it’s gonna.”
Nick Herbig is expected to compete for the Steelers’ No. 3 outside linebacker role in Year 1, while Nate Herbig is projected to be a backup guard.