New Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has opened up about his childhood speech struggles during his introductory press conference on Friday. He had previously spoken publicly about his early condition but thought it necessary to update his new fans at the Steelers about it.
He’s hoping his public admission can encourage younger kids with similar conditions to feel acknowledged around the country. For the NFL, his honest disclosure adds to a growing narrative about the core requirements for going pro and how the NFL can significantly impact a player’s life.
Michael Pittman Jr. Reveals Childhood Speech Struggles and How the NFL Helped Him
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Velus Jones Jr (32) pose for a photo with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr
Dec 14, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and running back Velus Jones Jr (32) pose for a photo with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr (11) following a Seahawks victory at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
Pittman Jr. told reporters during the briefing that he had a stuttering problem as a child. The event is not the first time he’s spoken about it, as he’s partnered with the National Stuttering Association while using the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative to support the community.
Recently, Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion received online hate over his stutter after speaking at the NFL Combine. Concepcion had to respond to many negative comments about cutouts from his podium interview with journalists.
Speaking on his Instagram account, the young wide receiver shot back at his critics. Concepcion disclosed that he had stuttered since childhood and wholly accepts the condition as being part of his uncontrollable identity.
Rather than mourn the responses, Concepcion says he wants to be a role model for others who may be scared to speak up, who may be scared and afraid.
In his media briefing, Pittman disclosed that he has overcome his fear of popcorn reading and attributed his development to football media sessions. Describing his condition on social media, an X postcaptions:
“Michael Pittman Jr. said that because of a stutter, he used to be “deathly afraid” of popcorn reading. Football has forced him to speak publicly and do things he used to avoid.
He hopes to be a positive example, “Just showing kids you can get through that and grow though that.”
Michael Pittman Jr. said that because of a stutter, he used to be “deathly afraid” of popcorn reading. Football has forced him to speak publicly and do things he used to avoid.
He hopes to be a positive example, “Just showing kids you can get through that and grow though that.” pic.twitter.com/9QoYNPEkd8
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 13, 2026
Many have erroneously linked stuttering to low intelligence. That’s why it’s imperative for Pittman and Concepcion to speak out on the matter. The duo hopes their public calls will encourage future NFL players and children generally who may need a confidence boost regarding their speaking skills.