Beanie Bishop Ready for NFL Challenge, Learning from Steelers Teammates

PITTSBURGH – The start of OTAs signifies the first real chance for Beanie Bishop to prove himself to his new coaches and teammates with the Steelers. Bishop is now able to test his skills in one-on-one battles and learn from NFL veterans.

To continue keeping up with Bishop as he embarks on his NFL journey, WV Sports Now’s partner Steelers Now caught up with the WVU product after practice.

“I’m looking forward to it, you know. Two young guys coming in and competing for a spot on the team. Like you said, steel sharpens steel,” said Bishop about going up against fellow rookie and the Steelers third round pick wide receiver Roman Wilson.

Knowing special teams is how most rookies earn jobs, Bishop, who was able to cause a fumble off a strip during practice, was asked about the NFL’s new kickoff rules.

“I’m a guy that always tries to get the ball out and help my team win the game. I know the importance of taking the ball away. You win the turnover battle, it’s a high percentage chance you can win the game,” Bishop explained.

“We have a football in the defensive backs room and I make sure I punch it every time I walk in and every time I walk out.”

As has been a constant theme for Bishop, he reiterated his desire to prove his doubters wrong after going undrafted.

“It’s one of those things that helps me every day whenever I think about getting comfortable,” expressed Bishop, who earned consensus All-American honors at for the 2023 season at WVU. Bishop then brought up how he’s always carried a chip on his shoulder going back to when he was a kid and smaller than some of his peers.

Ed Thompson / Steelers Now

Much has been made about the possibility about Bishop filling Pittsburgh’s need at slot corner. And while Bishop’s size is why some believe he’s not the right fit, the Steelers have found success with smaller corners in that role in the past, namely Mike Hilton. Bishop said he does try to look at what Hilton accomplished with the Steelers and now Bengals, granted he wants to put his own “spin” on things and never copy anyone exactly.

At the end of the day, Bishop enjoys the journey and is excited about what’s to come, especially going up against other fiery and physical players.

“When you have somebody like that, you have to, not only match their energy, but you have to surpass it,” Bishop said while referencing Steelers third-year wide receiver George Pickens.

For a related story, Bishop described his conversations with the Steelers leading up to the NFL Draft and why he believes he can help the Pittsburgh defense.

Also, former Steelers great and current CBS Sports analyst Bryant McFadden explained what Bishop needs to do to impress the Steelers during a recent episode of Mike Asti’s “Mike Drop” podcast.

Click here for more of WV Sports Now’s coverage of Beanie Bishop.