The Pittsburgh Chapter of the Pro Football Writers of America handed out honors to two Steelers cornerbacks today, with Joey Porter Jr. winning the Joe Greene Great Performance Award as the Steelers’ rookie of the year and Patrick Peterson winning “The Chief” Award for his cooperation with the media.
Porter Jr. is the first defender to win the Joe Greene Great Performance Award since linebacker Devin Bush in 2019. He’s the third cornerback to win it, joining Delton Hall in 1987 and Chad Scott in 1997.
Drafted with the first pick in the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter earned his spot in the Steelers’ starting lineup midseason. Although he’s struggled with penalties, the rookie has largely impressed as the team’s CB1. So far this season, Porter has recorded 43 total tackles, 10 passes defensed, and one interception, which was a game-changing play in the Steelers’ upset of the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5.
Last year’s team Rookie of the Year winner was quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Peterson won “The Chief” Award in his first year with the Steelers. The honor, named after Steelers founder Art Rooney Sr., is presented each year to a Steeler for their cooperation with the Pittsburgh media. Peterson himself is involved in media, as he is the co-host of the “All Things Covered” podcast along with former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden.
“From his arrival and throughout the entire season, Peterson has made himself available to the media, in wins and losses. And Peterson didn’t just make himself available, but always provides insightful, in-depth answers to the media’s questions,” stated the Steelers’ press release.
Peterson joins a list of many well-respected Steelers who have won the award, including Cam Heyward, Joe Haden, David DeCastro, Arthur Moats, and many others. Center Mason Cole won the award last season.
As for other team awards, outside linebacker T.J. Watt was announced as the team MVP yesterday, his fourth time receiving the honor.