New Steelers Defender Hears Sincere Praise From Mike Tomlin

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a thrilling, last-minute 34-32 victory over the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season on Sunday. In a game that had seven different lead changes, the Steelers took the lead with under a minute to go on a career-long 60-yard field goal by kicker Chris Boswell. Not only was it an exciting win, but it was the debut for numerous new Steelers players who were acquired in the offseason. One player stood out above the rest, making Head Coach Mike Tomlin very happy. 

Jalen Ramsey made his regular season debut in the black and gold, and he finished the day with three total tackles, two passes defended, one quarterback hit, and a big hit on Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson on the final meaningful play of the game to secure the Steelers' win. Tomlin was asked during his postgame press conference following Sunday's game about his opinion on Ramsey's first game as a Steeler.

"I'm glad he's on my team," Tomlin said while smiling.

The Steelers acquired Ramsey via a trade with the Miami Dolphins that included Minkah Fitzpatrick, and, at the time, the trade felt risky. Ramsey was coming off a couple of seasons where his production dipped a bit, and he wasn’t exactly the same guy who had dominated earlier in his career. Add in the fact that he’s a little older now, and there were plenty of people wondering if the Steelers had made the right call.

But if Week 1 was any indication, the gamble paid off. Ramsey looked energized, sharp, and every bit the playmaker Pittsburgh hoped he’d be. He showed he can still hang with some of the league’s best, and he reminded everyone that he’s still got it.

Tomlin continued to rave about Ramsey and his versatility on the Steelers' defense.

"I've certainly been an appreciator of his skills and talents, I can't say enough about him. He played nickel, he played free safety, he played outside corner, he is a top notch football player and I'm glad he's on our team."

Ramsey lined up all over the place, and he excelled in each spot. That’s the kind of versatility that can completely change a defense. Instead of being locked into one role, Ramsey gives the Steelers the flexibility to adjust, disguise coverages, and match up however they need to depending on the situation.

Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Showed His Personality In Week 1 Win

It wouldn’t be Ramsey without some personality showing through, his confidence and swagger was on full display Sunday. Fans watching could see him jawing back and forth with Jets players throughout the game. Fortunately, he didn’t pick up any penalties for it. That edge is part of what makes Ramsey who he is. He’s never been shy, and he doesn’t plan on starting now. For Steelers fans, that fire is just another reason to be excited about having him in black and gold.

This kind of start sets the tone, not just for Ramsey’s season, but for the Steelers as a whole. Winning on the road, in dramatic fashion, against a team with plenty of hype themselves, is the kind of victory that can build momentum early. And having one of your newest stars come up big in the clutch, that’s even better.

It’s only one week, and there’s a long season ahead, but Sunday was the perfect introduction for Jalen Ramsey as a Steeler. Although the Steelers defense didn't play perfect, Ramsey was certainly a bright spot. If Mike Tomlin’s reaction was any sign, Pittsburgh has every reason to feel confident that Ramsey will be a huge part of their success moving forward.