In Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season, Pittsburgh Steelers’ third-year cornerback Joey Porter Jr. achieved a significant milestone by recording his first interception. However, former Steelers Defensive Player of the Year, James Harrison, is urging Porter to elevate his game further.
During a recent podcast conversation with co-host and ex-cornerback Joe Haden, Harrison issued a direct and passionate challenge to Porter, whom he affectionately referred to as “nephew.” “DBs have to play tighter and cleaner,” Harrison emphasized, highlighting the importance of avoiding penalties. He noted Porter’s physical attributes, such as his length and speed, urging him to leverage these advantages effectively.
“I’m talking directly to you, nephew. Little Peezy, I wanna see you put together a whole, complete game, week-in and week-out,” Harrison stated, reinforcing his commitment to motivating the young player. He expressed his desire to see Porter improve in creating turnovers, saying, “Get me a pick or two. I need a game ball, nephew.”
So far this season, Porter has accumulated 22 combined tackles, defended nine passes, and made one sack alongside his interception. However, he has faced challenges with penalties, having committed six fouls, five during his last three games, which have marred his performance.
The connection between Harrison and Porter Jr. runs deep, as Harrison’s rise in the mid-2000s coincided with the departure of Porter’s father from the Steelers. Their shared history underscores Harrison’s motivation to see Porter succeed, as he has remained a devout supporter of the franchise even after retirement.
Harrison’s challenge could provide a much-needed boost to the Steelers’ defense, which is currently ranked second in takeaways and among the top ten in interceptions this season—an essential component of their overall strategy. With Porter showing glimpses of potential but struggling with penalties, the team hopes he can become a more consistent and effective player.
As the Steelers prepare for their matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, Porter’s ability to prove himself as a reliable cornerback will be crucial. If he can perform consistently and reduce his penalties, both Porter and the Steelers’ defense could benefit immensely, allowing them to reach new heights as they adapt to changes within their roster.