The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on May 10 the signing of fullback Riley Nowakowski, their fifth-round pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft, to a four-year contract. Nowakowski played college football at Indiana and was selected with the 169th overall pick.
Nowakowski appeared in 16 games during the 2025 season, recording 32 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield. He also rushed twice for two yards, both resulting in touchdowns. He transferred to Indiana from Wisconsin for his final collegiate season.
“Super excited about the young man, just a quality person,” said running backs coach Ramon Chinyoung Sr. “His game speaks for itself, the versatility, the ability to play multiple positions. The strain at the line of scrimmage. He’s shown the ability to play in-line as well. Does a great job catching the ball out of the backfield.”
Nowakowski described his experience playing various roles on offense: “I’ve been used almost everywhere,” said Nowakowski. “I played fullback, I played inline tight end, did a lot of H-back work too. I’ve done a little bit of everything, and I think that is extremely helpful because I feel comfortable in any position.
“I would say I’m a physical, relentless, just blue collar, gritty guy. I just like to show up to work and get things done. I don’t really like to do anything too special. I’m not big on flair or anything. I probably won’t have any cool touchdown celebrations. But I’m going to go in there and I’m going to give everything I’ve got every day.”
Chinyoung praised Nowakowski’s approach: “He’s shown on tape that he has an ability to navigate through the backfield,” said Chinyoung. “But the young man plays with grit. At the end of the day, it’s all about will. You’ve got to be willing to go hunt.
“He’s done a lot of great things on tape. He’s growing as a backfield blocker. I can’t wait to get to work with him.”
The Steelers are affiliated with the National Football League as one of its member franchises and have achieved notable success with six Super Bowl championships throughout their history according to their official website. The organization also honors significant contributors through its Hall of Honor Museum at Acrisure Stadium according to their official website.
