By Ray Porter Jr. for Urban Media Today
PITTSBURGH, PA–Less than 24 hours after hearing his name called in the NFL Draft, Max Iheanachor was officially introduced by the Pittsburgh Steelers during a Friday afternoon press conference.
“We’re excited to welcome Max Iheanachor to Pittsburgh today after a red-eye last night,” said team president Art Rooney II. “He played in 32 college games and gave up just three sacks in over 1,100 pass attempts. He had a great week at the Senior Bowl—there’s a lot to be excited about.”
Rooney also noted the historical connection, as Iheanachor became the first Arizona State player drafted by Pittsburgh since Marvel Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers from 2000–08.
“Max, welcome to Pittsburgh,” Rooney added.
Iheanachor, still taking in the moment, expressed gratitude as he begins his NFL journey.
“I just want to give a special thank you to Mr. Rooney, Mr. [Omar] Khan, and Coach [Mike] McCarthy for giving me this opportunity,” he said. “This means a lot to me. I’m ready to get to work.”
The 22-year-old tackle arrived at Arizona State after developing through the junior college ranks at East Los Angeles College, where he began shaping his game and physical presence. A late introduction to football didn’t slow his rise, as he became one of the top JUCO prospects in the country before transferring.
“Yeah, that first year was rough, switching to a new sport,” Iheanachor said. “I wasn’t playing, had to gain weight, and my parents—being Nigerian—were big on education. My mom was on me about going to a four-year school. But I stayed with it, kept fighting every day, and just tried to get better.”
That perseverance helped transform him into a physically imposing lineman capable of anchoring both the run and pass game—something the Steelers value as they continue to build their offensive line.
Versatility is another trait Iheanachor embraces.
“I’m open to anything,” he said when asked about playing multiple positions. “I played left tackle in JUCO and right tackle at Arizona State. Wherever the coaches put me, I’m ready to go.”
The whirlwind of draft night is still fresh, as Iheanachor reflected on sharing the moment with those closest to him.
“Yesterday was unbelievable—just surreal,” he said. “My family, friends, and coaches who were there from the beginning, especially from JUCO—it meant everything to share that moment with them.”
He also arrives in Pittsburgh with some familiarity, having followed and even competed against current Steelers offensive linemen like Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu.
“I watched Broderick when he got drafted out of Georgia, and I actually played against Troy,” Iheanachor said. “He texted me last night to welcome me—that meant a lot. It’s really cool to already have that connection.”
Now officially part of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, Iheanachor is embracing both the moment and the opportunity ahead.
“It still feels crazy—I don’t know if that feeling will ever go away,” he said. “But I’m just blessed. All you can ask for in life is opportunity. You pray, you put in the work, and everything falls into place. I’m ready to get started.”
Notes: Iheanachor said this is his first time in the city of Pittsburgh.
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