After Serious Injury, Steelers Rookie and 2022 First-Team All-MAC Honoree Expresses Desire to End Contract Early – Reason That Brought Tears to the Steelers Community
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
In a season filled with highs and lows for the Pittsburgh Steelers, few stories have been as heartbreaking as that of Donte Kent. The rookie cornerback, who made waves in 2025 as a seventh-round draft pick, now faces an unimaginable setback that has left fans and teammates in shock.
Kent, a First-team All-MAC player in 2022, was a promising addition to the Steelers’ defensive backfield. His speed and agility, showcased by a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, earned him a spot on the team and raised expectations for his future.

However, Kent’s promising career was quickly derailed by a devastating ACL injury suffered late in the season. The news of his injury sent shockwaves through the Steelers organization. The injury will prevent Kent from participating in training camp and OTAs (Organized Team Activities) in the summer of 2026.
As Kent came to terms with the severity of the injury, it became clear that his recovery would take longer than anyone had anticipated. The situation worsened when Kent, after discussions with team management, expressed his desire to request an early termination of his contract.
"My heart will always belong to Pittsburgh," Kent said with deep emotion. "This isn’t goodbye forever, it’s just a pause. I have to step away now to focus on my recovery, but I’ll always be here, supporting this team no matter what. I’m leaving now, but I’ll never stop being part of this family."
Kent’s decision to request early termination of his contract, despite being one of the Steelers’ brightest prospects, has brought tears to the fanbase. It’s a selfless act, placing the team’s needs above his own.
For many Steelers fans, Kent’s story isn’t just about a rookie facing a heartbreaking setback. It’s about his determination to never give up, even when the future is uncertain. As Kent looks ahead to an uncertain future, one thing is clear: his love for the Steelers and commitment to recovery will never change.
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