Joey Porter Jr. Impresses During Steelers’ First Padded Practice

Joey Porter Jr. wasted no time making an impression during the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first padded practice of 2025.

Under a blazing Latrobe, Penn. sun, the third-year corner set the tone early, logging three run stops and sparking a scuffle with veteran wideout Robert Woods, as reported by Jarrett Bailey of Behind the Steel Curtain. The physicality came as no surprise, but the consistency did — Porter looked sharp, aggressive and fully engaged throughout team drills.

After a 2024 season marred by penalties, it was exactly the kind of showing he needed. Porter was flagged 17 times last year, including six against the Bengals in one game. He finished the season with 70 tackles, one interception and 653 yards allowed in coverage — far from the breakout many expected after his standout rookie campaign.

That rookie year showed promise. Porter cracked the starting lineup by Week 8 and earned PFWA All-Rookie honors, finishing with 42 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a pick against Baltimore. Coach Mike Tomlin praised his competitiveness, calling it a “great place to build from.”

Now, with All-Pros Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey in the building as mentors, Porter is trying to level up. “They say he can’t catch, but we’re gonna fix that,” Slay told ESPN’s Mina Kimes. Porter has just two interceptions across two seasons but welcomes the challenge.

Drafted 32nd overall in 2023, Porter still carries the edge of someone passed over. “I came into the league with a chip on my shoulder,” he said.

That chip remains. But after Wednesday’s statement practice, it looks like Porter may finally be turning that chip into growth.

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