Pitt OL Matt Goncalves Hopes to Stay in Pittsburgh: ‘It Would Mean Everything’

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Pitt OL Matt Goncalves Hopes to Stay in Pittsburgh: ‘It Would Mean Everything’

FRISCO, TEXAS — Pittsburgh Panthers offensive tackle Matt Goncalves already helped bring one championship to the Steel City when Pitt won the ACC Championship in 2021. But now, in the NFL Draft process, Goncalves could land anywhere. He’s not even fully healthy yet after getting surgery after suffering a severe turf toe injury. The Steelers will inevitably be one of the teams Goncalves talks to, and that might have more stakes for him.

But Goncalves grew up on football in Pittsburgh. When he committed to Pitt and through his first few years with the team, offensive line coach Dave Borbely would turn the heat up on him in film room until he became the smartest players on the team. He can play either side at tackle, but feels more comfortable playing right tackle now.

But when the Steelers are right across the way from the team, there is a different feeling around a college atmosphere. Goncalves used to get pumped up just watching T.J. Watt begin to practice right when they ended. With his friend and former quarterback Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh, Goncalves does not want to go anywhere else.

“It would mean everything,” Goncalves said. “To play for the Steel City again, the way I ended it off this year, it just didn’t end off the way I wanted it to end. The pride, passion, the love I have for the Steel City, I hope it doesn’t go unnoticed because I really do love that city. It would mean the absolute world if I could go win games at Acrisrue Stadium once again.”

Considering the Steelers might want to move Broderick Jones back to left tackle at his natural position, Goncalves’ natural spot at right tackle could mesh well. He feels scheme-diverse and can do whatever a team asks him to do moving forward. But playing with the Steelers would mean a little something extra for Goncalves, who grew up as a player and person in Pittsburgh.

He’s not the only player who expressed a desire to stay home. M.J. Devonshire, the Pitt cornerback and Aliquippa native, would love to stay home. So would Penn Hills alum and Penn State nickel cornerback Daequan Hardy. Given Pittsburgh has needs at all three spots, the speculation will continue on that front.