Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers added depth to their interior offensive line ahead of training camp, signing former Michigan center Greg Crippen as an undrafted free agent. Crippen earned his contract following a successful tryout at the team’s rookie minicamp. With veterans firmly entrenched ahead of him, the rookie faces an uphill battle but arrives focused on securing a developmental role on the roster.
The 6-foot-4, 309-pound lineman brings an impressive resume of persistence and high-level college experience to Pittsburgh. After patiently waiting behind future NFL draft picks in Ann Arbor, Crippen ultimately anchored the Wolverines’ front five, starting all 13 games during his final season and earning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors. His calling card throughout his college tenure was a blue-collar approach to improvement—a trait that immediately caught the attention of the Steelers’ front office.
That unrelenting drive defines Crippen’s football journey. Reflecting on the intense preparation required to transition from a dependable reserve to a frontline anchor in the Big Ten, his mindset has always remained simple.
“For me, it’s just doing everything I can to make myself better,” Crippen told the media during his final season in Ann Arbor. “You just have to put your head down and work.”
It is exactly that lunch-pail mentality that gives Crippen a fighting chance in Pittsburgh. While starting center Zach Frazier and veteran Ryan McCollum hold down the top spots on the depth chart, the Steelers have a long, storied history of transforming undrafted trench players into reliable contributors. By showcasing his strong pass-blocking traits and football IQ, Crippen intends to use the upcoming preseason schedule to prove he belongs in the plans for the black and gold.
Acquired: The Steelers added depth to their interior offensive line by signing rookie center Greg Crippen as an undrafted free agent following a successful tryout at the team’s rookie minicamp. The 6-foot-4, 309-pound lineman brings a championship pedigree to the Steel City, having appeared in 41 games and earned a national title ring during his five-year career with the Michigan Wolverines. An honorable mention All-Big Ten selection and four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, Crippen started all 13 games at center for Michigan last season. Known for his high football IQ, solid hands, and reliable pass-blocking traits, the former IMG Academy standout will push for a developmental role on the practice squad as he fights to stick in a crowded Steelers interior depth chart.
Last Year: Crippen completely took over the anchor spot of the Michigan offensive line last season, starting all 13 games at center for the Wolverines. Serving as a graduate student leader in the trenches, Crippen’s cerebral approach and reliable pass protection earned him All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades. Highlighted by a shared team Offensive Player of the Week honor for a dominant road performance at Nebraska, he anchored a frontline that battled through a tough Big Ten slate to finish the year...
