Devin Bush’s splash performance is reopening an old wound for Steelers fans

NFL fans love a development story. Even when it involves a player who once wore the jersey of a rival—or worse, a former favorite who never quite became what we hoped. Devin Bush’s resurgence with the Cleveland Browns is one of those stories that forces you to pause, reflect, and admit that football journeys are rarely linear.

For Pittsburgh Steelers fans, Bush’s name still carries layered emotions.

Drafted 10th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft, he arrived in Pittsburgh with sky-high expectations. Speed, sideline-to-sideline range, and a fearless downhill presence made him feel like the modern linebacker the franchise had been searching for. His rookie season only fueled that optimism. Bush played fast, instinctive football and looked like a long-term anchor in the middle of the Steelers’ defense.

Then reality hit. Injuries, most notably the torn ACL in 2020, disrupted his development. Confidence wavered. His role became uncertain. By the time his four-year stint in Pittsburgh ended, it was clear that the marriage had fallen short of franchise expectations. For a first-round pick in a city that takes defense personally, “solid” was never going to be enough. Eventually, both sides needed a reset.

That reset came in Cleveland.

Now with the Browns, Bush has quietly—and emphatically—rebuilt his career. This season, he has eclipsed 100 total tackles and recorded two interceptions for the first time since his rookie year in Pittsburgh.

Those numbers matter, but the moments matter more. None bigger than his 97-yard interception return against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

Devin Bush’s success with Browns makes Pittsburgh Steelers look silly for giving up on first-round talent

It was a flash of instinct, awareness, and hunger—traits that once made Steelers fans believe he was special.

What stood out to me most about that play wasn’t just the athleticism. It was the effort. The game situation could have easily dulled the edge for some players, but Bush attacked the moment like it mattered deeply. That hunger reminded Steelers fans of the promise they once saw—the same energy that had fans buzzing during his early days in black and gold.

Seeing Bush thrive doesn’t surprise me.

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Sometimes a player doesn’t need more talent or more coaching—just a different environment and a chance to breathe. Cleveland has allowed Bush to play freer, react instead of overthink, and trust his abilities again. He’s become a cornerstone of the Browns’ defense, not because of hype, but because of consistent, meaningful production.

Of course, there’s no denying the sting. Watching a former first-round investment blossom with an AFC North rival is never easy. Steelers fans are wired to measure success through divisional dominance, and Bush’s success directly benefits a team Pittsburgh sees twice a year. That part will always feel uncomfortable.

Still, football is a human game before it’s a rivalry. Devin Bush’s story is proof that setbacks don’t have to define a career. His rebirth in Cleveland is commendable, earned, and frankly refreshing. While it may hurt to see him thrive in brown and orange, it’s hard not to root for a player who refused to let his story end prematurely.

Sometimes growth just happens somewhere else.