Legendary Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu Had A Very Key Part In Joey Porter Jr Ending Up In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers ensured a homecoming of sorts when they went to the podium and announced Joey Porter Jr. as the 32nd overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Porter Jr. was born in California, but his dad, Joey Porter Sr., forged a legacy in Pittsburgh as a fearsome edge rusher from 1999 to 2006. Porter Jr. played his high school football in Pittsburgh, and legendary safety Troy Polamalu played a role in getting him back home to play where he did during his teenage years. 

Polamalu joined Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Brain Batko on the Chipped Ham and Football podcast on Tuesday and shared the story of how he helped the Steelers' 2023 Joe Greene Award winner play his high school football in the Steel City. Porter Jr. played for North Catholic in Cranberry Township before he transferred to North Allegheny for his junior and senior years. 

"It's funny because Joey was using my address to make sure he went to..." Polamalu started saying before he tailed off into laughter. "It comes full circle. We had to make sure he stayed in Pittsburgh. I'm so happy for Joey and his entire family."     

The Steelers eased Polamalu in as a rookie in 2003. The 16th overall pick in the 2003 draft didn't start a single game in his first year, but did play in all 16 games. The team took a similar approach to Porter Jr.'s development, but not an identical one. Porter Jr. got playing time early in the season, but didn't make his first start until Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He started every game for the rest of the season and earned the trust of Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin and Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

Porter Jr. has become the Steelers' top cornerback, and that's been a position the team has been trying to fill for a while now. He was eager for the challenge to guard the opposition's best receiver and proved in 2023 that he was up to the task. Porter allowed only one touchdown in 807 defensive snaps according to Pro Football Reference, while only letting 47.6% of passes lead to completions. He also finished third on the team, behind Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace, with 10 passes defended 

Porter Jr. was knocked coming out of college for his lack of interceptions. He had only one that came against the Baltimore Ravens, but it came at a crucial moment as the Ravens were driving to score and potentially go up 17-8. Instead, Porter Jr. grabbed a pass intended for Odell Beckham Jr., and Kenny Pickett connected with George Pickens for the game-winning score shortly after.

Steelers' Polamalu Part Of Family Supporting Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh  

Porter Jr. is not short of mentors. The obvious one is his dad, but plenty of other former and current Steelers are a part of the 23-year-old's support system. Peterson, who is likely destined to have a bust in Canton one day, is one of the current Steelers that has taken Porter Jr. under his wing. 

Polamalu said that he and his family are trying to take more trips to Pittsburgh in recent years, and that should give him a chance to pass on some of his wisdom. The 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year won't be alone in sharing his knowledge or providing support. 

"We're all here to support him as an uncle to him, as an older brother in a way, as a Steeler," Polamalu said. "I'm so happy for his success."  

Porter Jr. has just started to forge his legacy in the Black and Gold. He had an excellent rookie season, and will now need to use his first NFL offseason to build on what he learned. His number one thing to work on as his career moves forward will be cutting down on the penalties. He had eight flags accepted against him for a total of 100 yards.