It was a packed house at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Tuesday as players were back in the building for the first day of voluntary workouts as part of Phase One of the NFL's offseason program.
"It's always cool to come back and see all the guys," said linebacker Alex Highsmith. "It's good to be back in the building. And everyone being here today, all the veteran faces, everyone showing up. It's really cool.
"I'm just excited to get started in this process and get to know Coach (Mike) McCarthy and all the staff a lot more.
"I think it's important we are all here because through this process, through OTA days, and then minicamp, you are able learn the new playbook and get to know new coaches, build that relationship, build that trust with the guys. Ultimately, I feel like you're playing the best when you trust those guys that you're around. So, you develop that trust and that cohesion during this time.
"I think when the veterans show up, and they're here, it shows the young guys they are committed, and that we're all in."
The Steelers are one of 10 teams that started the offseason program early because of having a new staff with head coach Mike McCarthy.
This portion of the offseason program is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.
But that didn't stop players from being on hand, with many of the veterans setting an example for the younger players and sharing their experience.
"It's awesome to be here," said defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day, an eight-year veteran who signed with the Steelers as an unrestricted free agent in March. "It's always great to be around the coaches and players and build that camaraderie early and get to know your teammates. I feel like it all carries over once the season starts and how we play, especially when it gets to important games in December, January, and February.
"We are fortunate to have our experience playing in the league and to see a lot of things. You take what you've learned, the wisdom that we've been able to build over the years and pass it down and help the young guys prepare for what is to come."
Another unrestricted free agent who signed with the team this offseason, safety Jaquan Brisker, understands what this time of year means in team building.
"Everyone is meeting the new coaches, and we are all on the same playing field there," said Brisker. "You want to give your best first impression and just showing up and being there and getting the communication, getting the scheme down, just getting familiar with the building, the players, the coaches, things like that is really important."
Players arrive for the first day of Phase One of the Steelers voluntary offseason workout program
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end JJ Galbreath arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jack Henderson arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Anthony Goodlow arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense tackle Sataoa Laumea arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Brock Hoffman arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Max Hurleman arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Sebastian Castro (49) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver John Rhys Plumlee arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Doug Nester arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Aiden Williams arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback/punt returner Donte Kent (34) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) arrive for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Lew Nichols arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Ryan McCollum (62) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Cameron Johnston arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (93) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Smith arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Derrick Harmon (99) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) arrive for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during arrivals for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver A.T. Perry arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (69) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver A.T. Perry arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Spencer Anderson (74) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Travis Homer arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Yahya Black (94) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Daequan Hardy arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end K.J. Henry arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker (3) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) arrive for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (13) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) arrives for Phase One of the voluntary offseason workout program on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
For defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, who is entering his second season, taking part in the full offseason program for the first time is ideal.
"It's a blessing to be back here again," said Harmon. "It's way easier this time around, because you know what to expect, what to do. And being in the building this early is great. As a rookie, or just as a prospect to get drafted, you're doing your 30 visits to team. You're going to the teams and traveling. Then you get to sit down for a little bit, and then it's the Draft.
"So, just being here right now, I feel like it's a big help for the second-year guys ready to get to work.
"And I didn't expect so many veterans to be here, but it was a lot. And it just shows what we expect to do this year as a team and what our priorities are."
Harmon also said this time of year is crucial getting to know the new coaching staff as well.
"It's us playing on the field, but the coaches are giving us information, and the relationships have to be built this time of the year," said Harmon. "We can't start building relationships once we're in training camp, because once training camp is coming around, we're going to work. So right now, I feel like building relationships is important."
Whether the players were young or veterans, new to the team or have been around for a while, the overall feeling on Tuesday was a positive one filled with energy and excitement for what is ahead.
"Just walking in the Pittsburgh Steelers facility and being able to have another opportunity to play football, go to meetings and things like that is just a blessing," said Brisker. "The tradition of just walking where the legends have been and every Hall of Famer, you just feel it when you walk in.
"When you walk past those six Super Bowl trophies, like Coach (McCarthy) said earlier, it just gives you the chills.
"It's amazing just coming in to work on the first day and being able to get this thing started."
