Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pointing out the largest player on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster, Yahya Black gives Cam Heyward a run for his money. The rookie Iowa product is somewhat of an oddball, as well.
And that’s exactly what Mike Tomlin’s team wanted.
“He’s big sexy,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Thursday before practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “He’s a great personality kid, loves ball, engaged, and active. He’s got all the right things. We had him in on a visit, a draft visit, and he was the same guy then that he is now.”
Based on his training camp and preseason, buzz is growing around Black to outperform his fifth-round billing. His physical abilities foreshadow a role that could grow in time.
“I think he’s had some early success because he’s a huge individual and he’s strong and he uses his hands,” Austin said. “I think, when you’re an interior guy that has that type of size and length, when you use your hands and you’re powerful, you can get rid of blocks, (get) off of blocks, you make yourself available to make plays. So, we’re just looking for his growth and continued development.”
#Steelers rookie Yahya Black’s reaction to being nicknamed “Big Sexy” by defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/VVmsOcRiVk
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) September 5, 2025
Austin added that recognizing blocking schemes and how offensive lines approach him will be a big step in Black’s progression. Cam Heyward is a fine example of someone who’s mastered that knowledge.
As he learns, Black has a chance to impress the Steelers’ coaching staff, while fellow rookie Derrick Harmon bides his time with a knee injury and Heyward’s game-day availability remains uncertain due to contractual reasons.
“They’re opportunities,” Black said Thursday after practice. “I got to show a little bit of my skillset and really just starting to work on my craft. … I had the confidence. I was brought in for a reason and the confidence is there. You can’t let it lack.”
As for his new nickname, given by the fact that he prefers to let his stomach spill out of his jersey and rubs it after a sack, Black beamed.
“What? Oh, word,” Black said. “I like it, I like it.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Banking on Development of ‘Big Sexy’ Rookie
