Steelers Found Something in Trenton Thompson

The Pittsburgh Steelers always seem to find the diamond in the rough, and this year is no exception. It may have taken them 12 weeks to realize what they had, but this team landed a play-maker on defense - and one that should be earning his place long term. 

Trenton Thompson arrived in Latrobe late into training camp. He was a no one out of San Diego State who played one game for the New York Giants the year before. The initial expectations were that he wouldn't last through the preseason, but after showing his ball skills in Atlanta, he stuck around. 

Eventually, he surpassed Tre Norwood and Kenny Robinson to earn the team's practice squad spot. He waited patiently, working behind a handful of names, with little shot of making it onto the field this season. 

Even after Minkah Fitzpatrick got hurt, there wasn't much chatter about Thompson being included in the defensive plan. Then, Keanu Neal went down, and the Steelers had to call on their emergency option. 

Immediately, it paid off. Thompson should've had an interception during his first start a week ago, but the ball went through his hands. This week, he didn't let the opportunity go, coming up with his first regular season INT of his career. 

"Game changer," Thompson said about his interception. "We needed a turnover for sure, just to get us pumped up and get the offense rolling. And obviously it took away some momentum from their sideline."

According to defensive captain Cam Heyward, head coach Mike Tomlin challenged Thompson during the week to come up with an interception after letting one game in Cleveland. 

After the game, Tomlin confirmed Thompson stepped up big. 

"This guy has been excited about his opportunity and we’re excited for him," Tomlin said. "He delivered."

Thompson is likely part of the Steelers defensive lineup for the foreseeable future. With Minkah Fitzpatrick still dealing with a hamstring injury, and unable to practice the last four weeks, and Neal on IR, Thompson should remain the starter. 

"He has been ballin’," T.J. Watt said. "No one is surprised by his success. He had a phenomenal preseason. A guy that’s come in and hasn’t done a whole lot of talkin. He’s trying to learn as much as possible and he’s performing. Credit to him."

The Steelers need everyone to step up during injuries, and like Tomlin always says, "one man's misfortune is another man's opportunity." 

Thompson needed to wait for his time to shine, but this year's diamond in the rough has done everything he could to prove he belongs in this defense.