Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. reveals how his team has set him up for success in the NFL.
PITTSBURGH — Third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is one of the more promising defenders on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He attributes his early success in the NFL to something not a lot of younger players get: The opportunity to learn from multiple vets.
The Steelers signed 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year deal this offseason, but Porter revealed that the addition of Slay will have lasting effects on him past just the 2025 season.
“I told him I used to watch his tape growing up,” Porter said. “I know a lot of guys don’t like when I say that because they feel old, but he’s been in this league for a long time. He’s a great vet. I’ve had some great vets before him. I’m just happy to have him in the building and keep learning from him.”
Slay isn’t the first veteran that Porter has had the chance to learn from to start his NFL career. As a rookie, Porter got to work with likely future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson. In 2024, he got to learn from Donte Jackson, who led Pittsburgh with five interceptions.
Getting the chance to learn from three highly-experienced vets in the first three years of a player’s career is not something that happens often. However, Porter thinks his relationship with them off the field could be even more valuable.
“I just get to make longtime friends,” Porter said. “I can call Pat Pete any day of the week. I can call Donte any day of the week. Now I’m gonna make that relationship with Slay where it can be the same thing. It’s not just on the field, but off-the-field connections.”
Porter is entering an important year. He has a contract coming up next offseason, and if he wants to be paid like a top cornerback in the NFL, he will have to play like one in 2025.
Last season, Porter was the most penalized cornerback in the league, but having a Super Bowl champion to learn from in Slay could make all the difference.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Joey Porter Jr. Reveals Unique Advantage He’s Had to Start NFL Career
