Nick Herbig has been the talk of the town in Pittsburgh since minicamp started on Tuesday. In a day that started with news of a possible hold-in quickly turned into the news of him signing a $100 million extension. While reactions have ranged from the Steelers having a deep edge rusher group this year to the possible financial issues next year, one former NFL player is very excited to have him locked down for the foreseeable future.
Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was very complimentary of Herbig on the “New Heights” podcast on Wednesday.
Steelers LB Nick Herbig Receives Big Compliment From Eagles Icon
Jason Kelce Loves How Nick Herbig Can Help the Steelers in 2026
“This kid’s like a f****** g****** badger. I’ve gotta give him a shout out,” Kelce said on the podcast. “He’s started some games when guys have gotten hurt, but he just flashes and makes plays. I’m telling you he’s a stud. He’s a disruptor. I love the way he plays.”
Any time a current player is complimented by a former one, it’s almost always sincere. Hearing it come from someone like Kelce, who has played against and watched his teammates prepare for some of the best edge rushers in football over the years, makes his compliment even more meaningful. Herbig should wear this compliment as a badge of honor.
Herbig’s versatility has certainly helped him take advantage of his opportunities for the Steelers. He has filled in as a starter when necessary but also thrives coming off the bench in place of Alex Highsmith, whose spot Herbig could be in line to take next year, or T.J. Watt.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was apparently unaware of Herbig or his success based on the moments that followed Jason discussing his excitement toward Herbig. To be fair to Travis Kelce, the two have only gone head-to-head once on Christmas Day in 2024, and Herbig was a non-factor in that game for Pittsburgh.
Keep in mind, Herbig is only 24 years old and won’t turn 25 until November. He still has so much untapped potential to grow into a major role for Pittsburgh for years to come. Jason Kelce already jumped on Herbig hype train, and it’s only a matter of time before other former players do as well.
Nick Herbig Has a Major Opportunity to Succeed This Year
With the contract situation out of the way, Herbig can now solely focus on playing football. He’s looking to build on his performances from last season, which saw him finish with a career high of 7.5 sacks. It’s a total that has increased in each of his first three seasons in the NFL, and he now has the chance to reach double digits for the first time in his career.
Herbig should see the field plenty under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who has quickly developed a reputation for wanting to be unpredictable. That’s a breath of fresh air for many Steelers fans who believed the former coaching staff’s scheme was stale. He believes locking down some of his defensive teammates who are also on the rise will help make himself and the team even better.
“It was our class that really set it off, and I think we got a bunch of dogs in there,” Herbig told Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports. “I’m excited. I think some things are going to happen.”
Darnell Washington has his contract despite being on the other side of the ball, and it’s seemingly only a matter of time before stellar corner Joey Porter Jr. gets his extension as well.
Main Photo Courtesy of Charles LeClaire – Imagn Images
