No Half-Assing It With Herbig

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published August 5, 2025, 5:14 PM

LATROBE, Pa. – There’s no mistaking the confidence and clarity in Nick Herbig’s voice. The third-year linebacker has dazzled in Steelers training camp this summer with his burst and flexibility off the edge and he’s speaking his goals into existence.

This isn’t a guy content with being just another guy. Herbig doesn’t want to be a half-ass, run-of-the-mill player. His sights are set on Canton. He knows what’s expected in Pittsburgh and he’s chasing something much bigger than a roster spot or solid season.

“I’m trying to be a legendary (player) of Steelers football. I’m trying to be in the Hall of Fame,” Herbig said, with all the sincerity of someone who believes in putting in the work to back it up.

This isn’t empty talk. It’s rooted in Herbig’s environment a locker room stacked with icons and mentors and in his growth since arriving in Pittsburgh. Surrounded by the likes of T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward, Herbig is developing in a defensive incubator rich with elite talent and tradition.

“I think it’s, you know what’s expected? And I’m in year three now, you know, I’m not a rookie. I’m not in year two,” Herbig said. “So, there’s big things expected, and I take that with great honor. The standard is the standard. So, you know, I’m trying to reach that level.”

Herbig recognizes the standard as the standard.

So far in camp, Herbig’s play has matched his words. He’s continued to show elite edge traits, namely his explosion off the line and the uncanny ability to dip and bend under tackles. That bend, the kind that ruins pockets and frustrates quarterbacks, is hard to teach. Herbig’s got it in spades.

What’s even more dangerous? He’s combining those traits with the preparation and mindset modeled by All-Pros around him.

“We got a bunch of dudes out there that play a ton of football, ton of experience. Got some Hall of Famers on the team already,” he said. “Just having guys like that leading the charge… that’s motivation. Like seeing how T.J. and Cam go through their day — that’s how I want to be.”

Steelers Nation has seen this story before a young, hungry defender learning from legends, building himself up brick by brick. But Herbig’s arc has a different twist. His voice, his presence, and his ability to connect on a deeper level with teammates is part of what’s making him a true ascending figure in this locker room.

Even in casual moments, Herbig’s passion for the team shows.

“Yeah. I mean, I, like, literally, me and DK [Metcalf] were just talking about that, walking up the hill,” Herbig shared. “It’s like a family, bro. We really feel like connected on a deeper level than just teammates… Like, playing for Coach T (Tomlin), you want to give him everything you got. Because you know he’s got your back.”

There’s a fire in Herbig right now fueled by legacy, faith in the system, and a belief that his time is coming. Year three could be the leap. He’s learning from the best. He’s playing fast.

And most importantly, he’s aiming high like Canton, Pro Football Hall of Fame high. 

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com