Joey Porter Jr. on Emotional First Steelers Practice

It was a monumental day for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Joey Porter Jr.

PITTSBURGH -- It was a milestone day for 51 players trying to earn their place on an NFL roster. For the Pittsburgh Steelers second-round pick, though, it was a bit of a dream come true as he put on the black and gold jersey for the first time. 

Joey Porter Jr. has probably had enough of the legacy questions at this point. The Penn State product and now Steelers defensive back has answered everything about watching his dad play and coach for the Steelers, and now getting the opportunity to do the same. 

But when he finally got the experience of that first practice, the one everyone has been asking about, it really hit him. 

"It took me like 3 minutes to get outside," Porter said, "because I was just sitting staring at my locker.

"I did that whole little scene and prayed and just looked out on the whole field,” Porter continued. "I was like, ‘Dang, I used to really be out here as a middle schooler, as a person in high school, and now I am really out here.’"

Porter isn't coming into the Steelers facility with a family legacy paving the way for him. Mike Tomlin made it very clear during their pre-draft meetings that if he ended up in Pittsburgh, it was strictly business. 

Because of that, Porter feels the challenge. He said the biggest thing he needs to learn right now is the playbook. After that, he believes he can play his part on this defense in 2023. 

"I feel like I can have a big impact," Porter said. "I am really just trying to learn from the old guys and kind of get their respect and show them what I can do on and off the field."

His dad, Joey Porter Sr., gave him some words of encouragement to play like the "pissed off" player he is. He's got his first opportunity to do so, and right away, the little kid running around with Antonio Brown 10 years ago is suiting up for the Steelers. 

"I feel at home already,” Porter said. "Just as like a young kid I used to be here through these doors to work out, now I am a grown man doing the same thing. So it feels good."

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