Logo

Steelers Cut Former Third-Round Pick Hours After Birthday Tribute, Player Left Speechless

100 views

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – The Pittsburgh Steelers stunned fans on Tuesday with a ruthless roster decision, releasing a former Day 2 draft pick just hours after teammates had celebrated his birthday.

The move came as the team finalized its roster ahead of the 53-man cutdown deadline. Despite preseason optimism, the depth chart at outside linebacker left little margin for fringe players to survive.

Article image

Coaches had praised the defender’s perseverance, especially after returning from a serious 2024 neck injury. His versatility along the defensive line gave him value, but competition from rookies and younger standouts grew too strong.

That player was DeMarvin Leal, Pittsburgh’s third-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. After three uneven seasons marked by flashes of promise and stretches of injury, the Steelers made the decision to part ways.

In a heartfelt statement, Leal admitted his shock: “I was still cutting the cake with my teammates when the call came. To be released on the same day the team celebrated my birthday… I’ve never felt a shock like that in my life.”

Leal’s release leaves Pittsburgh with just two members of its 2022 draft class still on the roster: wide receiver Calvin Austin III and tight end Connor Heyward. It also highlights the harsh churn of NFL roster building.

With 66 career tackles and 2.5 sacks, Leal showed bursts of athleticism and versatility but never fully secured a long-term role. Rookie Jack Sawyer and breakout OLB Eku Leota ultimately pushed him out of contention.

Whether Leal lands back on the Steelers’ practice squad or finds a fresh start elsewhere, the timing of his release will be remembered — not just as a business move, but as a brutal personal moment.

Massive Boost Incoming: Cowboys 90 Tackles, 5 Sacks Nears Return, Practice Window Expected to Open Later This Month
Massive Boost: Cowboys 90-Tackles, 5-Sacks Nears Return, Practice Window Expected to Open Later This Month FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys could be on the verge of regaining one of their most inspiring and dynamic defenders. Linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, the team’s reigning Ed Block Courage Award winner, is nearing a long-awaited return to the field after recovering from a devastating triple-ligament knee injury. According to multiple reports, Overshown had another positive checkup this week with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. The Cowboys expect to open his practice window later this month, setting the stage for a potential return to game action by November. Overshown remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, and once his 21-day practice window begins, Dallas will have to decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or keep him sidelined for the year. But the signs are overwhelmingly positive. “We’re getting close,” said offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. “You don’t have to worry about D-Mo — he’s always gonna be engaged. He’s a guy that’s going to beat most markers. I do think the timing is getting closer.” Overshown’s recovery has been one of grit and determination. The young linebacker tore his ACL, PCL, and MCL last year — a brutal injury that ended what was shaping up to be a breakout season. Before the setback, he had tallied 90 tackles, 5 sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 defensive touchdown, quickly emerging as one of the Cowboys’ most versatile playmakers. His relentless work ethic through rehab earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike, culminating in the Ed Block Courage Award, given annually to one player per NFL team who exemplifies courage, sportsmanship, and inspiration. Now, after more than a year of recovery and relentless effort, Overshown appears ready to reclaim his role in Dan Quinn’s defense — and potentially re-energize a Cowboys front seven that’s been searching for another spark alongside Micah Parsons. If all goes as expected, November could mark the return of one of Dallas’ most resilient stories — and one of their most promising defensive weapons.