3 reasons Steelers fans should expect big things from Joey Porter Jr. in 2023

As we anticipate the Steelers' 2023 season and look into their roster, our focus naturally shifts toward the rookies, given the unpredictability of their NFL performance. Joey Porter Jr. is undoubtedly at the peak of the rookies I'm eager to watch.

My interest is largely fueled by the family ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers through Joey Porter Sr., my favorite defensive player of his time. However, it's equally intriguing to watch Porter Jr. carve out his unique journey in the NFL, contributing to the Steelers' legacy in his distinctive way.

With this in mind, I present three reasons Steelers fans should expect big things from the rookie cornerback as the Steelers 2023 season is just around the corner, with Training Camp less than a week away.

3. Porter embodies the physicality of a Pittsburgh Steeler

When you think of the Pittsburgh Steelers, certain words come to mind: grit, toughness, strength. The franchise has built its reputation on hard-nosed, physical football. The Steel Curtain. The Terrible Towel. It's a legacy passed down from generation to generation, from "Mean" Joe Greene to Troy Polamalu. It's hard not to think Joey Porter Jr. is next in line for being what embodies being a Steeler.

Porter Jr. takes after his father, Joey Porter Sr., who left his mark in Pittsburgh. But Porter Jr. is carving out his path, defined by his physicality and toughness at the line of scrimmage. He's a disruptor, a player who thrives on the physical contest, who appreciates the opportunity to go toe-to-toe with receivers and throw them off their game.

But Porter Jr.'s physicality isn't just about his strength. It's about his mental toughness, willingness to engage in the physical contest play after play. It's about his ability to bounce back from a tough play and line up ready to do it again. This is the kind of physicality that has defined the Steelers for decades. It's the kind of physicality that wins games, earns respect, and builds legacies. This mindset also can rub off on others in the locker room.