Watch: Robert Spears-Jennings grabs first NFL interception

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Watch: Robert Spears-Jennings grabs first NFL interception

Originally posted on Steel City Underground
By Joe Kuzma | Last updated Oct 4, 2026 9:12 AM ET

Robert Spears-Jennings was asked to take on a much larger defensive role Thursday night in Cleveland. The rookie safety responded with the biggest play of his young NFL career.

Early in the fourth quarter, with the Browns holding a 21-10 lead, Deshaun Watson took a shot downfield for rookie receiver Denzel Boston. Jack Sawyer disrupted the throw, and Spears-Jennings was in position to make the play, intercepting the pass at the Pittsburgh 23-yard line.

There was some initial confusion after Daylen Everette was flagged for defensive pass interference on the play. Replay determined the pass had been tipped, wiping out the penalty and allowing Spears-Jennings’ interception to stand.

Robert Spears-Jennings first NFL INT!!

918 stand up!!! pic.twitter.com/jyjhcmm1Ud

— Joe Castiglione Jr. (@JoeCJr29) October 2, 2026

The takeaway couldn’t have come at a much better time.

Pittsburgh’s offense immediately responded. Aaron Rodgers connected with DK Metcalf for 43 yards, Jaylen Warren helped move the chains and Rodgers eventually found Darnell Washington for a 21-yard touchdown that cut Cleveland’s lead to 21-16.

For Spears-Jennings, it was an encouraging moment during a night in which Pittsburgh was forced to lean heavily on its young defensive backs. The seventh-round rookie played more than half of the Steelers’ defensive snaps and finished with seven tackles and two passes defensed in addition to his first career interception.

With injuries already testing Pittsburgh’s secondary depth, Spears-Jennings may be asked to handle more responsibility moving forward. Thursday’s interception was a pretty good first answer.

This article first appeared on Steel City Underground and was syndicated with permission.

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