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WATCH: Minkah Fitzpatrick kicks off 2022 season with pick six against Joe Burrow, Bengals

Barkley-Truaxby:Barkley Truax•09/11/22•

BarkleyTruax

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Nick Cammett, Diamond Images via Getty Images

Joe Burrow‘s first pass of the 2022 season went for six – to Steelers ball hawking defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick.

The former Alabama Crimson Tide star gives the Steelers an early 7-0 lead, and sets the tone for what is expected to be a stellar season for the NFL vet.

It seems Fitzpatrick has picked up right where he left off in 2021. Last season, the former All-Pro safety compiled 85 tackles, seven passes defended and two interceptions. With one drive under his belt, he’s already made up for half of his INT production from a year ago.

Catch the remainder of the AFC North opening matchup live on your regional CBS market or on NFL Game Pass.

Mike Tomlin addresses ‘Alabama guy’ relationship between Minkah Fitzpatrick, Najee Harris

With new leaders needed in Pittsburgh, Steeler safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has been one of the first in line. Entering his third full season with the franchise, Fitzpatrick is both experienced enough to be a veteran but also still young enough to connect with Pittsburgh’s young core. Mike Tomlin says Fitzpatrick has been a voice and a player you want in training camp.

Tomlin talked about Fitzpatrick’s role during media today. He says, above anything else, Fitzpatrick is a football player which allows him to thrive in a scenario like fall camp.

“Minkah is a serious competitor and it shows in environments like this. He always wants in. He wants to cover receivers, to tackle running backs, he wants to blitz,” said Tomlin. “(Minkah) is a football player. He’s a guy that loves football and a guy that loves competition. He’s just a really good guy to have in an environment like this because it’s never a down day with him. (Fitzpatrick) is always about it and he’s always ready to work.”

Coming to the NFL out of Alabama surely helped Fitzpatrick to become both the player and person he is. It has also provided him a unique connection on the team in Steelers running back Najee Harris. Fitzpatrick and Harris crossed paths in just one season in Tuscaloosa for the 2017 year. Even so, it has made their relationship stronger in the NFL.