Watch: Steelers Rookie Nick Herbig Gets First Career Sack

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Steelers rookie Nick Herbig is feeling some California love. The standout rookie is playing a bit more in this game with T.J. Watt a little banged up with his heel injury, and so far, Herbig is showing out. That includes getting his first career on Matthew Stafford. Earlier, he pulled out his cross-chop move and got loose, but this was more of his pure speed rush and bending around the edge.

First career sack 🙌 @nickherbig_

📲: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/T87FSng3KS pic.twitter.com/LuJGqY5h15

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 22, 2023

After the sack, Nick Herbig was mobbed by his teammates, who celebrated with him. Herbig had a ridiculous preseason where he put himself on the map. In the regular season, most of his reps have come on special teams, where he makes a big difference. But those pass-rush chops did not go anywhere, and the Steelers are seeing the fruits of Herbig’s growth. Their outside linebacker rotation of Watt, Highsmith, Herbig, and Markus Golden has paid massive dividends for the defense. They have kept the top guys of that rotation fresher, allowing them to show out.

All veterans love Herbig’s willingness to embrace the knowledge around him. Not all rookies are willing to go up to veterans and ask anything of anyone. But Golden says it’s hard to shake Herbig as a veteran because “you can bet the kid will ask you questions” both on the field and in the film room. That’s the right mentality for someone hoping to impact his rookie season significantly.