It’s been a good past 365 days for former Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr.
In April, Porter achieved his dream of being selected in the NFL Draft.
Better yet, he went to the team his father was an All-Pro for: The Pittsburgh Steelers.
As the season progressed, Porter became one of Pittsburgh’s starting corners, and developed into one of the league’s better rookies. Although his 2023 season ended in disappointment, with him leaving the field due to injury in Pittsburgh’s wildcard playoff loss to the Bills in Buffalo, overall, it was a big positive for Porter. His play earned him an All-Rookie team selection.
Porter started 11 straight games to close the regular season, and also started the Steelers’ playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. Not only was he starting, but he frequently shadowed opposing teams’ top wide receivers, starting with DeAndre Hopkins of the Tennessee Titans in Week 9 and continuing through Amari Cooper of the Cleveland Browns, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals, Hollywood Brown of the Arizona Cardinals, DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks and Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills.
Porter finished the regular season with 43 tackles, one for a loss, 10 passes defended and one interception, a game-changing pick in the end zone off Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5. Jackson went on to become the NFL MVP.
Porter is the first Steelers All-Rookie selection since 2021, when running back Najee Harris and punter Pressley Harvin III were both honored. Kenny Pickett and George Pickens did not make the team last season.
