Steelers rookie DL Isaiahh Loudermilk has an inspiring backstory

The Steelers traded up in the NFL Draft to get Wisconsin DL Isaiahh Loudermilk, but many aren’t aware of his inspiring backstory. 

Is there a team in the league that values big, long defensive linemen as much as the Pittsburgh Steelers. For decades, Pittsburgh has coveted long, powerful defensive lineman that could play the 5-technique role in their 3-4 defense and hold up against the point of attack. Over the years, the team has gone from players like Kimo von Oelhoffen, Aaron Smith, and Brett Keisel to Cameron Heyward, Stephon Tuitt, and Chris Wormley.

Despite the defensive line being arguably the strongest position group on the team entering the 2021 season, the Steelers went out of their way to add another monstrous defensive lineman in Wisconsin’s Isaiahh Loudermilk. To acquire him, Pittsburgh was forced to trade a fourth-round pick in 2022, and many viewed this as a reach. However, the Steelers apparently have big plans for Loudermilk.

Isaiahh Loudermilk’s uncommon road to the NFL

Many fans may not be fully aware of Loudermilk’s inspiring backstory that includes an incredibly unlikely road to the NFL. Loudermilk was raised by a single mother in the incredibly small town of Howard, Kansas. As of this year, the population in Howard is 602, according to Kansas.com, and Loudermilk’s former West Elk High School has a current enrollment of just 122 students.

Because he was part of such a small town, West Elk didn’t have a  traditional football team. They were forced to play in an 8-man football with schools from the surrounding areas. While it seems like it would be impossible for a small-town kid to get noticed by college programs while playing 8-man football, a 6’6” Isaiahh Loudermilk stood out like a sore thumb and dominated the competition.

According to Wichita State athletics beat reporter Taylor Eldridge, Loudermilk thought he would have had a better chance at going pro in basketball – a sport he half-expected to earn a scholarship for out of high school. However, Wisconsin offered him a scholarship to play Division I football, and he went on to become a 5th-round pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

How Steelers could use Loudermilk

Loudermilk’s short-term outlook in Pittsburgh is a bit murky, as the team has plenty of depth to go around at the moment. Obviously, Stephon Tuitt and Cameron Heyward are going to consume a bulk of the snaps along the defensive line, while Tyson Alualu will resume his role as the nose tackle in base defense, as well as rotate in during nickel situations. Chris Wormley was also re-signed this offseason and will find himself spelling Tuitt and Heyward of snaps.

Loudermilk may not quite be ‘NFL ready’, but after investing a 2022 4th-round pick to move back up for him, the former Wisconsin defensive lineman should not be in jeopardy of missing out on a roster spot. Still, his role in 2021 could be very limited – most likely as a reserve defensive lineman and special teams player.

Down the road, however, Loudermilk will be given a chance to prove his worth. A 32-year-old Cameron Heyward isn’t going to last forever, and the Steelers will be looking for a 5-tech who they can pair with Stephon Tuitt. Though they could very well attempt to select a quality prospect in coming NFL Drafts, perhaps Loudermilk will eventually get the opportunity to compete for this gig, if all goes well.

No matter what happens with Isaiahh Loudermilk moving forward, it’s inspiring to hear about his backstory and his very uncommon road to the NFL. The former 8-man-league high school football player will be going against the best players in the world this fall, and it will be interesting to see if he is up to the task.