Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ rookie defensive tackle let it all out on the field against the Carolina Panthers.
CHARLOTTE — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black had a night to remember in the team’s preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers.
The No. 164 overall pick in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft recorded five tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble in the Steelers’ 19-10 win over the Panthers, and he literally let it all out on the field following his first NFL sack.
After bringing down Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins for an eight-yard setback on a 2nd-and-9, Black let out his stomach from a No. 78 practice jersey a size or two too small for him and rubbed it.
“To be honest with you, no,” Black answered when asked if he had planned the celebration. “It’s whatever came natural. The belly rub was it. … Free the gut, man. Always.”
Black has already come a long way in his football career. He reportedly arrived to Iowa at just 250 pounds but put a ton of work into his strength training and now stands at 6-foot-6, 336 pounds.
The 23-year-old has continued to make strides throughout the summer, too.
“We like Yahya’s progress,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said on Monday. “As you guys know, he is not a little man. When he really learns how to use all the tools at his disposal, he’s going to be a load inside.”
Black is no stranger to putting in the work to see results. He did just that with the Hawkeyes, racking up 117 tackles (51 solo), 5.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and nine passes defensed over the past five years.
That’s why he isn’t surprised about his breakout performance in Carolina and plans to continue building with the start to the regular season right around the corner.
“Just growing and getting better,” Black said. “Come in every day and try to work on your skillset.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Charlotte.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie DT Reflects on Breakout Performance: ‘Free the Gut’
