Steelers' Riley Nowakowski Determined To Bring Unique And “Physical” Edge To Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a new era of football with an expected big offensive shift under hometown head coach Mike McCarthy. What he can do might be limited with an aging Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, but that shouldn't stop him from getting creative with the rest of his weapons on offense. Having the ability to have a handful of unique skill sets could help keep the offense open, even with a quarterback that doesn't run prety much at all.

Having a dynamic running back duo and multiple veteran receivers are two things that the Steelers could really take advantage of. In 2025, Pittsburgh got creative in its jumbo packages, opening up the run game with six linemen on the field. While that is still something the team can do in 2026 with its revamped offensive line, it could explore other avenues to deepen the offense.

One player that stands out as an interesting specialist is Riley Nowakowski, the fullback drafted out of Indiana. Whether he's in the backfield blocking ahead of the running backs, taking carries himself, or lining up at tight end, there are a handful of ways that the Steelers can use Nowakowski. 

The rookie has some traits that may be worth getting him onto the field and he told reporters recently that he doesn't care what his role is and is willing to do whatever it takes to use his top notch physicality to get onto the field.

"I’ve been trying to bring physicality everywhere I’m at," Nowakowski said. "I think that’s kind of the reason why they drafted me. They liked how physical I was... Whether it’s on offense, special teams, shoot, if they need me on defense I’ll step in and try my best. Trying to be fast and physical, fly down the field and make plays. Just trying to earn trust. A big part of every rookie season is making a name on special teams."

Nowakowski acknowledged that it is difficult for any rookie to be on the field, but he is just trying to do whatever he can to earn the trust of the decision-makers. He's embracing that early opportunity on special teams and using everything that got him drafted to make him an impact. His position does limit where he can play on the field, as fullback isn't really a position that gets used much anymore, nor does it get a ton of credit for the impact that they can make.

Typically, fullbacks' talents are maximized on special teams since offenses don't go with those heavy packages very often. However, Nowakowski doesn't appear phased and is ready for whatever is thrown in front of him.

Under Mike Tomlin, the Steelers used Connor Heyward in a similar role that Nowakowski is expected to be under. Heyward made a handful of splash plays on offense and if Nowakowski can give Pittsburgh a boost to what Heyward brought, that would be an underrated bonus to all of these changes that the team has gone through. He doesn't need to be a 1,000-yard receiver, but just someone that can sneakily move the chains and then run down on kickoffs afterwards. 

Pittsburgh also didn't run the ball well in spread formations of late, so if he lines up at tight end or in the slot, perhaps he can improve the run blocking on the outside to really open up this offense. It's already limited as is, so whatever the offense can do to help move the ball easier, it needs to attack it. Nowakowski could very well be that specialist that helps do just that.

Steelers' Offense Could Really Open Up With Nowakowski Creativity

To win that first playoff game in nearly a decade, the offense needs to get creative. McCarthy is very well known for doing just that and Nowakowski could very well be an underrated piece of the puzzle. His physicality opens up plenty of opportunities for him and he's open to whatever the team needs.

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