The Isaac Redman Award nominations just dropped, marking a decade of Behind the Steel Curtain’s most prestigious tradition. Forget your flashy MVP trophies; this award, as OG editor Neal Coolong put it, celebrates the unheralded Steelers player who clawed out of obscurity to find fame among the faithful.
The Unsung Hero’s Crown: What Is The Redman Award, Really?
So what makes a guy eligible? The rules are strict: no draft pick higher than the sixth round, and only two prior training camps allowed. We’re talking about true long shots, guys flying under the radar, who fans constantly buzz about in comments as ‘diamonds in the rough’ for significant playing time. And get this: they don’t even have to make the final team to qualify! This award isn’t about the 53-man roster discussion; it’s pure fan hype for the journey.
Meet Your Redman Contenders: Who’s Stealing The Show?
Alright, let’s see who the staff are pushing for this honor. Ryan Parish is all in on rookie nose tackle Gabe Rubio. In three preseason games, Rubio racked up six solo and six assisted tackles. PFF charted him with five ‘Stops’ , tackles killing the offense’s drive , and he even snagged two pressures in the final preseason game against the Bills! Parish called him the rookie with the ‘most impressive preseason performance’ outside of Germie Bernard. Talk about high praise for a guy who came out of nowhere!
Mike Nicastro went a bit off the board with Lew Nichols, who actually won this award last year. This dude just keeps on trucking! Nichols led the team rushing, hitting 87 yards on 20 attempts for a 4.35 average. He scored a touchdown, and Nicastro thinks he ‘probably should have had another’ against the Packers. Nichols might not be ‘the belle of any ball,’ Nicastro admits, but his consistency and relentless approach mean he ‘deserves some recognition, and possibly a roster spot.’
The Diamond In The Rough List Keeps Growing!
Jarrett Bailey nominated Robert Spears-Jennings, a seventh-round safety who had a ‘very strong summer’ in camp and preseason. With safety depth being a question, Bailey thinks Spears-Jennings ‘should get a spot on the 53-man roster.’ That’s huge for a late-round pick!
Finally, Joey Bray gave some local love, nominating Pittsburgh’s own Eli Heidenreich! This Mt. Lebanon high school alum was selected 240th overall, and fans ‘rejoiced’ his selection. It’d be a shame if this local hero didn’t get a Redman nomination; that hometown connection definitely fuels the ‘fame and appeal’ part of the award.
So, who gets your vote? Rubio, Nichols, Spears-Jennings, or hometown hero Heidenreich? The staff made their cases, now fans vote. Roster cuts loom, and these guys are fighting for NFL dreams. The Redman Award spotlights those who earn it the hard way: finding that unheralded gem who makes you say, ‘Wait, who IS that guy?’
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply