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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.

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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.

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Eagles Legend Wants to Withdraw from Eagles Hall of Fame If Kevin Patullo Isn't Fired
Can you believe it? A living legend of the Philadelphia Eagles, LeSean McCoy, is "rebelling" and threatening to withdraw from the Eagles Hall of Fame – the place that honors his great contributions! The reason? All because of offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo! What's happening with this legendary team? Read now for the hottest NFL "drama"! On his Speakeasy show, McCoy "dropped a bomb" with a shocking statement: “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street.” (Translation: "Remove me. No one has ever asked. I'm going to say 'Mr. Lurie, it's either me or Kevin'. If Kevin isn't fired, put number 25 back on the street.") Number 25 – McCoy's legendary jersey number – could be "kicked out" of the Hall of Fame if Patullo remains in position? This isn't a joke, but a direct challenge to team owner Jeffrey Lurie! This "extreme" demand stems from extreme disappointment with the disastrous performance of the Eagles' offense under Patullo. The team that once "soared high" is now "free-falling" with silly mistakes, and McCoy isn't the only one "furious." Even Josh Reynolds "cursed" Patullo: “Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed…” (Translation: "Kevin Patullo should never see the light of day again for the crimes he’s committed...") Is Patullo the "culprit" causing the Eagles to "sink"? Look at the "tragedy" of quarterback Jalen Hurts: In the most recent Monday Night Football game, he threw three interceptions – one of which was blamed on AJ Brown! Comparing this year's offensive stats to last year? Worlds apart! The problem isn't just the weak offensive line, but also the play-caller – Patullo is "miserably compared" to Kellen Moore, who once elevated the offense to new heights. The article points out: The Eagles are repeating a "historical curse" – the offense always "collapses" after losing a good coordinator, like in previous Super Bowl runs. Nick Sirianni is heavily criticized for the decision to hire Patullo: "A fatal mistake"! 👀 Eagles legend LeSean McCoy says if #Eagles do not fire OC Kevin Patullo he wants out of Hall of Fame “Take me off. Nobody has ever asked. I’m going to say ‘Mr. Lurie, it’s either me or Kevin’. If Kevin is not fired, put 25 back out there on the street”📸 @speakeasytlkshw pic.twitter.com/DcOkLiQejA — Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) December 10, 2025 And the "darkest" data: In shotgun formation (51 plays), the Eagles only achieved 4.2 yards/play, 2.2 yards/rush, 5.2 yards/pass, with 4 "stupid" interceptions. But under center (15 plays)? Explosive with 10.2 yards/play, 8.8 yards/rush, 16.0 yards/pass, and 0 interceptions! Clearly, the offense performs "miraculously" better when balanced – so why is Patullo still "stubbornly persisting" with the outdated play style? Eagles fans are "boiling with rage": Will the team listen to McCoy and "deal with" Patullo to save the season? This drama is "exploding" on social media! McCoy – with his illustrious career at the Eagles – is he really withdrawing from the Hall of Fame? Or is this a "ploy" to push for change? Who will Jeffrey Lurie choose: The legend or the "culprit"? Don't miss out – follow now to see the "shocking" outcome of the Eagles' internal war! What do you think, comment below!