Steelers' Omar Khan Delivers Critical Message To UDFA Max Hurleman

The Pittsburgh Steelers cut about 75% of players they invited for rookie minicamp. One of the players who didn’t get cut was Max Hurleman. It is never easy for a player to be invited to rookie minicamp and actually make it onto the 53-man roster. However, Hurleman is making a tremendous case for himself. His strong showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first preseason game of the 2025 season helped raise his stock in a big way and drew attention from both fans and the coaching staff.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly revealed that General Manager Omar Khan actually had a message for Hurleman after rookie minicamp ended. Khan reportedly told him to keep pushing and to stay ready, noting that he had earned the right to compete for a spot, but still had a long way to go. 

Hurleman’s path is still an uphill battle, but he has positioned himself as one of the most intriguing underdog stories of the Steelers’ offseason. Every rep he takes in practice and every snap he plays in the preseason could be the difference between a roster spot and free agency. With the Steelers’ depth chart still unsettled in certain areas, Hurleman has a legitimate shot to carve out a role if he can continue to impress Khan, and the rest of the coaching staff when it matters most.

"Hurleman knew the odds of getting signed off a tryout weren’t likely, so after minicamp ended, he approached GM Omar Khan," Kaboly said. "'I just went up to him and thanked him for the opportunity,' Hurleman recalled his interaction with Khan after the final practice of rookie minicamp. Khan was appreciative, but had one final message for him: 'You made it, kid.'"

For an undrafted free agent, that type of direct communication from the general manager is a rare sign of both encouragement and expectation. It means the front office sees real potential, but also wants to make sure the player understands the pressure that comes with opportunity. 

Kaboly continued to share his insight into what he believes is going to happen while Hurleman fights for one of the rare remaining roster spots. Hurleman told Kaboly his honest thoughts about the body of work he has put out for the Steelers to analyze.

"I am happy with the body of work I put out there," Hurleman said as training camp winds down. "I am really working my tail off every day just trying to be the best football player I can be. I am looking for ways to help this team win games wherever that may be."

The Steelers’ backup quarterback Mason Rudolph was raving about Hurleman’s talents. His Steelers teammates have also come up with a very cool nickname for him, calling him Tom Cruise. They claim he both looks and acts like the famous actor, which has become a lighthearted part of the team’s preseason chatter.

Max Hurleman Has Taken Advantage Of The Steelers' Invite

For Hurleman, when he first got the invite to rookie minicamp, he heard an important message from Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin made it very clear that anyone could get a chance in this league from anywhere. Hurleman took that advice to heart, understanding that nothing would be handed to him.

It is not going to be easy, but Hurleman has given himself a real chance to make the 53-man roster. If he does not, he would still be a strong candidate for the Steelers’ practice squad, where he could continue developing and remain ready if the team needs him during the season.

Steelers fans, what do you think of Hurleman's showing so far in the preseason? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and toss a follow.

#SteelerNation