PITTSBURGH – Every NFL career is a story of talent, adversity, and perseverance. For Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Lewis Cine, that story has been defined by physical gifts, early setbacks, and now, the chance to write a new chapter under head coach DK LaFleur. At just 25 years old, Cine is carving out a role in the Steel Curtain with his unique mix of size, speed, and physicality, while the coaching staff sees untapped potential that could turn him into a long-term piece of the defense.
Physical Tools That Stand Out
Standing at 6’2” and weighing 202 pounds, Cine checks the boxes you want in a modern strong safety. He is long enough to match up with bigger tight ends, fast enough to cover ground against slot receivers, and physical enough to make his presence felt in the run game. Known for his ability to lay the boom, Cine brings a punishing element to the secondary that has already flashed in his short time with Pittsburgh.
Just this past week against the Los Angeles Chargers, Cine reminded everyone of the type of impact he can make. Cine delivered a crushing hit that jarred the ball loose. Patrick Queen pounced on the fumble, setting up one of the Steelers’ biggest defensive swings of the game. Plays like that are exactly what LaFleur and the coaching staff envisioned when they added him to the roster.
A Journey Marked by Adversity
Cine’s path to this point has not been smooth. Drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, he entered the league with high expectations after a stellar college career at Georgia. But his rookie year was cut short in brutal fashion when he suffered a compound fracture of his leg early in the season. The injury sidelined him for months, forcing him to focus on rehabilitation rather than development on the field.
That type of setback could derail many young careers. But Cine’s reputation has always been built on resilience. He committed himself to recovery, determined not to let that injury define his NFL future. The fact that he is now back on the field, contributing meaningful snaps in Pittsburgh, is a testament to his toughness and drive.
College Pedigree
Before the NFL, Cine’s resume already spoke volumes. At Georgia, he was part of one of the most dominant defenses college football has ever seen. He capped off his college career by winning the national championship during the 2021 season, a game where he earned Defensive MVP honors in the Bulldogs’ victory over Alabama. That performance cemented his status as one of the most promising safety prospects in the draft class.
Yes, Lewis Cine knows what it means to compete on the biggest stage and come out on top. That championship pedigree and big-game experience are qualities that hopefully translate well to a Steelers organization that prides itself on toughness and winning tradition.
Current Standing and Evaluation
According to Pro Football Focus, Cine is currently ranked as the 78th best strong safety in the NFL, placing him in the top 49 percent at his position. That ranking shows he has room to grow, but also that he is holding his own in a league full of talented defensive backs.
For LaFleur, the focus is not on where Cine ranks today but on what he can become tomorrow. “Lewis has everything you cannot coach,” LaFleur said. “He has size, he has speed, he has the mentality to hit. What we are working on is consistency, discipline, and turning those flashes into week-in and week-out production. If he keeps progressing, he can be a cornerstone for us.”
Style of Play
Cine’s game is rooted in physicality. He is not afraid to step into the box and meet a running back head-on, nor is he shy about setting the tone with a big hit over the middle. But there is more to his game than just power. With his speed, Cine can cover ground quickly, close on routes in front of him, and keep offenses from picking up easy yards after the catch.
Where he continues to grow is in his coverage discipline. At times, he can be over-aggressive, trusting his instincts a little too much and opening windows for savvy quarterbacks. But that is the learning curve many safeties face, and Pittsburgh’s coaching staff is confident that with more reps, Cine’s decision-making will catch up with his natural athleticism.
Long-Term Potential
At 25 years old, Cine still has his best football ahead of him. The Steelers see him as a long-term piece who can develop alongside younger talents like Glendon Miller while also benefiting from the presence of veterans like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. In many ways, Pittsburgh’s secondary is being built with a mix of youth and experience, and Cine is perfectly positioned to bridge that gap.
His ability to contribute both in run support and coverage makes him a versatile chess piece. Whether he is lined up in the box, patrolling the deep middle, or blitzing off the edge, Cine has the tools to disrupt offenses in multiple ways.
Final Thoughts
Lewis Cine’s story is far from complete. Once a first-round pick derailed by injury, now a physical presence carving out a role in Pittsburgh, he represents both the resilience and potential that define the next wave of the Steel Curtain. His forced fumble against the Chargers was a glimpse of the impact he can make, and if Coach DK LaFleur is right, it is just the beginning.
Cine’s mix of size, speed, and physicality is rare, and his championship pedigree from Georgia proves he knows how to win. The challenge now is consistency, growth, and proving he can be relied upon every week. If he meets that challenge, the Steelers may have found another long-term difference-maker in the secondary.
For a defense already led by stars like T.J. Watt and Patrick Queen, having a young safety with Cine’s skill set is a luxury. And for Pittsburgh fans, it is a reminder that the future of the secondary is in good hands.
– Forged In Steel Times
