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‘He Is A Freak’: Jon Gruden Sees ‘Huge Ceiling’ With Steelers Rookie Max Iheanachor

As with any young player in sports, there are highs and lows, especially in their first season. That’s exactly what Pittsburgh Steelers rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor is going through right now. He’s on the rookie rollercoaster. Since being inserted…

By Josh Carney · Steelers Depot

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 1:15 PM

Key Things to Know

Jon Gruden praised Steelers rookie tackle Max Iheanachor, calling him an athletic freak with a massive ceiling.
Gruden noted that while Iheanachor's inexperience occasionally shows, his peak plays showcase elite tackle potential.
Iheanachor entered the Pittsburgh starting offensive line in Week 3 after starting over 30 games at Arizona State.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former NFL head coach Jon Gruden praised Pittsburgh Steelers rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor ahead of the team's Week 8 game against the Cleveland Browns. In a preview video, Gruden called the rookie "a freak" with great athleticism and size, noting that despite occasional inexperience, Iheanachor possesses a very high ceiling.

Writer Josh Carney highlights that Iheanachor has experienced an up-and-down rookie season since taking over the starting role in Week 3. While he allowed zero pressures against Indianapolis, Pro Football Focus credited him with allowing multiple pressures and sacks in contests against Cincinnati, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and New Orleans.

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‘He Is A Freak’: Jon Gruden Sees ‘Huge Ceiling’ With Steelers Rookie Max Iheanachor

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