The Pittsburgh Steelers’ annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice got underway on Friday eveing. Before a competitive fight broke out on the field, third-year tight end Darnell Washington was already turning heads during the backs-on-backers drill. Washington came out with intensity and quickly began dominating whoever lined up across from him.
According to Steelers insider Brooke Pryor of ESPN, Washington put on a clinic, overpowering defenders like Jack Sawyer, Alex Highsmith, DeMarvin Leal, and even All-Pro edge rusher TJ Watt. That kind of performance from the 6'7" tight end is hard to ignore and only adds to the growing excitement surrounding his development. Washington's strength and aggression were unmatched during the drill, and he looked like a player ready to make a major impact.
While Washington was drafted for his elite blocking potential, his game is clearly becoming more complete. He has improved as a pass-catcher and appears to be playing with more confidence and control. His physicality looks sharper than ever, and if he continues on this path, he could be one of the Steelers' biggest surprises of the 2025 season.
The fight that broke out during the Steelers’ Friday Night Lights practice was certainly a moment that captured attention. It brought to mind something Aaron Rodgers mentioned earlier in the week about the competitive nature of camp. While fights are not promoted during training camp, Mike Tomlin has made it clear that when emotions run high, he expects players to handle their business.
This moment was just another example of the intensity surrounding this Steelers team. Pittsburgh has long been known for its physicality and competitive edge, and this year is no different. Every season begins with hope, but there is a growing belief that the Steelers might actually be building something special. Many around the league are starting to view them as serious Super Bowl contenders.
What will ultimately matter, however, is how well the new pieces come together and how quickly team chemistry forms. The energy at training camp has been as high as it has been in years, and one player who continues to shine is Washington. His performance throughout camp has impressed Rodgers, who compared Washington to his former teammate Marcedes Lewis.
That is a significant compliment for Washington and one that has fired up Steelers fans. Supporters of the team have been eager to see whether Washington can take the next step in the passing game. If his development continues at this pace, it will be difficult to keep him off the field.
Steelers' Tight End Room Is Only Going To Get Better As Darnell Washington Shines
The Steelers already know what they have in Washington as a blocker. His size, strength, and physicality make him a valuable asset at the line of scrimmage. But if he continues to improve as a receiving threat, he has the potential to become a true difference-maker.
That is especially promising when considering the current state of the Steelers’ tight end room, which already includes Pat Freiermuth and the newly added Jonnu Smith. Washington's development could turn that group into one of the deepest and most versatile units in the league. With his growth on both fronts, the ceiling for this offense continues to rise. Many are excited to see if Rodgers can help Washington have a career year as a pass catcher.
