Steelers Find Hidden Gem in Ballhawking Safety

CINCINNATI — When he first came to the Steelers, Trenton Thompson was just a guy the team needed to get through training camp. When all three of the top safeties were down, Thompson stepped off the street to help run those practices, but in the meantime, he made plays, including an interception in his first preseason game. But after three injuries during the season, Thompson got thrust into the starting role opposite Damontae Kazee. Somehow, it appears that the Pittsburgh has found something.

For Thompson, he has turned into a real playmaker. He brings athleticism to their secondary, but more than that, Thompson’s instincts and ball-hawking capabilities have flashed, too. Thompson made the read to fool Jake Browning into an interception on a critical second-half drive.

“Nah, it wasn’t anything I saw — it was just playing football and being where I’m supposed to be on my drop, and he just happened to throw it to me. I dropped one last week, so this made up for it,” Thompson said. 

The Steelers inserted Thompson into the lineup with plenty of confidence in him. Thompson joined the Steelers in training camp after several injuries at the safety position and got plenty of playing time throughout camp and the preseason. His playmaking ability jumped out to the coaching staff in the preseason after he caught an interception against the Buccaneers. That and his relentless work ethic were crucial reasons for keeping him around on the practice squad. But now, as a starter, he is shining, too.