If you’ve been keeping up with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, you’ve probably noticed that Nick Herbig has been one of the most talked-about names at the team’s mandatory minicamp. With T.J. Watt away due to contract negotiations, Herbig has stepped into a larger role, and coaches have been eager to see how he handles the increased workload.
His energy has been hard to miss. He’s been explosive off the edge, working closely with rookie Jack Sawyer, and building momentum at a perfect time in his career. And with that rise comes curiosity—specifically, about Herbig’s personal life.
Many fans are wondering the same thing: does Nick Herbig have a boyfriend or partner?
Who Nick Herbig Is—And How He Got Here
Nick Herbig is a 24-year-old linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, born on November 21, 2001, in the tight-knit community of Kauai, Hawaii. Growing up on an island of about 60,000 people meant one thing—competition started at home.
Herbig spent his childhood trying to prove himself against his older brothers, Jake and Nate. That early battle for bragging rights shaped his mentality and fueled his desire to outwork everyone around him.
His football path took him from Kauai to Oahu, where he attended Saint Louis School, a powerhouse known for producing elite talent. It was the first big step in leaving behind the comfort of home to chase bigger dreams.
At the University of Wisconsin, he quickly earned a reputation as a relentless edge rusher. The Steelers noticed, selecting him in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. And once he arrived in Pittsburgh, he wasted no time showing he belonged.
Over his first two seasons, Herbig totaled 8.5 sacks, 44 tackles, and six forced fumbles—all while playing behind Watt and Alex Highsmith. His 2024 campaign stood out, earning a 19.6% pass-rush win rate, seventh among 110 edge defenders, according to PFF.
He did battle a hamstring injury that sidelined him for four games. But when he’s healthy, he’s a spark plug. Some analysts even compare elements of his game to Aidan Hutchinson and Micah Parsons, and Steelers fans have been quietly waiting for a breakout.
Is Nick Herbig Dating Anyone or Has a Boyfriend?
Right now, there is no verified information connecting Nick Herbig to any romantic partner, male or female.
Neither his social media nor the Steelers’ posts suggest he’s in a relationship. The team focuses on his on-field moments—whether it’s his two-sack performance against the Chargers in 2024 or the comedic flair he showed in the 2025 schedule release video alongside Keeanu Benton.
Herbig keeps his off-field life extremely private. If he is dating someone, he hasn’t shared it publicly, and the Steelers haven’t hinted at anything behind the scenes.
Inside the Herbig Family: Nick and Nate’s Brotherly Bond
Herbig’s roots run deep in family, especially with his brother Nate. The two are indeed siblings, something new fans often double-check. Nate Herbig, born on July 10, 1998, is an NFL offensive lineman who joined the Steelers in March 2023—just weeks before Nick was drafted.
The brothers’ dynamic is legendary back in Hawaii. Nate, a massive 6-foot-4, 334-pound lineman, regularly dominated the backyard matchups. Nick describes his childhood strategy as “hit and run”—strike quickly, then get away before Nate could bulldoze him.
That rivalry powered his competitive fire. It’s no surprise that coaches now praise his motor and toughness.
Nate’s career moved on after a torn rotator cuff sidelined him in 2024. In 2025, he signed with Washington, but the brothers remain close, sharing a remarkable story: two kids from Kauai making it to the NFL together.
Where Nick Herbig Comes From—and How It Shapes Him
Herbig’s upbringing on Kauai plays a major role in who he is today. Growing up in a small, supportive community gave him humility, while the isolation of island life gave him a “chip on the shoulder” mentality.
Moving to Oahu as a teenager to attend Saint Louis School was a major shift. It meant leaving behind family and familiarity to pursue greater competition. That transition prepared him for Wisconsin, and eventually for the NFL.
Mike Tomlin has often complimented Herbig’s work ethic and grounded personality. Both qualities trace directly back to his Hawaiian roots.
Why His Dating Life Stays Quiet
Part of why fans don’t know much about Herbig’s romantic life is simple: football comes first. As he enters a pivotal third NFL season, he’s focused on proving he can handle an expanded role.
His 2024 numbers—5.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, and a 91.5 PFF pass-rushing grade—show he’s ready to take that next step. But with Watt temporarily sidelined and Highsmith managing previous injuries, expectations have never been higher.
Insiders like Mark Kaboly have noted that while Herbig produces splash plays, the Steelers still want to see how he performs with more snaps. This makes 2025 a defining year.
Herbig himself has said he wants to learn as much as possible from veterans like Watt. Watt, in turn, calls him a “sponge,” a player who wants to absorb every detail and refine his craft. That level of commitment doesn’t leave much room for public discussions about dating.
Why No. 51 Matters in Pittsburgh
If you’ve ever searched “Who is No. 51 on the Steelers?” the answer is always Nick Herbig. His jersey number has quickly become associated with strip-sacks, high-energy snaps, and clutch defensive moments.
In the Steelers’ linebacker tradition—home to legends like James Harrison and Joey Porter—every newcomer must prove they belong. Herbig is doing exactly that. His ability to step in when Highsmith was injured in 2024 showed he can elevate the defense instantly.
Fans who watch highlights of No. 51 will see a player who refuses to slow down.
What Steelers Fans Can Expect Next
Heading into the 2025 season, Herbig has a real opportunity to make significant strides. With contract discussions surrounding Watt and the team still evaluating long-term depth needs, Herbig is positioned to see more action.
He already won over fans with plays like his strip-sack against Joe Burrow. Now the question is how his role will expand—and whether he can produce consistently enough to become a long-term starter.
Off the field, Herbig continues to enjoy time with teammates like Keeanu Benton and stays connected with his brother Nate, even after Nate joined the Commanders. Whether or not he chooses to reveal more about his personal life remains entirely up to him.
For now, his story is centered around football, family, and proving that he’s ready for the next level.
Conclusion
Nick Herbig is one of the Steelers’ most intriguing young defenders—a player with raw talent, relentless drive, and a background rooted in resilience. As of June 11, 2025, there is no public evidence that he has a boyfriend or any romantic partner.
His focus remains squarely on football, where he continues to build an impressive resume and a growing fanbase. From his upbringing in Kauai to his battles in the NFL, his journey is powered by family, hard work, and a never-ending desire to prove himself.