Success in the National Football League depends on two things — preparation and rhythm. The best players know how to stay proactive, even when roadblocks inevitably arise. The Pittsburgh Steelers understand this well. Through the early part of the 2025 season, an untimely wave of injuries threatened to derail their rhythm and test their depth before the team could build any real momentum.
But as Mike Tomlin’s group continues to battle through adversity, their 23–9 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 was a reminder of what makes this franchise special — resilience, accountability, and a mentality that has long defined Steelers football.
Among those who embody that mentality best is All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
The veteran defensive back missed time earlier in the season with a nagging hamstring injury, a frustrating setback for one of the league’s fiercest competitors. But true to his reputation, Ramsey refused to let it sideline him for long. He attacked his recovery with the same intensity and focus that made him a first-round pick out of Florida State and one of the NFL’s premier defensive leaders.
On Sunday, all that hard work paid off.
Against Cleveland, Ramsey delivered a vintage performance — two sacks, six tackles, and a level of physicality that set the tone for the entire defense. In fact, he outpaced even T.J. Watt in sacks for the afternoon, helping Teryl Austin’s unit stifle Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a motivated superstar in Jalen Ramsey
Mike Tomlin made sure everyone understood just how much that performance meant.
“It’s certainly a shining example of what professional football is about,” Tomlin told reporters during his Monday press conference. “But I doubt that any of us are surprised by it. That’s very consistent behavior with what he’s displayed throughout his career. Personally, for a guy like me who’s scouted him since he was at Florida State, I certainly know that’s a component of his football character. So, I’m not surprised by it — but it doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate it.”
Coming from Tomlin, that’s high praise — and it’s earned. The Steelers head coach has built his career on recognizing and nurturing football character, and Ramsey’s relentless effort and mental toughness perfectly fit that mold.
READ MORE: Steelers leave rest of AFC North in the dust after Week 6 action
Through five games this season, Ramsey has posted two sacks, one interception, and four pass deflections — impressive numbers for a player who missed time and is still finding his groove within Austin’s defensive scheme.
But more than the stats, his leadership and edge have helped elevate the entire secondary. Younger players like Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr. have benefited from his example, learning firsthand what it takes to sustain success in the NFL.
Tomlin’s acknowledgment of Ramsey’s dedication wasn’t just coach-speak — it was a reflection of what this team stands for. The Steelers know that talent alone doesn’t win championships. Discipline, resilience, and accountability do.
If Ramsey continues to play at this level — and stay healthy — his impact could carry far beyond the box score. As the Steelers push deeper into the season and continue their pursuit of the AFC North crown, Ramsey’s leadership and grit might just be the difference between a good defense and a great one.
And if you ask Mike Tomlin, that’s exactly what he expects.