In 2015, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Jawon Chisholm, an undrafted free agent running back hailing from Akron. Although his stint with the Steelers was brief, his journey is nothing short of compelling. Despite his relatively short time in Pittsburgh, Chisholm's experience resonates deeply with the harsh reality of the playing football at the highest level.
For many Steelers fans, Chisholm might be a forgotten name, his tenure fleeting in the memory of the black and gold faithful. However, for Chisholm, the memory of his NFL aspirations being dashed by his release from the team remains vivid.
Recently, Chisholm sat down with The Good Hustle Podcast to delve into his football career and life journey. He shared tales of resilience and recounted the tumultuous twists and turns that have defined his path. Central to his narrative was the heart-wrenching moment of being cut by the Steelers, a pivotal juncture where his NFL dreams collided with harsh reality.
“Literally five preseason games. I got cut on the last cuts. I’m in the hot tub on the final cut day and this cornerback comes and was like, ‘Man, they getting rid of everybody.’ As he slides in the hot tub I am sliding out.”
Chisholm's stint with the Steelers was short-lived. Despite signing a three-year, $1.575 million contract, he found himself released just a month later. He recounted the experience of his teammates and him finding out they were being cut by the Steelers. Chisholm couldn't remember the name of the player but he did explain that his career didn't end like his did with the Steelers.
"He said they just do the black bag and told him to go. Man, he's busting out in tears. Now, mind you, the first cuts was already tragic. You see grown men in tears with black bags like Santa Claus. You gotta pack, and you gotta go," Chisholm said. "The coaches usually don't talk to you when you leave out. You take your bag, coach say, 'You're not, you know!"
After learning about his teammate's experience, Chisholm had just stepped out of the hot tub when he came to terms with his own fate. Sadly, his time in Pittsburgh had come to an abrupt end.
“As soon as I am getting out of the hot tub, I see a guy who said ‘Hey you.’ Fortunately, though, Mike Tomlin and the GM want to talk to you before you leave. I go up and [Kevin] Colbert told me they couldn’t trust my blocking for a quarterback at this time.”
Chisholm continued to share his story, recounting how then-General Manager Kevin Colbert had mentioned the possibility of bringing him back on the practice squad, though it never materialized. However, amidst his departure, Mike Tomlin offered words of inspiration and encouragement, urging him to persevere and never abandon his football dreams. Despite the disappointment of his release, Chisholm expressed gratitude to the organization for the opportunities they had given him.
Steelers' Jawon Chisholm Fell Into Depression After Getting Cut By Pittsburgh
Nevertheless, the aftermath of his departure proved challenging. Battling depression, he faced the stigma of being cut from a team, hindering his chances with other opportunities. Venturing to Canada for football, he struggled to regain his former prowess and eventually found himself disenchanted with the experience. Life took a toll as financial hardships loomed, forcing him into less-than-ideal living situations.
Yet, from these trials emerged a tale of resilience. Despite the setbacks, Chisholm refused to succumb to despair. He embarked on a journey of self-discovery, eventually finding solace and purpose as a personal trainer. Today, he thrives, using his experiences to inspire others through fitness, promoting mental well-being and steering clear of destructive paths. His journey from NFL disappointment to personal triumph serves as a beacon of hope for those facing similar struggles.
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