New Steeler Desmond King calls playing in Pittsburgh a 'dream come true'

The journey continues for Desmond King. The former Iowa cornerback signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, making it his fourth team in seven seasons so far.

“I’m excited to be here. It’s like a dream come true,” King said Monday following his first practice with the team, via Steelers.com. “I always wanted to play for Mike and the city of Pittsburgh. It was always a good atmosphere to come here and play here. I know what it’s about.

“It was just the kind of player I am. It was a perfect fit for me. (Tomlin) said I’m the kind of player that needs to be in this organization. I play fast… I tackle well… I’m physical. As long as I want to win, this was the place for me to be.”

King originally went in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft to the Los Angeles Chargers. He still remembers the Steelers and the connection he made with Mike Tomlin in the draft process.

He’s now getting another fresh start this fall after spending the last two seasons with the Houston Texans.

In the middle of his fourth season with the Chargers, the team traded King to the Tennessee Titans in November of 2020 for a sixth-round pick. He would sign with the Texans after the season.

King and the Steelers kick off 2023 regular season action on Sunday with a noon kickoff against the San Franciso 49ers.

More on King

In his NFL career, King has 426 total tackles, 320 solo tackles, 8.5 sacks, nine interceptions, 33 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns.

King played four seasons at Iowa, winning the Jim Thorpe Award in 2015, the Jack Tatum Award and was also the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year that season. He was also a Unanimous All-American.

In four years with the Hawkeyes, King finished with 263 total tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions, 33 pass deflections and one forced fumble.

As a member of the Class of 2013, King was a three-star recruit out of Detroit (Mich.) Crockett, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 18 overall prospect in the state, the No. 86 cornerback in the class and the No. 823 overall prospect in the class.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this report.