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Steelers Just Added a Freak Athlete at Tight End - And Hardly Anyone Noticed

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed South Dakota tight end as an undrafted free agent, the team announced on Saturday.

JJ Galbreath

 

JJ Galbreath is a 6-foot-3 3/8, 231-pound tight end that put up fantastic athletic testing scores in the pre-draft process, with a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, a 4.20-second shuttle, 6.82-second three-cone, 38-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad jump for an 8.4 out of 10 Relative Athletic Score.

A three-year starter for the Coyotes, Galbreath recorded 1,355 yards on 93 catches and had 12 touchdowns over his four-year college career.

Steelers Rookie Tight End Leaning on His Athleticism - Yahoo Sports

The native of Arvada, Colorado joined South Dakota in 2020, redshirted during the canceled COVID-19 season, and then began his career in 2021 as a reserve tight end. He became a starter in 2022, became and honorable mention All-Missouri Valley pick in 2023 and was a first-team All-MVFC and an All-American as a senior in 2024.

His most productive collegiate games came as a senior in the FCS playoffs in 2024, when he had six catches each, for 45 yards against UC Davis and 68 yards against Montana State.

Steelers Rookie Tight End Leaning on His Athleticism

The Steelers have added a number of players from the MVFC in recent years. They drafted quarterback Chris Oladokun (2022) and guard Mason McCormick (2024) from South Dakota State, and had North Dakota State tight end Noah Gindorff (2023), outside linebacker Derrek Tuszka (2021) and guard Joe Haeg (2021) on their team.

The Steelers will add Galbreath to a relatively thin spot on their roster. Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward are set to return at tight end from 2024, with Donald Parham the lone addition so far, replacing MyCole Pruitt.

The Steelers have now signed a total of seven undrafted free agents following the close of the 2025 NFL Draft on Sunday: Galbreath, Memphis wide receiver Roc Taylor, Minnesota-Duluth guard Aiden Williams, Indiana wide receiver Ke’Shawn Williams, Iowa safety Sebastian Castro, Pitt kicker Ben Sauls and South Alabama fullback/tight end DJ Thomas-Jones.

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Former Patriots Captain Forced to Join Steelers to Support Ailing Mother, Though His Heart Remains with New England
Former Patriots Captain Forced to Join Steelers to Support Ailing Mother, Though His Heart Remains with New England Foxborough, September 17, 2025 – Just days before the matchup between the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium, the story of Ja’Whaun Bentley – former Patriots captain – has left fans deeply moved. Bentley, who once led the defense and spent 7 seasons in a Patriots jersey, recently signed with the Steelers under reluctant circumstances. His mother is currently battling a serious illness, requiring long-term treatment, and the family needs significant funds to cover medical expenses. The Steelers were the only team to offer a contract at this time, giving Bentley an opportunity to earn income to support his mother. For Bentley, this decision was a heart-wrenching one. After leaving the Patriots due to a pectoral injury in the 2024 season, he has always held deep affection for the team that gave him the chance to become a star. Now, donning a Steelers uniform just before facing the Patriots turns this game into an emotionally charged challenge. In a private conversation with an old friend, Bentley tearfully confided: “I never wanted to stand on the opposite side of the Patriots. New England is where I grew up, my football family. But my mom is in pain every day… and I can’t turn my back on her. I just hope people understand, this isn’t betrayal, but a son’s responsibility.” Many Patriots fans, rather than criticizing, have expressed empathy and sent well-wishes to Bentley and his family. To them, he will always be a part of New England, regardless of the jersey he wears. The Steelers believe Bentley’s presence will add depth to their defense, which has been a weak point through the first two weeks of the season. But for Bentley, this weekend’s game is not just an NFL matchup – it’s a difficult journey between his love for the Patriots and his duty to his family.