Camp Countdown: Rookie Carson Bruener
by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 2, 2025, 9:19 AM
The son of an NFL player making it to the National Football League is a rare achievement. When the opportunity arises, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown pride in keeping that kind of pedigree in Black and Gold.
In 2023, the Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr., the son of former All-Pro linebacker Joey Porter, who was a third-round pick by Pittsburgh in 1999. Today, brothers Cameron and Connor Heyward sons of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward share neighboring lockers at the Steelers’ practice facility.
So, it wasn’t surprising when, midway through the final round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh called the name of Carson Bruener the son of former Steelers tight end and current team scout Mark Bruener.
What they got was far more than a familiar name.
Bruener’s first taste of college football came in 2021 during Washington’s 52–3 blowout win over Arkansas State. Seeing the field in the fourth quarter, the young linebacker made an immediate impression racking up eight tackles in a single quarter.
“It was the fourth quarter. That seemed like yesterday, man. Yeah, I only played one quarter in that game. You were, like, headed on fire. Oh, yeah. I mean, I was young out there. I knew the plays. But also, it was something where I’m just I mean, it was almost like a blackout. You go out there, just playing ball: find ball, get ball, tackle ball. Yeah, that’s what it is. But I’ll be honest, that feels like a long time ago.”
He credits a pivotal moment in his childhood to the intuition of his mother, Traci. Growing up in Houston, he was the smallest kid on the field — but that changed thanks to a decision she made early in his life.
“Actually, right when I started, I was the smallest and youngest kid when I lived in Houston,” Bruener said. “When I came up here, my mom held me back in second grade she did it for sports, and it seemed like it worked out. I was never the biggest kid, but I was always pretty athletic. So, I became more of the older, skilled guy running back and linebacker, basically my whole life.”
Her foresight gave Carson the time to grow, both physically and mentally, a decision that would quietly shape the trajectory of his football journey.
Bruener is a football lifer who’s seen the game from every angle. “I played offensive line my first year,” Bruener recalled. “I played every position receiver, tight end, kicker, punter. Linebacker became the one constant. Going into my sophomore year, I started on varsity on both sides of the ball. I knew I excelled at linebacker. Offense, I loved it and loved getting the ball and scoring touchdowns but defense, I just felt a little bit better at. Then I got my first Division I offer after my sophomore season… and that was for linebacker. That’s when I knew I needed to focus on it.”
His decision paid off. By the end of his time at the University of Washington, Bruener had established himself as a physical, high-IQ linebacker. In his final season, he totaled 104 tackles, three interceptions, and five passes defended showcasing range, awareness, and a natural feel for the game. At the NFL Combine, he clocked a 1.57-second 10-yard split a measure of short-area explosiveness that confirmed what tape had already shown.
But what really separates Bruener isn’t just tape or testing it’s his football brain. He’s a player who’s been almost everyone on the field.
“I feel like I’m someone that you can throw in any position, and you’re gonna get 110%,” Bruener said. “I mean, I’ve kicked before. I’ve played receiver, tight end, running back, offensive line. Now I’m even learning how to long snap.”
He jokes that long snapping isn’t likely to be asked of him but nonetheless this football savvy rookie is intensely dialed in to becoming the best equipped player he can be. That willingness to learn and contribute anywhere speaks volumes, especially for a rookie trying to make a name on special teams. Bruener isn’t just embracing the grind. He’s aiming for excellence.
“Being a four-down linebacker, being an All-Pro special team’s player that’s something I’ve got goals set for myself.”
The Steelers have long valued lunch-pail defenders who thrive on special teams, grow into bigger roles, and don’t need the spotlight to shine. Bruener fits the mold with one extra layer of motivation: legacy.
His father, Mark Bruener, spent 14 years in the NFL as a bruising tight end including his first nine seasons with the Steelers. For Carson, though, his dad hasn’t been a shadow or a critic. He’s been a rock.
“I’d say he’s more my biggest fan than critic,” Carson said. “He’ll help me out when needed, but at the end of the day, he’s always there to support me. He’s helped me a lot throughout this entire journey, and I appreciate him for that.”
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
