Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Max Hurleman

Max Hurleman has been on quite a ride.  From the small town of Wyomissing, PA to Notre Dame and now the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Hurleman was an All-State selection in high school.  The Spartans have one of the top programs in Pennsylvania.  They've won a dozen District 3 championships along with a state title in 2012.  Hurleman spent four years at Colgate and earned All-Patriot League first team honors on special teams in 2023.  He led the league in punt return yards as a senior.  Hurleman switched from running back to wide receiver after his junior campaign.  He finished his career at Colgate with 814 rushing yards, 841 receiving yards, and 80 receptions.  Hurleman then decided to walk-on at Notre Dame as a graduate student.  He became the punt returner for the Fighting Irish and played in the national championship game.  "Amazing experience, Notre Dame is a very surreal place. I think it changed my life in a lot of ways, even outside of football. There's nothing like wearing the golden helmet," he told SV Sports' Paul Roberts.  Hurleman's football journey, however, didn't end in South Bend.  The 23-year-old was one of just three players signed by the Steelers after attending their rookie minicamp last month.  "Super grateful, I can't thank them enough for affording me this opportunity. I'm gonna make them right in their decision," replied Hurleman.  The 5'11, 200-pound running back believes his versatility made a difference.  "It helped me a ton. Being able to have one guy wear multiple hats definitely goes a long way in the NFL," he noted.  Hurleman can play RB, WR, DB, and return kicks.  He was recognized as a "Hometown Hero" by the Reading Fightin Phils on Thursday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.  Hurleman was joined by fellow Wyomissing graduate and former NFL offensive lineman Ross Tucker.  After seven year in the NFL, Tucker became a TV/Radio broadcaster, as well as the host of several football podcasts.  He's extremely excited for Hurleman.  "I'm thrilled that he's getting this opportunity. He's done everything the right way...It's really hard, especially from the FCS level, to even get a chance in the NFL," emphasized Tucker.  He added, "I'm just here thinking how cool it is that he's catching passes from Aaron Rodgers. Aaron Rodgers is giving him pointers. That is bananas."