Steelers Cut Former Third-Round Pick Hours After Birthday Tribute, Player Left Speechless
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.
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.
May You Like
Latest Posts
Popular Posts
