The Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealing with several injuries in 2023 at the safety position. Minkah Fitzpatrick looks primed for a return, but Keanu Neal is still on injured reserve. Trenton Thompson stepped up since being called up from the practice squad, but the one constant presence on the back end has been veteran Damontae Kazee. The former Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys safety has played 100% of the defensive snaps in Weeks 8 through 12. He has also developed a special relationship with rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr., according to Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
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Steelers' Damontae Kazee secures an interception with time winding to a close during Pittsburgh's 23-19 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 of 2023.
Porter was a player the Steelers identified in the draft process as someone they wanted to bring into the organization. Some of it might have to do with his father who made a name for himself in Pittsburgh, but as Porter has burst onto the scene, it's becoming clear that he's got the ability to be a special player in this league. It's also been an asset for the young cornerback to have so many experienced players around the organization to help him grow. Patrick Peterson is the obvious one, and it's a mentorship that Joey Porter Sr. welcomes with open arms for his son.
Kazee is not as well known as the former three-time All-Pro Peterson, but Tomlin said in his press conference previewing Pittsburgh's matchup with Peterson's former team, the Arizona Cardinals, that the former has a special connection with Porter.
"He and Joey Porter have an interesting relationship," Tomlin revealed. "Big brother, little brother, if you will. He gives Joey a hard time in all the right ways. Joey's appreciative of his communication skills and his veteran approach."
After Pittsburgh's win against the Green Bay Packers that was sealed with a Kazee interception as time was set to expire, Porter talked to the media and mentioned that the veteran had been telling him all week that he was going to get an interception. Porter continued that it was about time, and Kazee shouted from his locker that he had more picks than Porter. In a video posted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, they get into a little argument about the interceptions, which was some good-natured ribbing between two teammates.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and safety Damontae Kazee combine to make a tackle against the Tennessee Titans during a Week 9 Thursday Night Football matchup.
As Porter continues his rise up to becoming a dependable option for the Steelers to keep shadowing opposing teams' top targets, it looks like Kazee will be around to make sure his head doesn't get too big. As Tomlin said, and like in the clip after the Packers game, the veteran safety isn't going to take it easy on the young cornerback and should help him continue to develop.
Steelers' Tomlin Very Appreciative Of Kazee's Steady Presence
The 30-year-old is in his second season in Pittsburgh and has seen his role expand in 2023. His first season in Pittsburgh was marred by injuries and suspension, but he had a huge impact in his nine games with four starts. He wasn't sure he'd be back in Pittsburgh with the safety position beside Fitzpatrick in question during the 2023 offseason. He's been an important piece of Pittsburgh's defense in 2023, especially with all the injuries. He's tied with Levi Wallace for the team lead in interceptions and has a pair of fumble recoveries.
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Damontae Kazee against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 regular season.
Tomlin touched on what the former fifth-round pick of the Falcons has brought to Pittsburgh while getting in a light-hearted jab.
"Man, he's been really good and really steady. He's a good communicator and a veteran player. I can't say enough about him. I wish he'd caught one or two of them balls he got his hands on last week, but we're working."
Kazee got his hands on a pair of balls against the Cincinnati Bengals, but they ended up tipped into the air and caught by Ja'Marr Chase. It's a little something for the veteran to work on so that he can add to his interception total. Kazee will continue to be an important player for the team moving forward in 2023, even with Fitzpatrick coming back. It's perhaps even more telling about the man's character that he's taken Porter under his wing.
What did you think of Tomlin commending Kazee? What have you thought about his play in 2023? Comment below!
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