The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted outside linebacker Jack Sawyer in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Sawyer comes to Pittsburgh with what Mike Tomlin has referred to as having Steelers DNA. He's a game-changing player who may not have tested off the charts like some prospects, but what he lacks in measurables, he more than makes up for in grit, leadership, and toughness. Sawyer plays with the kind of old-school edge that fits the franchise's identity—he says he models his mentality after the Steel Curtain era, when football was raw and relentless.
A standout at Ohio State, Sawyer built a reputation as a player who shows up in big moments. He was known as a vocal leader on and off the field, the kind of teammate who elevates the energy of an entire defense. His aggressive, no-nonsense playing style turned heads in the Big Ten, and the Steelers are betting that same motor and mindset will translate at the next level. In Pittsburgh, he’ll have the opportunity to grow alongside an elite defense and learn from players like TJ Watt and Cam Heyward, who embody the physical, emotional identity of the team.
Sawyer and his former college teammate, quarterback Will Howard, joined Ben Roethlisberger on Footbahlin Tuesday to talk about their transition to the NFL. Roethlisberger, recalling James Harrison’s iconic 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII, asked Sawyer to describe the biggest defensive play of his career. Sawyer lit up as he told the story.
"It was a running back, Blue, who runs like a 4.3," Sawyer said. "I got it. Those internal thoughts, and I was kind of like, 'Oh my gosh, this thing just popped right up to me.' I looked up and saw nothing but green grass. I had to get running. I couldn’t fall or slip. I just had to get running."
With two and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter, OSU led 21-14, and Texas was facing a crucial 4th-and-goal inside the 10-yard line.
Sawyer's former roommate, quarterback Quinn Ewers, dropped back to pass, but Sawyer stormed through, delivering a hit that forced a fumble. Sawyer scooped up the ball and sprinted 83 yards, almost guaranteeing the Buckeyes' trip to the National Championship.
"There was no big board at Jerry’s World," Sawyer said. "I was trying to look to see if someone was coming from behind. I was a little loose with it, and I knew the running back was right there. I was like, 'I am going to get caught. Don’t fumble.' I looked back and saw four or five of my teammates with their hands up, and I was like, 'Holy s---, I'm going to score this touchdown.' I wasn’t even thinking about the play. I was thinking about the fact we just went up two scores and are going to the National Championship."
Much like Harrison's iconic run, the stakes were high for Sawyer’s game-changing play, though the situation wasn’t quite as dramatic. Had Harrison been stopped, the Steelers likely wouldn’t have scored, as halftime was moments away. In Sawyer’s case, even if he hadn’t scored, his fumble recovery still would have virtually sealed the win for OSU.
Steelers Were Eager To Draft Jack Sawyer When He Fell To Them
Sawyer wasn’t about to settle for anything less than the end zone. His 83-yard return was a defining moment on one of the biggest stages, showing just how much he can impact a game. Despite that incredible play, he fell to the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Steelers didn’t have an immediate need at outside linebacker, but Sawyer was a perfect example of elite talent slipping into a team’s lap.
Recognizing the opportunity, the Steelers jumped at the chance to grab a player who they believe embodies their culture. Fans in Pittsburgh are eager to see what Sawyer can bring to the Steel City, as he joins forces with Watt and Alex Highsmith to further elevate the defense.
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