Who Is Nick Herbig?
Nick Herbig is an American football linebacker and edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL.
Born on November 21, 2001, in Hawaii, Herbig developed into one of the nation’s most productive defensive prospects before starring at the University of Wisconsin. His combination of speed, strength, and football IQ helped him become a fourth-round draft pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Since joining the Steelers, Herbig has steadily expanded his role and become an important piece of Pittsburgh’s defense.
Nick Herbig Age
Nick Herbig was born on November 21, 2001, making him 24 years old during the 2026 NFL season.
Despite his relatively young age, he has already established himself as one of the NFL’s most promising young edge defenders.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nicholas Herbig |
| Date of Birth | November 21, 2001 |
| Age | 24 |
| Height | 6-foot-2 |
| Weight | 240 pounds |
| Position | Linebacker / Edge Rusher |
| NFL Team | Pittsburgh Steelers |
| College | Wisconsin |
| Draft Year | 2023 |
Nick Herbig High School Career
Before becoming an NFL player, Herbig attended Saint Louis School in Hawaii.
Saint Louis School is widely regarded as one of Hawaii’s premier football programs and has produced numerous Division I and NFL athletes.
During his high school years, Herbig emerged as one of the top defensive recruits in the state. His athleticism, explosiveness, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses made him a highly sought-after prospect.
By the time he graduated, major college programs across the country were pursuing him. Ultimately, he chose Wisconsin, a school known for producing elite linebackers and defensive players.
College Career at Wisconsin
Herbig played for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2020 through 2022.
His college career showcased his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and create game-changing plays.
Freshman Season
Even as a freshman, Herbig demonstrated his pass-rushing potential and quickly earned playing time.
Sophomore Season
During his sophomore campaign, he became one of Wisconsin’s top defenders and continued improving his sack production.
Breakout 2022 Season
The 2022 season was Herbig’s best in college football.
He earned:
- Third-Team All-American honors
- First-Team All-Big Ten recognition
- National attention as an elite pass rusher
His outstanding production convinced NFL scouts that he could become an impact defender at the professional level.
Nick Herbig NFL Draft Journey
The Steelers selected Nick Herbig in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 132nd overall pick.
Many draft analysts viewed Herbig as a potential steal because of:
- Elite college production
- Strong pass-rushing instincts
- Versatility
- High football IQ
Although he wasn’t selected in the first two days of the draft, Pittsburgh believed his skill set fit perfectly within their defensive system.
The Steelers have a reputation for finding defensive gems outside the first round, and Herbig appears to be another successful example.
Nick Herbig Steelers Career
Joining a defense that already featured stars such as T. J. Watt and Alex Highsmith gave Herbig an opportunity to learn from two of the NFL’s best edge rushers.
Rookie Season (2023)
Herbig flashed his potential as a rotational pass rusher.
His quick first step and relentless effort immediately stood out.
Continued Development
Over the next two seasons, Herbig earned more snaps and became increasingly important to Pittsburgh’s defense.
His ability to create pressure off the edge helped him carve out a significant role despite the team’s depth at linebacker.
Breakout Campaign
The 2025 season represented Herbig’s breakout year.
He recorded:
- 7.5 sacks
- 3 forced fumbles
- 1 interception
Those numbers helped establish him as one of the Steelers’ most productive young defenders.
Nick Herbig Stats
As of the end of the 2025 season, Herbig had compiled impressive NFL numbers.
Career Statistics
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 45 |
| Total Tackles | 79 |
| Sacks | 16 |
| Forced Fumbles | 9 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
2025 Season Stats
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Sacks | 7.5 |
| Forced Fumbles | 3 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Solo Tackles | 18 |
These numbers illustrate why Pittsburgh considered him a foundational piece moving forward.
Nick Herbig PFF Grade
One of the strongest indicators of Herbig’s growth has been his exceptional performance in PFF evaluations.
According to PFF:
- Overall Grade: 86.7
- Pass-Rush Grade: 87.1
- Ranked 7th among qualified edge defenders
- Produced 47 total pressures
- Recorded 8 sacks and multiple forced fumbles during the 2025 season
These rankings placed him among the NFL’s elite young edge rushers.
Analysts praised:
- Pass-rush efficiency
- Pressure generation
- Improved run defense
- Consistent impact on games
His PFF performance significantly increased his value entering contract negotiations.
Nick Herbig Contract
The biggest development of Herbig’s career came in June 2026 when the Steelers rewarded him with a massive long-term extension.
Contract Details
- Four-year extension
- Worth approximately $100 million
- Includes $42 million guaranteed
- Keeps him under contract through the 2030 season
The deal was finalized after Herbig’s breakout 2025 season and reflects the Steelers’ confidence in his future.
Why Pittsburgh Paid Him
The Steelers recognized several factors:
- Elite pass-rushing upside
- Strong PFF metrics
- Young age
- Versatility
- Team-first mentality
Instead of waiting for free agency, Pittsburgh secured one of its most promising defenders before his market value rose even higher.
Why the Steelers Believe in Nick Herbig
The Steelers traditionally prioritize defense, and Herbig fits perfectly within their organizational philosophy.
Pass-Rush Ability
Generating quarterback pressure remains one of the NFL’s most valuable skills.
Herbig consistently wins with:
- Burst
- Technique
- Leverage
- Motor
Versatility
He can:
- Rush from the edge
- Drop into coverage
- Defend the run
- Force turnovers
Youth
At only 24 years old, Herbig is still entering the prime years of his career.
Nick Herbig and His Football Family
Football runs in the Herbig family.
Nick’s brother, Nate Herbig, also played in the NFL and spent time with the Steelers organization.
The brothers developed strong football foundations growing up in Hawaii and both achieved professional success.
Their story remains one of the more unique family success stories in recent NFL history.
Future Outlook
The future looks extremely bright for Nick Herbig.
Several factors suggest his best football is still ahead of him:
- Entering athletic prime
- Continued development as a pass rusher
- Elite coaching environment
- Strong supporting cast
- Long-term organizational commitment
If he continues progressing at his current pace, Herbig could develop into a Pro Bowl and potentially All-Pro caliber defender.
Many analysts already view him as one of the league’s most underrated edge rushers.
Conclusion
Nick Herbig’s journey from Saint Louis School in Hawaii to becoming a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is a testament to his talent and work ethic.
After starring at Wisconsin and being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, Herbig steadily developed into one of the NFL’s most efficient young edge rushers. His impressive statistics, strong PFF grades, and breakout 2025 season ultimately earned him a four-year contract extension worth approximately $100 million.
At just 24 years old, Herbig has already accomplished a great deal, but the most exciting chapters of his career may still lie ahead. Steelers fans have every reason to believe that he will remain a key defensive playmaker for years to come.
FAQs
How old is Nick Herbig?
Nick Herbig is 24 years old and was born on November 21, 2001.
What position does Nick Herbig play?
He primarily plays linebacker and edge rusher for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Which college did Nick Herbig attend?
Herbig played college football at the University of Wisconsin.
When was Nick Herbig drafted?
He was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 132nd overall pick.
What is Nick Herbig’s contract worth?
In 2026, he signed a four-year extension worth approximately $100 million, including $42 million guaranteed.
What high school did Nick Herbig attend?
He attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What was Nick Herbig’s PFF grade in 2025?
Herbig earned an overall PFF grade of 86.7, ranking among the NFL’s top edge defenders.
How many sacks did Nick Herbig record in 2025?
He recorded 7.5 sacks during the 2025 NFL season.
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