Steelers Linebacker Reveals A Certain Trend That Has Annoyed Him Throughout His Career
Linebackers in the NFL are often seen as the heart and soul of a defense, balancing aggression with discipline as they disrupt plays and command their unit. For Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, a rising star in the league, one trend has become a constant source of frustration throughout his career: the lack of recognition and respect for his contributions to the team.
In a recent interview, Highsmith expressed his irritation at how linebackers, especially those not in the spotlight, are frequently overshadowed in discussions about a team’s success. “It seems like no matter how much work we put in, the credit always goes to someone else,” he said. “Don’t get me wrong, I respect all my teammates, but it’s frustrating when people overlook what we do in the trenches.”
The Lack of Recognition
Highsmith’s annoyance stems from a recurring pattern in the NFL narrative—linebackers being undervalued compared to flashy pass rushers, star quarterbacks, or lockdown cornerbacks. Despite leading the Steelers in critical categories like tackles for loss and quarterback pressures in multiple games, he’s often overshadowed by teammates like T.J. Watt, whose star power and consistent dominance naturally draw more attention.
“It’s like people only see the sacks or interceptions, but there’s so much more to the position,” Highsmith explained. “We’re setting edges, we’re reading offenses, we’re calling plays, and we’re making adjustments on the fly. But that doesn’t show up on a highlight reel.”
Highsmith’s frustrations echo a sentiment shared by many linebackers in the league. Their work often goes unnoticed because it involves doing the dirty work—filling gaps, taking on blockers, and covering ground—that doesn’t always translate to gaudy stats.
The Evolution of the Linebacker Role
Adding to Highsmith’s irritation is the evolving nature of the linebacker position. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, linebackers are often required to do it all—rush the passer, cover tight ends and running backs, and stuff the run. This versatility makes them one of the most demanding positions on the field, yet it rarely receives the same level of appreciation as specialized roles.
Highsmith pointed out that the trend extends beyond individual games, affecting contract negotiations and Pro Bowl or All-Pro voting. “Look at the way contracts are structured,” he said. “Edge rushers and cornerbacks are getting paid, but versatile linebackers are sometimes left behind. It’s frustrating because we’re asked to do so much, but it doesn’t always translate into recognition.”
A Chip on His Shoulder
Despite his frustration, Highsmith insists that the lack of recognition only fuels his desire to improve. “It definitely puts a chip on my shoulder,” he said. “I go out there every game wanting to prove people wrong, to show that what I do matters.”
This mindset has been evident in Highsmith’s play. Over the past two seasons, he’s developed into one of the Steelers’ most consistent defenders, excelling in both pass rushing and coverage. His relentless motor and football IQ have made him an indispensable part of Pittsburgh’s defense.
“Every time I step on the field, I remind myself that I’m playing for my team, not for the headlines,” Highsmith said. “The respect will come eventually, but for now, I just want to keep making plays and helping us win games.”
The Steelers’ Defensive Culture
Highsmith credits the Steelers’ defensive culture for helping him stay motivated despite the lack of external recognition. “Playing in Pittsburgh, you know the standard is high,” he said. “We’ve got a legacy of great linebackers, and that pushes me to be the best I can be.”
Still, Highsmith hopes that the league and its fans will eventually gain a greater appreciation for the linebacker position. “We do the dirty work that makes the whole defense function,” he said. “It’s time people start recognizing that.”
Conclusion
For Alex Highsmith and many other linebackers in the NFL, the lack of recognition is a persistent frustration. But rather than letting it define him, Highsmith uses it as motivation to elevate his game. As he continues to prove himself as a vital cog in the Steelers’ defense, perhaps the trend he finds so annoying will begin to shift—and the respect linebackers deserve will finally come their way.
