Watching Minkah Fitzpatrick roam the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary has often felt like witnessing poetry in motion. But last season—well, it was different. Something felt off. The explosiveness wasn’t as pronounced, and the big plays were fewer and farther between.
A single interception across the entire 2024 campaign left many of us scratching our heads. Was it just a down year, or was our Pro Bowl safety starting to slow down?
Thankfully, Fitzpatrick seems determined to prove the former. Through every day of this year’s voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs), he was a constant presence. Not one absence. Not one sign of complacency.
That kind of commitment from a veteran of his caliber speaks volumes—not just to the fans, but to his teammates and coaches as well.
This team has always taken pride in its defense. It’s part of Pittsburgh’s DNA. From the Steel Curtain days to the Troy Polamalu era, the Black and Gold have long leaned on defensive dominance.
Yes, T.J. Watt continues to anchor that identity with relentless pass-rushing and game-wrecking plays. Still, no single player can carry the entire load. The Steelers need a full unit, and Fitzpatrick’s resurgence is vital to that equation.
The Pittsburgh Steelers need Minkah Fitzpatrick to have a phenominal season
When we traded for Fitzpatrick back in 2019, it felt like a turning point. He was dynamic—ball-hawking, hard-hitting, and fearless. In 2019, 2020, and again in 2022, he racked up four or more interceptions in each season.
That’s the Fitzpatrick we remember. That’s the guy who had fans roaring every Sunday.
Last season’s lone interception and his less impactful presence at the line of scrimmage raised legitimate concerns. Yet, with 96 tackles, Fitzpatrick still found ways to contribute.
Now, seeing him grind in the offseason, showing up with intensity and leadership, gives me hope that he’s preparing to turn the page.
The Steelers' offense is still developing. We know it’s going to be the defense that must lead the charge early. That’s why Minkah’s early commitment matters.
It’s not just about reps—it’s about tone-setting, about saying, “We’re back to business.”
And if Fitzpatrick’s focused offseason is any indication, the rest of the league better watch out. A locked-in Minkah Fitzpatrick means Pittsburgh’s defense could be terrifying once again—and that’s exactly what we fans are counting on.
