The NFL comes calling for former Notre Dame football players in a myriad of different ways. That was demonstrated again when a fan favorite, Max Hurleman, got his own chance at the next level earlier this week.
Hurleman, who joined the Fighting Irish last year as a walk-on from Colgate, showed again that he might be this generation's version of Rudy Ruettiger. He wasn't drafted, and he wasn't offered a free-agent contract until after the draft was over.
Notre Dame walk-on Max Hurleman signs with Steelers after tryout
Hurleman did show up to a tryout for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He impressed the club and its coaches so much that he was good enough in that rookie tryout that the former Notre Dame football star is now officially a member of the team.
Obviously, there are still several roadblocks the former running back and special teams ace will need to clear to play a down for the Steelers in 2025, but he's got his chance. He's on his way.
Hurleman might find a way to ingratiate himself to the Steelers like he did to Notre Dame. He didn't get so much as a single carry at running back in South Bend, but he did show that he could be a boon on special teams.
Hurleman appeared in all 16 games for the Fighting Irish in 2024, logging 23 punt returns for 138 yards. With an average of 6 yards per return, he was far from a deadly weapon back there, but plenty of teams are simply looking for someone who can catch the kick. He also notched 13 tackles and a fumble recovery on the kick coverage unit.
Now, the former Notre Dame football star gets his chance to show the Pittsburgh Steelers that he has the skills to play in the NFL. That's all anyone can ask as he continues an exciting football career.