Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie defensive tackle Yahya Black has been fined $5,194 by the NFL for an “obscene gesture” during Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions.
For some reason, Black flipped off the Lions’ sideline after a play in the first quarter. It was probably targeted at a specific player.
The CBS cameras caught Black red-handed.
#Steelers DT Yahya Black was fined $5,194 for his obscene gesture against the #Lions.
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) December 27, 2025
Black was selected by the Steelers in the fifth-round (No. 164 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft following a trade down with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He stands at a massive, 6-foot-6, 336 pounds and was drafted to help Pittsburgh’s run defense woes.
“He’s a big chassis. There’s F-150s, he’s like an F-350. He’s a big man and really stout against the run,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “You can always use a skill set like that, certainly.”
Black has served as the Steelers’ top rotational defensive lineman since Isaiahh Loudermilk suffered an injury that landed him on injured reserve in Week 1.
Pointing out the largest player on the Steelers’ roster, 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 earlier this year. “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 grew 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.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Rookie Receives Fine for Obscene Gesture
