From Nigerian soccer fields to the NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor's rapid ascent reveals a blend of raw talent and dedication.
Despite playing football for just five years, Max Iheanachor became a first-round pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night.
So, how does someone go from never having worn a uniform to being picked 21st by the Pittsburgh Steelers in his first year of junior college? Part of it is pure athletic ability, as Iheanachor took many of the skills he learned as a youth soccer player in his native Nigeria and as a high school basketball player in Compton, Calif., to become a top-notch offensive tackle at Arizona State.
"Good footwork, for sure, coordination - it all plays a part in the O-line," Iheanachor said. "You have to have great feet, good coordination. It all starts from there. It's other stuff that will play into football, the little things, but I think playing soccer – great feet, coordination – definitely carried on to basketball and then translates into football even better.”
It also takes a lot of work to go from playing just one JUCO game in 2021 to being drafted by the defending AFC North champions in 2026. Iheanachor takes great pride in his work ethic and is ready to bring it to the Steelers.
"I’m a guy that is going to come in and work hard," Iheanachor said Thursday night. “:e a sponge. I am ready to learn. Whatever it is, I am willing to do it. I am ready to learn. Ready to compete. Come in and just work hard."
Pittsburgh was also drawn to Iheanacho because of his work ethic. However, the Steelers also like his raw talent and his productivity at Arizona State. Iheanachor did not allow any sacks last season while playing 484 pass block snaps in 12 games at right tackle.
Iheanachor added to his draft stock with his performance at the Senior Bowl and in private workouts.
"A stud of a young man," Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy said. "Throughout the process, you heard about him a little bit early, and he just kept growing and growing and growing through the evaluation.
"The biggest thing when you watch linemen play, you want to see them strike and stick, and with that, the balance and the footwork. His ability to stay alive on second and third reaction when he does engage, I think it's all over the video."
Iheanacho met with the Steelers at the NFL Combine and later participated in a video conference with McCarthy and general manager Omar Khan.
"I am really excited for the opportunity," Iheanachor said. "They have a really young O-line room. Getting ready to come in and compete. I am ready. That call. It was like an out-of-body type of experience. It's surreal. Big shout-out to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible."
And it all once seemed impossible for a kid growing up in Nigeria. That is what made that call from the Steelers even more special.
"It meant the world. It was a surreal feeling," Iheanachor said. "Can't describe it. No other feeling like that. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for sure. Just really grateful for the opportunity. Ready to come in and get some work."
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