Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans didn't need a stat sheet to recognize impact with Alex Highsmith .
In a brief, mic'd-up moment following the wild card game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Houston Texans, Ryans made a point to stop Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith and deliver a message that resonated.
"Man, they don't talk about you enough. You're a heck of a player, brother. Keep it going, man. I like the way you play the game."
Coming from Ryans, the praise carries real weight. A former All-Pro linebacker and now the architect of what many view as the NFL's best defense, Ryans knows elite defensive play when he sees it. He also happens to coach one of the league's most feared edge duos in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter , making his endorsement of Highsmith even more telling.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alze Highsmith during a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 2, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Highsmith once again quietly put together a strong season in 2025, leading the Steelers in sacks for the first time in his career. Despite appearing in just 13 games, he finished with 9.5 sacks and consistently affected games when he was on the field. While injuries have limited him at times over the past two seasons, his impact has never been in question.
Drafted in the third round in 2020 out of Charlotte, Highsmith has long lived in the shadow of perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate T.J. Watt . As a result, his production is often chalked up to playing opposite one of the league's best. But this season offered more proof that Highsmith can stand on his own.
Most notably, he delivered a dominant performance against the Lions without Watt in the lineup, recording 2.5 sacks and consistently winning his matchups. It was a reminder that Highsmith isn't just a complementary piece, he's a legitimate difference-maker.
As the Steelers look ahead, the conversation around Highsmith becomes increasingly interesting. If he continues to improve and, most importantly, stays healthy, Pittsburgh could be facing some significant long-term decisions. One thing is clear, though: league insiders and opposing coaches are taking notice.
And if DeMeco Ryans is saying they don't talk about Alex Highsmith enough, he might be right.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : DeMeco Ryans Gives Huge Praise to Steelers Defender after Wild Card Clash: 'They Don't Talk About You Enough'
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