Steelers fan favorite rookie even grew up rooting for Pittsburgh

UDFA Monte Pottebaum has that Steelers blood in him. He’s been rooting for Pittsburgh since he was a kid.

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently have been working out undrafted free agent Monte Pottebaum, who has been a fan of the black-and-yellow since he was a child.

The Iowa Hawkeyes product could slide onto his first NFL team playing fullback, as he possesses the hard-nosed traits of a strong blocker and has the potential to play a crucial role in facilitating the run game.

Pottebaum went undrafted this year, but that’s not stopping him from achieving his dreams — which is playing for the Steelers, his favorite team growing up.

He told reporters of his lifelong Steelers fandom:

"“Great opportunity to learn from some guys that I’ve been watching growing up really. I was actually a Steelers fan growing up. So it’s pretty surreal that I’m here. Trying to enjoy the moment.”"

Just makes Pottebaum more of a fan-favorite, really.

Steelers UDFA Monte Pottebaum has a strong shot at making the roster

In years past, Pittsburgh has rostered three running backs and one fullback. In the Steelers’ current running back room, the team will most likely give Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren the top two spots while Anthony McFarland battles for the last depth role.

2022 208th overall pick Connor Heyward is expected to handle some backfield work after a productive rookie year that saw him play in all 17 games; Heyward finished with 151 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Heyward, who dabbles in both tight end and fullback duties, has a slight advantage compared to Pottebaum having already gotten one year of experience under his belt.

For Pottebaum and any UDFAs, nothing will come easy.

The mullet-sporting fullback noted how “emotional” it was to get the phone call from the Steelers after the 2023 draft, and he has everything to prove to the team this summer. Being loved by fans won’t get him a spot on the 53-man roster. Taking advantage of every opportunity to show the coaches his versatile skillset will.