Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Reveals The Truth Behind His Hit On Jets' Justin Fields

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new cornerback Jalen Ramsey came to the Steel City with the exact fire he has built his career around. In the team's thrilling 34-32 victory over the New York Jets in Week 1, Ramsey put on a show for Steelers fans, reminding everyone why the team made a bold move to bring him in. Ramsey is the type of player who thrives on simply being himself. He aggravates opposing offenses, sets the tone on defense, and delivers energy that the rest of the unit can feed off. While the Steelers’ defense looked shaky at times throughout the game, Ramsey stood out in several big moments.

One of those came when Ramsey delivered a hard hit on Jets quarterback Justin Fields, a play that sparked immediate reaction from the Jets’ offensive line. Several New York players took exception to Ramsey’s physicality, but in classic fashion, he took things a step further. By antagonizing his opponents after the hit, Ramsey managed to draw a flag against the Jets, handing the Steelers a free 15 yards and flipping momentum in Pittsburgh’s favor. It was a sequence that perfectly captured the edge he brings to the field. Frustrating for his opponents, but invaluable to his own team.

After the victory, Ramsey spoke with Steelers media and explained what went on during the hit on Fields. He made it clear that he was not backing down and that he knew exactly what he was doing in that moment. Ramsey emphasized that he thrives on emotion, energy, and intensity, all traits that fuel his style of play. For Pittsburgh, his presence gives the defense a swagger it has not had in years. If this game was any indication, Ramsey is ready to be a difference-maker in 2025, not only through his talent but through the fire and attitude that have defined his career.

"They didn’t like my aggression, but that’s football and it wasn’t a flag," Ramsey said while speaking to members of the Pittsburgh media. "It was clean. I saw their linemen running my way and I knew I was about to get that 15. That was easy. That was easy bank right there, but it’s football. I respect they gotta stand up for their quarterback. I knew he was getting after it."

The reporter followed up by asking Ramsey a direct question. Did you sell a little bit on your reaction? 

Ramsey told nothing but the truth as he admitted his veteran move paid off. 

"Oh, for sure," Ramsey said while admitting he flopped to draw the 15-yard penalty. "Wait until you see that on film."

Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Seals Game With Bone Crushing Hit

While his hit on Fields drew headlines, Ramsey saved his best for the game’s most crucial moment. With the Jets driving late in the fourth quarter and facing a 4th and 3, Fields looked to his top target, Garrett Wilson, to keep the game alive. 

Ramsey was waiting. He closed in with perfect timing and delivered a bone-crushing hit that jarred the ball loose, forcing an incompletion and handing the Steelers possession. It was the type of play that reminded everyone why Ramsey has long been considered one of the most feared corners in the league.

That stop not only sealed the win but also sent a message about the kind of impact Ramsey intends to make in Pittsburgh. Plays like that show he is not just a shutdown corner in coverage, but a physical force who changes the game with his toughness and instincts. The Steelers needed someone to step up and deliver a defining moment, and Ramsey provided it. 

If this is just the beginning of his Steelers career, fans have every reason to believe he will be a game-changer all season long.

What are your thoughts about the hit Jalen Ramsey had on Justin Fields? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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