Born and Raised: Monte 'The Mullet' Grew Up a Steelers Fan
PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are working undrafted free agent Monte 'The Mullet' Pottebaum out at fullback this summer, hoping he clicks and replaces free agent Derek Watt.
For the Steelers, this is an opportunity to bring a hard-nosed player from Iowa in for a shot. For Pottebaum, this is a dream come true, to play for the team he grew up cheering for.
"It's been really cool," Pottebaum said at rookie minicamp. "I've never been to Pittsburgh before. Just going through the tunnel the other day and then coming out on the bridge was amazing. It's a beautiful city. Great opportunity to learn from some guys that I've been watching growing up really. I was actually a Steelers fan growing up. So it's pretty surreal that I'm here. Trying to enjoy the moment."
Pottebaum learned of the Steelers from his late father, and "took after pops" when it came to his favorite NFL team.
When he got the phone call from the Steelers about signing as an undrafted rookie, he said the moment "was pretty emotional. Pretty cool."
He's now the most recognizable player in Pittsburgh once you learn of him. With a blonde mullet past his shoulders, the Steelers' new fullback will easily stand out to the crowd.
Monte 'The Mullet' Pottebaum
As for the coaches, he's looking to showcase what gave him an upper hand at Iowa.
"I think I just have an opportunity to be a glue guy," Pottebaum said on his role in Pittsburgh. "If the team needs somebody to give that physical edge or add another spot on special teams, I'm really willing to do whatever. I love this team. I want to play for this team. And really, whatever the coach is asking me, I'm ready to do."
The Steelers typically bring three running backs and a fullback into the season. Currently, they have two backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and could find a third in Anthony McFarland.
At fullback, Connor Heyward is expected to be a versatile piece to the offense, including some backfield work. So, Pottebaum isn't going to be handed anything when it comes to a roster spot.
"I'm just trying to retain as much information as they can and put it out on the practice field and show the coaches that I am capable of learning and applying it on the field," Pottebaum said on growing with the team.
As for the haircut, the long blonde mullet, well, it's not going anywhere. Not yet, at least.
"Really, it wasn't any inspiration," Pottebaum said. "It was during COVID is actually when this started. Me and a buddy at school are like, 'hey, you want to grow mullets' because we're bored sitting at home, and so it kind of just took off from there, and I've kind of made like deal with myself I'm not gonna cut it until I'm done playing football now."
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