The Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-3 right now and are coming off a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers that exposed key defensive lapses. But as Mike Tomlin’s squad continues to fight their way back on top, the team cast their votes for the Ed Block Courage Award. An award that signifies the courage of bouncing back and coming back stronger than ever.

The recipient is none other than linebacker Cole Holcomb. The $18 million linebacker who once limped off the field, wondering if he’d play again.

When Holcomb first arrived in Steel City in 2023, he says he knew exactly what the organization needed. 

“I know what they’re expecting, and I feel like I can fit in well, and I think this is my kind of organization,” said Holcomb. “I love the atmosphere. I love the fan base. I love the organization. I love the coaching staff. And I’m just super excited to get started working with these guys.”

The recognition comes two years after Holcomb’s knee gave out in Week 8 of 2023 against the Tennessee Titans. That injury froze his career. He missed all of 2024, spent months stuck on IR, and didn’t take another snap until this season.

Yet, here he is, smiling and healthy. Holcomb didn’t just earn it; he lived it.

“I don’t think I ever questioned being able to return,” said Holcomb. “It was always the goal and not for me to just make a comeback. I wanted to come back and prove that I can be a top linebacker in this league still.”

Those words carry weight, especially when you’ve gone from a cart ride off the field to 54 tackles in eight games before it all crashed. He said, “It was wild. Hurt, hurt bad.” So, Holcomb could’ve faded quietly. Instead, he rebuilt his career one rep at a time.

Holcomb’s award ceremony is scheduled for November 11 at Acrisure Stadium for the Arthur J. Rooney Courage House Luncheon. However, his deal with the Steelers keeps him under contract through 2025, and with defense struggles in Pittsburgh, could he be the one to get cut?

James Harrison’s fierce warning to Mike Tomlin

The award celebration comes at a tense time for Mike Tomlin’s squad. The team is under pressure following comments from franchise legend James Harrison, who called for sweeping roster changes during The Deebo and Joe Show.

After that 35-25 meltdown against the Packers, Harrison voiced out his frustration.

“What is happening?” Harrison said. “Pittsburgh Steelers are built on defense. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen the defense be this bad…We’re the 30th-ranked defense in the NFL.”

The hard truth is, Pittsburgh’s defense has been a liability. They gave up 454 yards to Jordan Love and the Packers. 28 points in the second half alone. For a franchise that built its identity on fear, not fatigue, that’s unacceptable.

“Things gotta get changed,” Harrison said. “People gotta go. Highest-paid, 30th-ranked [defense], don’t match. I don’t know what needs to happen, but we need to go on ahead and maybe redo this whole thing and get something else going.”

Harrison might sound harsh, but he’s echoing what a growing crowd of fans is thinking. The problem isn’t effort; it’s direction. Whether Holcomb’s comeback story keeps him safe or not is up to Tomlin now. Because in the NFL, sentiment doesn’t protect job security, production does.