Steelers fullback Riley Nowakowski warms up during OTAs at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 29, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
Steelers fullback Riley Nowakowski warms up during OTAs at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Friday, May 29, 2026, in Pittsburgh.
Riley Nowakowski has heard this one before.
Number 37? Was that your choice? Is there a special meaning?
Yes, the Steelers rookie fullback knows it’s a bit peculiar. Some years ago, he was an unranked senior linebacker at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, turned preferred walk-on for his native Wisconsin Badgers.
Nowakowski was given one of those odd — literally — numbers that walk-ons tend to receive when the others are taken. A college career that began with grinding for special teams opportunities turned into an indispensable role for Indiana on last year’s national championship-winning team.
[Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson, left, is learning a lot from Patrick Queen.
Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson, left, is learning a lot from Patrick Queen.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/08/07/payton-wilson-queen-trainingcamp-linebackers/stories/202608070009)
The Steelers nabbed him in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft. And with training camp marching on, at Latrobe Memorial Stadium for the team’s “Saturday Night Lights” practice, Nowakowski was there, still in his No. 37.
“That’s the number they stuck me with,” Nowakowski told the Post-Gazette with a laugh. “It’s, really, something I’m proud of.”
Like he did in 2020 at Wisconsin, he’ll again likely have to earn his way onto the field as a special teamer.
The Steelers have toyed with the 6-foot-2, 250-pounder in camp as an extra blocking tight end and lead blocker in the backfield at fullback, but Nowakowski is more than up for the task of blocking on kicks or punts.
“I’ve been trying to bring physicality everywhere I’m at,” Nowakowski said. “I think that’s kind of the reason why they drafted me. They liked how physical I was. … Whether it’s on offense, special teams, shoot, if they need me on defense I’ll step in and try my best.
“Trying to be fast and physical, fly down the field and make plays. Just trying to earn trust. A big part of every rookie season is making a name on special teams.”
During Saturday’s camp, Nowakowski was working with the first-team kick return unit — a group that includes fellow rookie Kaden Wetjen, who was listed as the starting kick and punt returner on the Steelers initial depth chart.
[Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. pulls in a ball during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Latrobe.
Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. pulls in a ball during training camp at Saint Vincent College, Thursday, July 30, 2026, in Latrobe.](https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2026/08/07/pittman-rodgers-colts-flacco-ryan-rivers/stories/202608070046)
Special teams coordinator Danny Crossman expressed excitement for both rookies, among others, to contribute.
“It’s a very good class,” Crossman said. “They’re very willing. They’re anxious. They understand that roles need to be claimed, so they are working very hard — along with all the veteran guys, too.”
It’s a group that includes plenty of veteran experience in Travis Homer, Robert Tonyan, Cole Holcomb and Pro-Bowl special teamer Ben Skowronek, among others.
Those voices can certainly help the likes of Nowakowski and Wetjen understand the ropes.
“The guys understand what it takes to play in the National Football League,” Crossman said. “If you are not that No. 1 guy at your position, you better buy in. You better buy in quick. That’s how you’re gonna help the club.”
For Nowakowski, he was used just about everywhere for Indiana offensively — he even tallied two rushing touchdowns en route to a second-team All-Big Ten season. During an 11-on-11 period Saturday night, he lined up at fullback for the first-team unit and sprung running back Rico Dowdle free for a chunk gain on a pitch to the left side.
He also went through drills with the tight ends, running seam routes and hitches.
“He’s capable, and you can see him getting more comfortable with each rep,” offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio said.
As Nowakowski looked around the field — plenty of the nearly 8,500 fans lingering for a post-practice fireworks show — he was just grateful.
”Having the support, like you can hear here, is awesome,” Nowakowski said. “Getting to be here for Saturday Night Lights is a really special experience. I think that’s probably been the best part — just the fans, the people, the city. They’ve been awesome.”
Rookie quarterback Drew Allar, who had an impressive showing in his own right, echoed the sentiment.
“The fans lined up, you can smell everybody having barbecues and cooking out,” he said. “And I didn’t realize how big this stadium was. A lot of fans showed out, and they did a great job of bringing the energy.”
Oh, and more on Nowakowski: In the Steelers rookie talent show, he sang Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten.” He admits he’s not the best singer.
And for the rookie trying to find his way through hard work and physicality, just as he did six years ago as a college walk-on, the rest is still unwritten.
First Published: August 9, 2026, 1:00 a.m.
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