The Fire Starter

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 31, 2025, 5:03 PM

LATROBE, Pa. – The Steelers moved practice up to 10 a.m. to beat an incoming storm. But the real disruption didn’t come from the sky it came in the form of No. 5.

Since his arrival via trade earlier this summer, Jalen Ramsey has brought more than just a résumé. He’s brought an edge. And in just a short time, his presence has sparked something undeniable across the Steelers defense especially in fiery third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

“He’s a fiery guy,” said tight end Pat Freiermuth about the seven-time Pro Bowl selection. “Anytime he’s out there, he wants to compete and help us get better. Five brings an energy with him, no question.”

That energy exploded during one-on-one drills Wednesday morning when Ramsey lined up across from lightning-quick wideout Calvin Austin III. After a failed rep, Ramsey let loose barking expletives across the field and immediately changing the entire tone of practice.

Moments later, Jonnu Smith hauled in a pass over Juan Thornhill and emphatically spiked the ball at his feet. A scuffle broke out and in the center of it? None other than Joey Porter Jr., right in the thick of the melee.

“It’s training camp,” Smith shrugged afterward. “We’re competing, trying to get better. We’re teammates, man this ain’t nothing personal.”

But it was intense and exactly what Ramsey brings to the table.

“Obviously, Jalen brings stuff that not many people can offer around the league,” said second year linebacker Payton Wilson, who already sees the shift in attitude across the defense. “Also (Darius) Slay… but I think it’s fired Joey Porter up a little bit, okay?”

There’s a fire now that’s spreading.

Freiermuth has faced his share of tough defenses in camp since joining the Steelers. But this one? This one might be the most badass yet.

“It’s very talented,” he said. “Going against it for five years, I think this is up there as the best defense I’ve faced in camp. They’ve got a lot of potential, a lot of uniqueness lining up in different ways, playmakers all over.”

And Ramsey is helping elevate that standard not just by example, but by igniting those around him.

And it’s Steelers football at its purest.

Watching this defense day in and day out, it’s hard not to get excited.

There’s a fire spreading in Pittsburgh, and Ramsey is the ‘Fire Starter’

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com