Former Washington Football Star Shines in Steelers Debut
Over his five seasons at UW, the 6-foot-1, 227-pounder proved himself capable as a special teams enforcer, earning team MVP honors for the Huskies' unit in 2023 as he waited his turn at linebacker behind a pair of veterans, Edefuan Ulofoshio and Alphonzo Tuputala.
"Special teams is something I started playing at the University of Washington early in my career and is something I embrace and really fell in love with," Bruener told Steelers.com after being drafted in April.
"It's something I have been able to do my whole career and excel at. I know that is something I am going to be able to bring to Pittsburgh for sure."
Recently, the UW captain in 2024 was viewed as a potential cut candidate by Mark Kaboly, a long-time Steelers beat writer who covers the team for the Pat McAfee Show. The performance should give the rookie a boost of confidence as he continues to make a push to earn a roster spot when final cuts come down on August 26.
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