Carson Bruener living the dream by following in his father’s footsteps

It is no secret the Pittsburgh Steelers love a good legacy story. Whether you’re talking about Cam and Connor Heyward both being on the current roster, T.J. and Derek Watt playing together in Pittsburgh, or any number of players who suited up for the black-and-gold who had family blood lines in the NFL.

The latest legacy story for the Steelers was during the 2025 NFL Draft when Carson Bruener’s name was called as the team’s first 7th Round draft selection. In case you didn’t know, Bruener is the son of former Steelers tight end, and current scout, Mark Bruener. As you can imagine, getting the call from the Steelers was something Carson had only dreamed of happening.

“This is a dream come true,” said Bruener. “I am so happy. I got my name called. I got that phone call. It’s something special for sure. I can’t wait.

“It does not (seem real). I am sitting in the same spot my dad got drafted in 30 years ago at our cabin. The same exact spot. It’s a full circle moment. It’s crazy.”

Bruener knows what his ticket to the Steelers 53-man roster is in 2025. It isn’t on defense, but special teams. If he can provide value on special teams, that is his ticket to getting his foot in the proverbial door.

“Special teams is something I started playing at the University of Washington early in my career and is something I embrace and really fell in love with,” said Bruener. “It’s something I have been able to do my whole career and excel at. I know that is something I am going to be able to bring to Pittsburgh for sure.”

Did Bruener expect the Steelers to call? Not necessarily. He said he didn’t know the Steelers would be calling, even though his dad was right there with him after he left Pittsburgh following the first round to be with the family.

“We had no idea. He is with me, and I was able to see where they had me on the draft board,” said Bruener. “The biggest thing is just patience is key and seeing where this draft leads. He said I could see the Steelers picking you with the next pick and two seconds later I get a phone call from Pittsburgh. It was a crazy moment.”

Bruener’s story is a great one, but will be nothing more than a footnote if he doesn’t make the 53-man roster after training camp in some capacity. A 7th Round draft pick’s road through the NFL is anything but certain, but with bloodlines not just to the NFL, but the Steelers, you get a good feeling Carson Bruener is going to know exactly what it takes to stick in the NFL.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp.