Steelers Fan Favorite Makes Bold Promise About His Future In The NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted cornerback Cory Trice Jr. in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Steelers felt like they were getting a steal in the Purdue product, selecting him 241st overall. When Trice has been healthy, he has impressed the coaching staff and made the most of his opportunities. His combination of size, athleticism, and confidence made him one of the more intriguing late-round picks in recent memory, and he has continued to show that potential whenever he is on the field.

Now, Trice has seen his 21-day practice window open while he remains on injured reserve, marking a major step toward returning to action. After missing significant time due to injuries, he is determined to show his worth when he is healthy. Pittsburgh’s secondary has not shown many flashes of improvement this season, but adding a healthy Trice could give the defense another young and physical presence on the outside, something the team has been eager to develop.

Trice recently spoke with members of the Pittsburgh media about how confident he still is in himself despite the setbacks. The young cornerback made it clear that he views himself as a capable starting cornerback in the NFL, whether outsiders believe that or not. His confidence has not wavered, and that mindset is exactly what the Steelers value in their young players. Trice’s return may not be immediate, but his determination and self-belief continue to make him a player to watch as Pittsburgh looks to strengthen its defense for the stretch run.

"Yeah, I feel like I can prove myself to be a starter, to be a top corner in this league for a long time," Trice said Wednesday while taking the time to speak with the Steelers reporters. "I feel like I'm right on track where I need to be."

It’s exciting for Steeler Nation to hear a direct update from Trice about his health. Trice made his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2024 season, then followed that up by recording his first career interception the following week against the Denver Broncos. 

That interception played a big role in Pittsburgh’s Week 2 victory over Denver. Trice has proven to be impactful when he’s on the field, but injuries have truly held him back from showing his full potential.

Many Steelers fans are eager to see what Trice can become if he manages to stay healthy. His self-belief has definitely not wavered, which is a positive sign for both him and the team. The young cornerback continues to express confidence in his ability to compete at a high level, and that mentality aligns perfectly with the culture Head Coach Mike Tomlin has built in Pittsburgh.

Steelers Looking To Find Their Defensive Identity

Steelers fans are excited to see when Trice can return to full health and compete for opportunities within the defense. The secondary has been inconsistent this season, and the defense as a whole has struggled to find its usual dominance. 

While a healthy Trice alone won’t fix all of those issues, any reinforcements at this point are a welcome addition for a team looking to regain its defensive identity.

Do you still have confidence that Cory Trice Jr. can turn into a starting cornerback in Pittsburgh or elsewhere in the league? Why or why not? 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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