Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey is the winner of the 2025 NFL Way to Play Award for Week 1 , the league announced on Thursday. Ramsey won the award for his textbook hit on Garrett Wilson on the Jets final play of the game. Wilson would have had a first down if he hauled in Justin Fields ' pass.
Ramsey will receive a $5,000 equipment grant through USA Football to be awarded to the local youth or high school football program of his choice.
"Crucial play in the fourth quarter," said Troy Vincent , NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. "Got to have it play by the offense. Really got to have it play for the defense too. Being your best when your best is required.
"Zone coverage. Jalen sees the play unfold. He is looking at the quarterback, Fields, and he makes a great tackle, great heads up play. Shoulder in, head out. Sees the target. What is special about this play is he separated man from ball.
"Safe play. Great tackle. All the things you ask for from a defender. Head out, eyes up. He created a play where you separate man from ball. He did it violently, but legally. Great play by Jalen."
Matt Bowen of ESPN broke down the All-22 film oi Ramsey's hit to close out the game against the Jets
"Cloud/Cover 2 drop. Lying in the weeds— with zone vision. See it. And drive on the throw," Bowen wrote on X.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin isn't unfamiliar with Ramsey's game. He was thrilled that the defensive back's ability benefited his side.
"I'm glad he's on my team. I've seen it in stadiums before," Tomlin said . "I've certainly been an appreciator of his skills and talents. Can't say enough about him, man. He played nickel, he played free safety, he played outside corner. He is a top-notch football player and I'm glad he's on our team."
Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith , who arrived in Pittsburgh with Ramsey, by way of the trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami , is not surprised that Ramsey came up big when it mattered the most.
"That's expected from him, that's what he do. That's his résumé. It speaks for itself. We needed that. We needed that," Smith said.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Jalen Ramsey Wins NFL Award for Key Play in Jets Game
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