Nicholas Herbig Bio
Nicholas Herbig is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He plays the linebacker position and was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Herbig played college football for the Wisconsin Badgers from 2020 to 2022. He is from Kauai, Hawaii, and comes from a football family through his older brother, Nate Herbig, who is a former NFL offensive guard. Herbig is of partial Japanese, Okinawan, and Native Hawaiian descent.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Herbig was born on November 21, 2001, in Kauai, Hawaii. He attended Saint Louis School on Oahu, Hawaii, where he developed his football skills before committing to play college football at the University of Wisconsin. His older brother, Nate Herbig, also pursued a professional football career and reached the NFL as an offensive guard. The Herbig brothers share a football background that would later see them both on NFL rosters.
Path to American Football
Herbig established himself as a promising pass rusher during his high school years at Saint Louis School in Hawaii. His performance there earned him an opportunity to continue his football career at the collegiate level. He committed to the University of Wisconsin, a program known for developing defensive talent, where he could refine his skills against Big Ten competition. His dedication and production at the high school level set the foundation for his collegiate success.
Nicholas Herbig Career
College Career (2020–2022)
Herbig began his college career at Wisconsin in 2020 as a true freshman. He started all seven games that season, recording 26 tackles and one sack. His immediate contribution demonstrated his readiness for college-level competition. The following year in 2021, he returned as a starter and improved his production significantly, finishing with 61 tackles and nine sacks. His sophomore campaign established him as a consistent pass-rushing threat for the Badgers defense.
In his junior season during 2022, Herbig became the top playmaker on the Wisconsin defense. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors and was recognized as a third-team Associated Press All-American. He recorded 47 tackles with 15.5 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, and two pass breakups across 11 games. His sack total tied for sixth in the FBS that season, solidifying his status as one of the top defensive players in college football.
Rookie Season (2023)
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Herbig in the fourth round with the 132nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He signed his rookie contract with the Steelers shortly after being drafted. The Steelers coincidentally signed his older brother, Nate Herbig, as an offensive guard just days before the draft selection. Both Herbig brothers joined the Steelers organization in the same year. Herbig made his first NFL start in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. He recorded his first professional sack during a Week 7 game against Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. As a rookie, he appeared in 17 games, finishing with 27 total tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The Steelers ended the 2023 season with a 10-7 record and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in Herbig’s professional career.
Second Season (2024)
Herbig continued his development as a key rotational piece in the Steelers defense during the 2024 season. On November 17, 2024, he forced a fumble on running back Derrick Henry. The fumble ended Henry’s streak of 538 consecutive touches without a fumble, demonstrating Herbig’s ability to disrupt even the most reliable ball carriers. He finished the season with 22 total tackles, five tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, and four forced fumbles. He took 415 defensive snaps and 174 special teams snaps throughout the season.
2025 Season Performance
By Week 14 of the 2025 NFL season, Herbig had accumulated 77 career tackles, 15 career sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, one interception, two pass deflections, and one defensive touchdown. His cumulative statistics reflect consistent growth across his first two-plus professional seasons. He has become an increasingly important component of the Steelers defense, contributing both as a pass rusher and as a playmaker who creates turnovers.
Driving Style and Strengths
Herbig has established himself as a disruptive pass rusher with a proven ability to reach opposing quarterbacks. His strengths include a high sack production rate and exceptional talent for forcing fumbles. His college tape at Wisconsin showcased his ability to collapse pockets and finish plays in the backfield. His craft has translated well to the NFL level, where he continues to be a consistent threat to opposing offenses.
Notable Events and Milestones
Several signature moments have defined Herbig’s early professional career. His first career sack came against Matthew Stafford during the 2023 season. In 2024, he forced four fumbles, including a strip of Derrick Henry that ended a remarkable streak for one of the league’s top running backs. His 2022 college season, which earned him All-American honors, remains a foundational achievement in his football career.
Nicholas Herbig Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Herbig comes from a football family through his older brother, Nate Herbig. Nate Herbig is a former NFL offensive guard who played professionally before joining the Steelers. The Herbig brothers briefly overlapped on the Steelers roster in 2023. Their shared passion for football shaped both of their paths to the professional level. The family background in football provided Nicholas with guidance and support throughout his development.
Personal Life
Herbig holds diverse heritage, being of partial Japanese, Okinawan, and Native Hawaiian descent. His multicultural background reflects his roots in Hawaii, where he was born and raised. He remains connected to his heritage while pursuing his professional football career in the NFL. His personal life maintains a focus on football and family as he continues his development as a professional athlete.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the stretch run of the 2025 season, Herbig has established himself as a vital piece of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense. His production has increased each season, with cumulative statistics through Week 14 of 2025 showing his impact on the field. The Steelers defense has relied on his pass-rushing ability and his knack for creating turnovers. His momentum continues to build as the team approaches the playoff stretch, positioning him for an important role in the postseason picture.