Steelers Rookie LB Says It Was Destiny: “I Was Born to Wear Black and Gold”

The NFL Draft can be a nerve-wracking experience. But for one rookie linebacker, it became an unforgettable chapter in a family legacy—tied to Pittsburgh, black and gold, and a dream come true.

As he sat on the couch with his family in a quiet cabin on the Washington coast, waiting for his name to be called, the tension built with each passing pick. But everything changed when his phone lit up with a 412 area code. Pittsburgh.

The moment was electric. His father, a former Steelers tight end and current scout, sat just a few feet away. As soon as the call came in, the room erupted. Tears flowed. Hugs were shared. The same franchise that drafted his father in 1995 had just called his name nearly three decades later.

“That was one of the longest weekends of my life,” the rookie said, recalling every painstaking moment. “But when that call came… it was all worth it.”

His father didn’t know the Steelers would draft him—making the moment even more powerful. And though the NFL will bring challenges, he says he’s ready. From the speed of the game to the mental grind, he's embracing it all.

What sets this linebacker apart isn’t just his football IQ or physical instincts—it’s his passion. “Some people say I’m not the fastest or strongest, but that’s never mattered to me. I’m always going to be at that ball. It might be ugly. It might be beautiful. But I’ll get there.”

He’s not just fighting for a roster spot—he’s embracing the Steelers way. From defense to special teams, from studying film to bonding in the locker room, the young linebacker wants to contribute in every way possible.

“I love everything about this game. The grind, the relationships, the chance to unleash my passion for this city on the field. This has always been the dream.”

And now, that dream is stitched in black and gold.

Welcome to Pittsburgh, Carson Bruener.