Young talent CB Joey Porter Jr. steps up to take responsibility for the “game-changing” play after loss to Packers: “I played through pain – just hoping I could make a miracle for the Steelers.”
Young talent CB Joey Porter Jr. steps up to take responsibility for the “game-changing” play after loss to Packers: “I played through pain – just hoping I could make a miracle for the Steelers.”
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 29, 2025
After facing heavy criticism for his uneven performance in the Steelers’ 25–35 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, Joey Porter Jr., the 25-year-old cornerback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has broken his silence. In a brief interview after Tuesday’s practice, Porter candidly admitted he was at fault on a pivotal play that helped swing momentum toward the Packers in the second half.
— Smart True (@SmartTrue197118) October 28, 2025
“I have to take responsibility for that play,” Porter said, his voice low as he looked down at the turf. “That was a situation where I needed to finish the tackle, but I didn’t. I saw Tucker (Kraft) cut across my line — I had the angle, but I hesitated for half a second. And in the NFL, half a second is all it takes to cost you.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “I tried to fight through the pain, but that’s no excuse. My shoulder felt like it was on fire every time I made contact, but I didn’t want to come out. I wanted to stay in the fight with my brothers. Still, in that moment, I wasn’t strong enough. I should’ve made that play.”
According to Steelers Depot’s film breakdown, Porter showed flashes of strong coverage skills, but struggled badly with tackling and physicality. On one crucial third-quarter sequence, he missed a tackle on tight end Tucker Kraft, allowing a long gain that led to a touchdown drive and shifted the game’s momentum.
Porter revealed that he had been playing through a lingering shoulder injury, which made every collision more painful but refused to use it as an excuse.
“I was hurting the whole game, but I didn’t want to sit out,” Porter said. “I know this team needs me, and I wanted to fight beside my guys. Maybe I wasn’t at my best — but I never quit.”
The 25-year-old also had a message for Steelers fans:
“I understand the frustration. Our defense needs to be tougher, and I — especially me — have to set that tone. Next game, you’re going to see a different Joey Porter Jr. — stronger, sharper, and ready to hit.”
With DeShon Elliott now out due to a season-ending knee injury, the Steelers’ secondary faces even more pressure. Yet Porter’s willingness to take accountability and play through pain has drawn quiet respect inside the locker room — a reflection of the same fire that once defined his father, Joey Porter Sr., the legendary Steelers linebacker.
“I grew up in Pittsburgh — I know what black and gold means,” Porter concluded. “If I have to bleed and hurt to help this team rise again, then that’s exactly what I’ll do.”
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