The Pittsburgh Steelers selected cornerback Joey Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, Porter started 11 games, recording 43 combined tackles, 10 passes defensed, and one interception. His performance impressed Steeler Nation and brought a strong sense of optimism for the future of the cornerback position in Pittsburgh.
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Porter is the son of former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter Sr., and much like his father, he is known for his confident trash talk, which he backs up with solid play on the field. When the Steelers' 2024 schedule was officially released , Porter wasted no time engaging in friendly banter with his friend Emmanuel Forbes Jr., a cornerback for the Washington Commanders who was drafted 16th overall in the same 2023 draft.
#Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes Jr & #Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr talking trash on IG Live 👀🍿 pic.twitter.com/ezcKMR7wX7
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) May 16, 2024
Porter joined Forbes on Instagram Live, where the two shared playful exchanges about their Week 10 matchup. Their interaction highlighted the competitive spirit and camaraderie between the young players, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans anticipating the game.
“We gon’ pack out the stadium for y’all. That’s what the Steelers always do. We gon’ take care of the fans. Don’t worry about that. When we come to town, we gon’ take care of the stadium, we gon’ pack it up, we gon’ make it look nice and lively. We gon’ put on a show for y’all. We gon’ put on a show for y’all boys.”
Porter's confidence and connection to the Steelers' legacy through his father have endeared him to fans, who are eager to see how he continues to develop and contribute to the team's success. Porter added one more jab before ending the live. Linking the Commanders new name to an XFL team.
“That name is trash. Commanders sounds like an XFL name.”
Porter has shown no signs of shyness both on and off the field. When the Steelers were gearing up to face the Seattle Seahawks on the road in a must-win game, Porter made it clear he was ready to shut down DK Metcalf. He was consistently seen covering the opposing team’s best wide receivers in the majority of his starts.
Steelers fans are eager to see how much better Porter can get in his second season. The Steelers also welcomed another cornerback, Donte Jackson, to pair opposite Porter. Jackson joined the team as part of the Diontae Johnson trade.
With Jackson's extensive experience in the league, pairing him with Porter should create a formidable duo on the left and right sides of the secondary. This promising partnership has fans excited about the future of the Steelers' defense.
Steelers Have Proven To Show Up And Take Over Away Stadiums
Porter spoke about the passionate Steelers fans who are known for their unwavering support and travel dedication. Steelers fans are everywhere, and the die-hard supporters often pack opposing stadiums. When iconic tight end Heath Miller played for the Steelers, you could hear the crowd chant "HEATH" whenever he caught a pass, even in away stadiums—a testament to the loyalty and fervor of Steelers fans.
The drive to the Commanders' stadium is about four and a half hours for Steelers fans living in Pittsburgh, making it highly likely that they will show up in force. Given the excitement around the team's offseason moves and the hype for the upcoming season, the Steelers should be thriving by Week 10. Despite being dealt a challenging schedule, no matter how the Steelers are performing by that point in the year, the crowd will be waving their terrible towels with enthusiasm.
The Instagram Live session with Porter and Forbes was playful and lighthearted, showcasing Porter's personality and competitive spirit. It also highlighted the type of player Porter is—one who doesn't back down from any challenge and has undoubtedly marked the Week 10 game on his calendar. This interaction adds another dimension to Porter's character, further endearing him to fans and building anticipation for the matchup.
