Steelers' Former Tight End Xavier Grimble Opens Up About His Worst Heartbreaking Moment And Career Low That Changed Everything

The Pittsburgh Steelers had journeyman tight end Xavier Grimble on their roster from 2016 through 2019. Grimble started seven games during his four seasons with the Steelers, occasionally getting involved in the passing attack. Over that time, he recorded 23 catches for 239 yards and three touchdowns. While Grimble was by no means a superstar, he managed to stick around by making small, but valuable contributions to the team.

However, one play changed everything for Grimble’s career. After a costly fumble against the Denver Broncos, his role drastically diminished. Following that moment, he was targeted only five times before ultimately being released by the Steelers. That single play became a turning point that significantly impacted his standing with the team.

Grimble recently opened up about this low point in his career during an appearance on The Athlete Group Chat podcast. He shared what actually happened during that fumble and how it affected his confidence and opportunities moving forward. For a tight end who came into the NFL undrafted, one small moment like that can really change the course of a career.

"A player like me, a third, second-string tight end, you know that would have been the difference of me scoring three touchdowns that season versus like one or two," Grimble said. "It sucks for me because, you know, it is football, but as I got older, you’re going to watch everybody on the team have a play like that, but all of it is not going to get magnified. You just got to move on."

It's important to understand that this play alone didn’t necessarily end Grimble’s career or his time with the Steelers. However, it certainly played a part, at least in his mind.

Grimble caught a pass in the flat and appeared to have a clear lane to the end zone, as many pundits later pointed out. Instead, he chose to lower his shoulder and try to truck the defensive back, but he fumbled the ball out of the end zone, resulting in a touchback instead of what should have been an easy touchdown.

"Yeah man, that play keeps me up all night," Grimble said. "When I get real delusional, I get like, 'If I would have jumped over him, I still would be playing.' Rule of thumb, young guys. That’s literally what happened. I relaxed for a split second, and it happened so fast, like I was thinking about what kind of mindset I was even in."

The margin for error in professional sports, especially in the NFL, is razor thin and rarely forgiven. One play, one decision, or one mistake can shift the trajectory of a player’s career, particularly for those who aren’t guaranteed a roster spot. 

While it remains relatively unknown how much that specific fumble truly impacted Grimble’s career, it serves as a clear example of just how fragile life can be for a backup player in a league as competitive and unforgiving as the NFL.

Steelers And The NFL Is Not A Place For The Weak

Grimble wasn’t a high-profile draft pick. He wasn’t the featured star in Pittsburgh’s offense. He was a depth piece, a contributor who carved out a role through hard work and persistence. Players like that often walk a tightrope, where consistency and smart decisions are crucial for long-term survival in the league. One wrong move can cast doubt in the minds of coaches and front office personnel, especially when younger or cheaper options are always waiting in the wings.

That fumble against Denver may not have been the sole reason Grimble faded from the league, but in his own words, it lingered in his mind and possibly the minds of decision-makers. In the NFL, perception matters almost as much as production, and one moment can sometimes define an entire career.

#SteelerNation