Pittsburgh Steelers work out Nick Kwiatkoski

Nick Kwiatkoski is trying out for a roster spot with the Steelers this week. And the linebacker feels like he’s home.

After all, he grew up 10 miles from Pittsburgh and went to college at West Virginia, which is an hour’s drive away. And if he makes the Steelers, it would be a football bucket list moment, considering his love for the black and gold as a kid while growing up in Bethel Park, Pa.

Whether he can impress enough during mini camp is the main question.

“I came in, did my physical and am getting into practices and meetings and went through everything,” Nick Kwiatkoski told reporters after Tuesday’s practice. “So, kind of on a ‘Going until someone tells me to stop (basis).’ So, we will see.”

He added: “I grew up a Steelers fan. Bethel Park, obviously, I was close. Awesome opportunity for me, and I am excited about it. Only been here a day, but first day was great. Guys were awesome, the coaches are great — and looking forward to tomorrow.”

The Chicago Bears selected Kwiatkoski in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played four seasons with the Bears before moving to the Raiders and then to the Falcons. He hasn’t started a game since 2020. Kwiatkoski has played on special teams the past two seasons.

He’s posted 293 tackles in his career, with 208 of them solo. He also registered seven sacks, with 17 tackles for loss. He can be an aggressive ballhawk, given that he has six forced fumbles in his career with two picks in 89 games. During this stretch. he also started 34 games.

Playing on special teams with the Falcons, Nick Kwiatkoski was in on 228 special teams snaps. He notched seven tackles.

Kwiatkoski already has gone through one tryout this offseason. He tried to catch on with the Titans before arriving in Pittsburgh. But signing with the Steelers would be a dream for a linebacker who turned 30 three weeks ago.

“It’s been a fun ride,” he said of his career. “It’s been awesome.