Steelers Rookie LB Declares: Coming to Pittsburgh Wasn’t About the Money

In a league where rookies often talk about signing bonuses and proving draft value, one young linebacker in Pittsburgh is doing the opposite. He’s not flashing, not chasing headlines — just grinding. Because for him, it’s not about the paycheck. It’s about the jersey.

Through the early days of camp, he’s stood out not just for his physicality, but for how he carries himself. Always early. Always vocal. Always locked in. And when asked about what’s driving him, his answer didn’t come from a script — it came from something deeper.

“It’s not about the money,” he said.
“The kind of money I’ve got at home? My family won’t finish spending it in three lifetimes. I came to Pittsburgh because I love this team — and playing for the Steelers fuels me in a way money never could.”

Rookie Carson Bruener, a seventh-round pick out of Washington (No. 241 overall) who’s rapidly turning heads in Latrobe. He’s earning respect not just from where he came from — but from how he shows up. Coaches are already rotating him into first-team special teams reps. Veterans are taking notice.

Bruener’s voice isn’t the loudest in the room, but his intent is. Whether it’s shadowing a coach during drills or stepping in to calm a younger teammate, his leadership instincts are surfacing fast. It’s the kind of tone that usually takes years to build.

“At this point, it’s not about proving anything,” he added.
“It’s about honoring the jersey, and the people who gave me this shot.”

It’s not about headlines. It’s not about checks. It’s about the standard. The city. The weight of the emblem on his chest.

And that’s why, in a sport that constantly pushes players to look ahead, Carson Bruener keeps his eyes right here — locked in on Pittsburgh, and nothing else.