Hometown hero Jaquan Brisker returns, ready to ignite Steelers Nation and contribute to the team's winning legacy.
Jaquan Brisker has been a lifelong Pittsburgher.
Brisker grew up in Wilkinsburg, just outside the city limits, and became a star player at Gateway High School.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu was Brisker’s childhood idol. He attended summer camps hosted by former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and ex-Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
On Sunday night, before officially signing a one-year, $ 5 million contract with the Steelers on Monday, Brisker arrived in Pittsburgh and checked into his downtown hotel.
Despite many previous trips, riding from the airport, through the Fort Pitt Tunnel, and seeing the Pittsburgh skyline still took Brisker's breath away.
"It was dark, but you could still see the city with the water, stadium, bridge, and more," Brisker said. "That view never changes. Each time you go through the tunnels, the city is just as beautiful. People say it may be one of the top entrances in the world, and I agree."
That sense of awe continued into Monday, as Brisker made his entrance with the Steelers. He couldn’t be happier to join his hometown team after spending the first four seasons of his career with the Chicago Bears, including winning the NFC North title last year.
"It's going to be amazing," Brisker said. “I love the fans. I love Terrible Towels. I love how passionate they are about the players and Pittsburgh football as a whole. And Renegade, the song you guys play. I love that. So, I can't wait to turn the fans up.
"It's so special, it's amazing. I walked into the practice facility today, and I just got the chills. When I came off the plane, I got chills. I'm about to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and it has become a reality. It's set in at this point, and I'm just so thankful and blessed. I know all the legends and people that came through here, all the great coaches and what it means to the city to have this team win and build on that, so it will be amazing."
Now, the Steelers are counting on Brisker to help them build on last season, when they captured their first AFC North title since 2020.
Brisker started all 17 games for the Bears last season, totaling 93 tackles — 52 solo — eight passes defended, one interception, one sack, and one tackle for loss. Pro Football Focus gave Brisker a 64.6 grade, ranking him 45th among 91 qualifying NFL safeties.
In 52 career games, Brisker has 342 tackles, 214 solo stops, seven sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 21 passes defended, four interceptions, and four forced fumbles.
"My family, they're strong Pittsburgh fans, and they're so happy I'm in Pittsburgh so they don't have to cheer for anybody else," Brisker said. "They said, we're putting our black and gold back on. I'm like, let's go. They're super happy, super excited, and pumped, so they're ready for this opportunity.
"I love football so much. I was always an intense Steelers fan, watching games on television and stuff. This is amazing."
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