UNITY TWP, Pa. — DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. were already out of the mix before the Pittsburgh Steelers got on the field for Saturday morning's training camp practice at St. Vincent College. Brandon Smith and rookie Kaden Wetjen are dealing with injuries now, too, which gives lesser-known wideouts a chance to show their mettle.
Second-year tailback-turned-receiver Max Hurleman is one of those unheralded guys. A year ago, he earned a spot on the Steelers' practice squad after going undrafted and impressing during a rookie minicamp tryout. Along the way, his teammates nicknamed him "Tom Cruise" for his sculpted jawline and ability to pull off his own stunts. Google his backflip during a matchup against Jacksonville last preseason, for example.
Now he's hoping for a black and gold casting call.
"You obviously want everyone to be healthy, but (we're) just trying to prove that, no matter who goes down, we're not gonna miss a beat," said Hurleman, who stands 5-foot-11 and wears the No. 84 made famous by Antonio Brown . "Just proving that I can be reliable, I can play any of the spots, run every route in the route tree and I can with consistency — whether as a route runner or a blocker."
Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted rookie Max Hurleman celebrates his touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Aug. 9, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Hurleman, who had three receptions for 46 yards in Thursday night's 28-9 preseason-opening win over the Green Bay Packers , is cherishing whatever chances he gets as he tries to carve out a spot for himself once more.
"Every rep that I get is super valuable," Hurleman said. "Every play that I'm out there, no matter who the group is, just showing that I'm a valuable asset, try to make plays wherever I can, just doing the right thing. Showing that I know my assignment, and not only that I know it, but I can execute it."
A lot of work goes on in the background for a player of Hurleman's stature — studying the playbook, catching balls shot at him from the JUGS machine and running routes even at home during the offseason.
"This is your profession, and we're not paid by the hour," Hurleman said. "I'm just doing what I can to be ready."
With Wetjen on the sideline talking to Steelers trainers, Hurleman also stepped in as the starting returner on kick and punt units on Saturday. It's a role Hurleman has been familiar with since he was young.
"It's cool to be back there alone, having 11 guys chasing you," Hurleman said. "Just trying to help your teammates set up the blocks, trying to make a play, (but) most importantly just get the ball to the offense making good decisions. It's fun. It's been a while since I've done that. I didn't get an opportunity last year, but, man, I felt right at home."
Maybe it's not a job after all.
"It's like you're out at recess again," Hurleman said.
The post Max Hurleman Recaptures Carefree Feeling While Aiming for Steelers Casting Call appeared first on Steelers Now .
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