Former Notre Dame defensive back Max Hurleman has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after participating in the franchise's rookie minicamp.
A job earned.
**Pennsylvania**’s own @maxhurleman has signed with the @steelers #GoIrish☘️ | #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/jbcewBQvFu
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) May 12, 2025
The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder from Wyomissing, Penn., thrived on special teams in his one season with the Fighting Irish. He contributed to multiple coverage units and served as the team's punt returner, ranking 40th nationally after averaging 6.0 yards per return.
"So, Max had played a ton of ball, but the biggest thing I saw was his willingness to do whatever we asked," Notre Dame special team coordinator Marty Biagi said, "as opposed to [saying], 'Hey, this is what I've done in the past and I'm only going to do this.' That kind of thing.
"He quickly earned the trust because, OK, he's willing to take on any role and then all of a sudden knowing, he's been on kick return, he's been the punt returner. Obviously, he's handled the ball well. So, you know going back and seeing all the different roles and jobs that he's had, we really felt like, 'OK, we're going to start to force-feed him more into these intense-related roles.' He's done exceptionally well."
Hurleman also served as a backup safety.
Previously, he played a significant role as a running back at Colgate, where he became a first-team All-Patriot League special teams contributor. During his collegiate career, he had 194 carries for 814 yards and a touchdown.
"My goal all along was to play football at the highest level possible," said Hurleman after transferring to Notre Dame. "And I think entering the Portal and trying to go FBS, making the largest jump I could would give me the best chance to do that. It's definitely a little bit of a risk, right? I wasn't the most highly recruited player out of the Portal, but I also was, at the FCS level, I had a lot of love.
"But I knew I wanted to go big or go home, and I was satisfied with what I did at the FCS level. I wanted to see what I could do, taking the next step."
He worked out at Notre Dame's Pro Day at running back, figuring that would give him the best shot at an NFL training camp. After running a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, he earned an invite to the Steelers' rookie minicamp, an opportunity on which he capitalized.