Steelers' Preseason Opener Highlights

Devin Bush is an American professional football linebacker currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Born on July 18, 1998, in Pembroke Pines, Florida, he stands 5'11" and weighs 235 pounds, having starred at the University of Michigan.[3][7][8] Bush excelled in college, playing in 39 games with 32 at linebacker and 25 starts from 2016-2018. As a sophomore in 2017, he recorded 102 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks across 13 starts, earning a letter and contributing on special teams. In 2018, he was named Team Defensive Player of the Year, Team Captain, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, with standout games like nine tackles against Nebraska.[2][4] Selected 10th overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Michigan, Bush earned PFWA All-Rookie Team honors that year.[3][5] Son of former NFL safety Devin Bush Sr., who played eight seasons for the Falcons, Rams, and Browns after a standout Florida State career including the 1993 national title, Bush drew early comparisons to elite linebackers like Bobby Wagner.[1][4][6] His Steelers tenure included a season-ending ACL tear against the Browns and 46 solo tackles with 2 sacks in recent stats.[3][6][8] After Pittsburgh, Bush signed a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks to bolster their linebacker corps alongside Wagner.[6] In 2024 with the Browns, he appeared in 16 games with 10 starts, tallying 74 tackles and 1 sack.[5] Recently, he faced an arrest and assault charge, as noted in news updates.[8] At age 27, Bush remains an active NFL defender seeking to reclaim his early promise.[3]

Mason Rudolph is an American professional football quarterback who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL). He was born July 17, 1995, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and played college football at Oklahoma State, where he became the program’s winningest quarterback and finished his collegiate career with 13,618 passing yards and 92 touchdowns, earning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 2017[1][2]. Rudolph was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft and spent his early pro years primarily as a backup, with occasional starts when the starter was injured[1][5]. His most notable early NFL moments came in 2019 when he replaced an injured Ben Roethlisberger and started multiple games, and again in later seasons when he stepped into starting roles due to injuries or roster changes[1][3]. Rudolph’s pro career has included stretches as a starter and as a depth quarterback; he has appeared in multiple regular-season games and accumulated both starting experience and backup duties across several seasons with Pittsburgh and a season in Tennessee before returning to Pittsburgh in 2025[1][4][7]. Known for prototypical quarterback size (listed at 6'5", 235 lbs) and a strong college production profile, Rudolph’s NFL résumé highlights durability as a roster contributor and occasional effectiveness as a starter when called upon[3][6]. Recent team activity has involved him rejoining the Steelers and competing for the team’s quarterback roles, including late-season starts and post-season participation in prior years[1][7]. Rudolph remains a relevant depth option in the NFL quarterback market, valued for his experience in both starting and backup capacities and for the leadership and situational play he has provided when elevated to the starting lineup[7][5].

James Washington (born January 10, 1965) is a former American professional football safety who played eight seasons in the NFL for the Los Angeles Rams, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins.[1] A UCLA Bruins standout, he earned Third-team All-American honors in 1986 and Second-team All-Pac-10 recognition in 1985, recording 17 career interceptions in the pros.[1] Washington joined the Cowboys in 1991 as a regular starter at strong safety, transitioning to free safety in 1992 after team acquisitions and injuries; he tied for the team lead with three interceptions that year.[1] His pinnacle came in back-to-back Super Bowl victories: in Super Bowl XXVII, he intercepted a pass in the first quarter, sparking a record nine-turnover game and the Cowboys' first touchdown en route to a 52-17 win over the Buffalo Bills.[1] In Super Bowl XXVIII, Washington delivered a dominant performance with 11 tackles (team-high), an interception leading to an Emmitt Smith score, a forced fumble, and a 46-yard fumble return touchdown that tied the game at 13-13 before a 30-13 victory; his play earned strong MVP consideration.[1] After signing with the Redskins as a free agent in 1995, he started 12 games but faced a notable incident involving a fan altercation at RFK Stadium and was released in 1996.[1] Now retired, Washington remains relevant for his championship contributions and defensive prowess in pivotal NFL moments, with no recent events noted as of available records.[1][5]

Diontae Johnson is an American professional football wide receiver who entered the NFL after a productive college career at the University of Toledo and has been an active NFL player since being drafted in 2019. He played for the Toledo Rockets in college, finishing with 135 receptions for 2,235 yards and 23 touchdowns, and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round (66th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft[4][1]. Johnson developed into a primary target in Pittsburgh’s passing attack, posting multiple seasons with high target volume and leading the team in receiving in several years; he compiled notable production including seasons with 80+ catches and leading the team in targets and routes run[2][4]. He has also contributed on special teams earlier in his career, including punt-return work and earning AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for an 85-yard punt return touchdown while with the Steelers[1][4]. Johnson’s NFL career has included team changes and transactions in recent seasons: he was traded from the Steelers to the Carolina Panthers in March 2024, where he led the Panthers in receiving through seven games before missing time with injury, was later claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans in December 2024 and then waived in January 2025, and was claimed by the Baltimore Ravens on January 15, 2025[1]. Over his NFL tenure he has been noted for his route-running, target share, and ability to draw targets from quarterbacks, producing multiple 700–900 yard seasons and finishing among team leaders in receptions and targets in several campaigns[2][4][6]. Johnson’s current status as of early 2025 reflects a veteran receiver with proven target volume and playmaking ability who has moved between several teams since 2024; his recent transactions signal ongoing league interest but also roster uncertainty as teams evaluate offensive fits and depth[1][3].

Antonio Tavaris Brown Sr. (born July 10, 1988) is an American former professional football wide receiver who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. He is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished receivers of his era, known for his speed, route-running, and playmaking ability. Brown played college football at Central Michigan University, where he twice earned first-team All-American honors as a punt returner. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Brown spent his first nine seasons with the Steelers, quickly establishing himself as a top receiver. He led the league in receiving yards twice (2014, 2017) and receptions twice (2014, 2015), earning seven Pro Bowl selections (2011, 2013–2018) and four consecutive first-team All-Pro honors (2014–2017). He also set multiple Steelers franchise records and was the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver after signing a contract extension in 2017. In 2019, amid off-field controversies, Brown was traded to the Oakland Raiders but was released before the season began. He briefly played for the New England Patriots, appearing in only one game before being released due to a sexual assault investigation. Brown returned to the NFL in 2020, signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl LV victory, marking his first Super Bowl championship. He was released by the Buccaneers in 2021 after leaving a game early due to on-field misconduct. Following his playing career, Brown became the majority owner of the Albany Empire in the National Arena League (NAL) in 2023, but the team folded that same year. Brown’s career is notable for both his on-field achievements and his off-field controversies, making him one of the most discussed figures in recent NFL history.