Steelers Now
Undrafted free agent Aiden Williams had an opportunity to reporters after rookie mini-camp about his college career and camp.
**PITTSBURGH–**The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to dip into the 2025 undrafted free agency pool. Shortly after the draft, it was reported that University of Minnesota-Duluth offensive guard Aiden Williams signed with the Steelers. After the rookie mini-camp, Williams had an opportunity to speak to reporters.
Williams stands at an outstanding six-foot-five inches and weighs in at 315 pounds. According to NFL.com, he has the prototype frame to grow into a professional offensive lineman. His journey didn’t necessarily start around at that position. In fact, in started as a skill player.
“[I] played tight end at UMD for three years … the last three years of my career started all three years at offensive line.” Williams said of his career at the collegiate level.
The #Steelers have signed Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth guard Aiden Williams.#NCAADivision2 @aidenw56 pic.twitter.com/90Qkdgu5qu
— J2_D2Podcast (@J2_D2podcast) April 27, 2025
According to Williams, UMD was the only offer he received coming out of high school in his home state of Alaska. That didn’t stop him as he took advantage of every opportunity ahead of him. Before heading to the Steelers, he received words of wisdom from UMD coach Curt Wiese.
“My [college] head coach, Coach Wiese, told me … just work harder than I have ever worked before and you’ll make it … I’m here now, but I haven’t made anything yet.” Williams told reporters.
Williams told reporters in Alaska they didn’t have stadium lights since it is light out all the time. However, what was most unique was his preparation as he played high school ball on Saturdays.
“We played on Saturdays, which is a little unusual for high school football,” Williams said of his high school game scheduling. “It really helped me for the college level playing on Saturdays, but it’s competitive.”
Pittsburgh Steelers OL Aiden Williams (@aidenw56) is wearing number 71. Last assigned to Nate Herbig. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/YGEZjH6Wb6
— NFL Jersey Numbers (@nfl_jersey_num) May 9, 2025
For Williams, as an undrafted free agent, it’s an uphill battle to find a spot on the Steelers 53-man roster. Not only will Williams have to get through mini-camps, but he will also have to survive cut downs after the preseason.
For now, Williams appreciates the opportunities in front of him. He also appreciated the Steelers coaching staff.
“Just roll with every spot on the O-line and just keep working,” Williams said of the plan currently. “I’m very fortunate enough to learn from three of the three top-tier coaches.”
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie OL Aiden Williams Ready to Play Under the Lights
