PITTSBURGH – Every great band has its lead singer, the one everyone talks about, the one plastered across posters and headlines. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, that lead singer on defense is T.J. Watt. But just like any great band, there is another member whose presence makes the sound complete, even if the spotlight does not always fall on him. That member is Alex Highsmith.
At 28 years old, Highsmith has grown into a force in his own right. Ranked the 17th best edge rusher in the NFL and graded in the top 4 percent of his position according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Highsmith has shown time and again that he is not just along for the ride with Watt. He is an essential part of Pittsburgh’s pass-rushing symphony, and he deserves to be recognized as such.
The Shadow of Watt
It is impossible to talk about Alex Highsmith without acknowledging the massive presence of T.J. Watt on the opposite side. Watt’s Hall-of-Fame trajectory, his league-leading sack seasons, and his reputation as the heartbeat of the Steelers defense naturally draw attention. That spotlight, however, often leaves Highsmith overlooked by fans and national analysts.
Inside the building, though, nobody is sleeping on him. Coaches know, teammates know, and offensive linemen who have to deal with him certainly know. Highsmith may not carry the name recognition of Watt, but his production speaks volumes. In six NFL seasons, the former Charlotte 49er has accumulated 37 sacks, carving out his own path as a relentless, disciplined pass rusher.
From Underdog to Anchor
Highsmith’s journey to the NFL was not the typical five-star recruit fairytale. Coming out of Charlotte, he entered the league with something to prove. At 6-foot-4 and 242 pounds, he had the frame and athleticism, but scouts questioned whether his production in college would translate against NFL tackles.
Those doubts did not last long. Highsmith quickly demonstrated the traits that make him dangerous at the professional level: sharp hand usage, quick bursts off the snap, and the kind of motor that refuses to quit on plays. By his second season, he was already cementing his role as a starter, and by now, in his sixth year, he has proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that he belongs among the league’s top edge defenders.
Production in Context
While 37 sacks in six years may not scream superstar compared to Watt’s gaudy numbers, context matters. Highsmith is constantly facing mismatches because of Watt’s presence, but that does not mean his job is easier. Quite the opposite. Offenses often slide protections toward Watt, but that still leaves Highsmith facing top-tier tackles in one-on-one situations, and he has consistently held his own.
PFF’s grading tells the story better than the box score. To be in the top 4 percent of edge rushers is no small feat, especially in today’s NFL where the position is loaded with young, athletic freaks. Highsmith’s ranking at 17th overall places him firmly in the upper echelon, ahead of plenty of big-name pass rushers who have not had to play in Watt’s shadow.
Beyond the Sack Numbers
Highsmith’s impact is not limited to the times he brings quarterbacks to the ground. His presence sets the edge against the run, a responsibility that often goes underappreciated. At 242 pounds, he is considered lighter for the position, but his strength and technique allow him to hold up against bigger linemen. By forcing runners back inside toward Pittsburgh’s interior defenders, Highsmith helps keep the defense disciplined and balanced.
He also contributes in the intangible ways that defensive coordinators love. His pursuit on broken plays, his ability to chase down mobile quarterbacks, and his hustle in coverage situations all add up to a player whose value cannot be measured solely in sacks.
The Perfect Complement
Highsmith and Watt are more than just two edge rushers lined up across from each other. They are complementary forces. Watt thrives on explosive bursts and splash plays, while Highsmith brings steadiness, consistency, and discipline. Together, they form a tandem that stresses offensive lines from both directions, forcing quarterbacks to make decisions faster and often leading to mistakes.
Head coach DK LaFleur acknowledged this after a recent win. “Alex does so much for us that people don’t even notice,” LaFleur said. “The sacks are great, but it is the consistency, the way he sets the edge, the way he communicates on the field. He gives us balance. Without him, Watt cannot be Watt in the same way.”
The Unsung Leader
At 28, Highsmith is also stepping into a leadership role. While Watt naturally commands attention as the face of the defense, Highsmith has become a mentor figure for younger defenders like Nick Herbig and Derrick Harmon. His path as an underdog resonates with rookies trying to make their mark, and his work ethic sets the example of what it takes to stick in Pittsburgh’s culture of defense.
What Comes Next
Highsmith’s career arc shows no signs of slowing down. With 37 sacks already under his belt, he has the opportunity to push toward even higher totals as he enters what should be the prime years of his career. The Steelers see him not just as Watt’s partner but as a cornerstone of their defensive front.
And while he may not grab headlines or rack up Defensive Player of the Year trophies, his role in the Steel Curtain 2.0 cannot be overstated. The Steelers have always thrived on depth, toughness, and the ability for multiple defenders to shine. Highsmith embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Final Thoughts
For too long, Alex Highsmith has been cast as the “other guy” on the Steelers’ edge. But to those paying attention, he is a superstar in his own right. At 28, in his sixth season, he is ranked among the top edge rushers in the game, and his 37 career sacks are only part of the story. His run defense, his leadership, his consistency, and his complementary role alongside Watt make him indispensable.
In Pittsburgh, stars are forged in fire and grit, not headlines. Alex Highsmith might not always be the first name mentioned, but he is one of the names that makes the Steelers defense whole.
Final thought: Watt may be the heartbeat, but Highsmith is the steady pulse that keeps it all in rhythm. Together, they are not just good. They are terrifying.
– Forged In Steel Times
