After a resounding victory over the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the latter stages of the 2023 regular season. If they can win the remaining games, they still have a chance to qualify for the postseason.

Despite the season’s ups and downs, there have been a few recurring high points. Since many of them have already established important roles and are playing quite well, they have primarily been the Steelers’ rookies. None of them, though, has contributed more this season than Joey Porter Jr.

Is Porter actually receiving the credit he merits? Most likely not. Because of his exceptional play throughout the season, he stands out among the Steelers secondary players, particularly in light of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s numerous game absences this season due to injury.

Even Ben Roethlisberger, the former quarterback for the Steelers, has taken notice of Porter’s play. During his most recent appearance on the Footbahlin podcast, Roethlisberger discussed the success Porter has had this season and the potential upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks and D.K. Metcalf.

In this case, Roethisberger is entirely accurate. Being a physically strong player, Porter has embraced the challenge of strengthening his tackling, which was his main area of weakness entering the season. Although he has performed as well as any rookie in the NFL, he will sadly not have the numbers to be a strong candidate for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.