Steelers Great James Harrison Calls Out Joey Porter Jr. With Major Challenge

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 9’s contest against the Indianapolis Colts eager for a defensive performance that would quiet the noise. The Steelers’ defense was widely considered one of the most talented and expensive units in football heading into the 2025 season. Many pundits in the offseason believed this group would be among the league’s most dominant, serving as the backbone of Pittsburgh’s success. 

However, inconsistency and missed assignments have prevented them from living up to those lofty expectations so far in the 2025 season. That narrative shifted for one week when the Steelers forced six turnovers in a hard-fought 27-20 win over the Colts at Acrisure Stadium. A major highlight came late in the fourth quarter when cornerback Joey Porter Jr. made a clutch interception off Daniel Jones to help seal the victory. 

It was a defining moment for Porter, who continues to show flashes of the shutdown ability Pittsburgh envisioned when they drafted him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. While discussing the Steelers’ win on his Deebo & Joe Podcast on Friday, former Steelers great James Harrison issued a public challenge to Porter. 

"DBs have to play tighter and cleaner," Harrison said Friday while speaking on the podcast with Joe Haden. "No penalties. I'm talking to Nephew [Porter]. You've gotta use your feet and take advantage of your length and your speed. I'm talking directly to you, Nephew. Little Peezy, I'm talking directly to you. I wanna see you put together a whole, complete game, week-in and week-out."

Harrison wanted to make it clear that he was challenging Porter because he knows he can handle it. He played alongside Porter’s father, who embodied the Steelers’ way more than anyone. 

Harrison understands that if he challenges Porter Jr., the young cornerback will take it personally and rise to meet the call.

"And I'm doing this on purpose. You know why? Because I know you're your daddy's son," Harrison said. "When I call you out, I put pressure on you, that don't mean nothing to you. That don't do s**t but motivate you. We need to create turnovers. Hey, Nephew, get me a pick or two. I need a game ball, Nephew. Get me a game ball."

Known for his intensity and no-nonsense attitude, Harrison did not hold back when speaking about what it takes to become a truly dominant player in Pittsburgh’s defense. He praised Porter’s physical gifts and instincts but urged him to embrace the Steelers Way of consistency and toughness that defined the franchise’s best defenses. For Harrison, talent is not enough. What separates legends from good players is how they respond when the spotlight is brightest.

Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Looking To Become Top CB In NFL In 2025

Harrison’s message was both motivational and demanding, a reminder of what it means to wear the black and gold. Coming from one of the most feared defenders in Steelers history, his challenge carries weight. Porter's looking to become one of the best corner's in the NFL in the 2025 season.

If Porter can channel that energy and turn moments like his interception against the Colts into weekly performances, he has the chance to become the next great cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defense. For a team built on pride, legacy, and physical dominance, Porter Jr.’s continued rise could be exactly what the Steelers need to reestablish their defensive identity.

What grade would you give Joey Porter Jr. for his 2025 season so far? 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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