How Giant Tight End Darnell Washington Is Powering The Steelers

A giant making big plays

Darnell Washington is a massive presence on the football field. Officially listed at 264 pounds, the 6 foot 7 Pittsburgh Steelers tight end is actually closer to 300 pounds. He is quickly becoming a major threat in the offense with his incredible hurdles and powerful stiff arms.

The numbers show how important he is to the team. When Washington plays at least 40 offensive snaps, the Steelers have a 13-2 record. When he plays fewer than 40 snaps, that record drops to 18-22. He played 47 snaps in the Week 3 win against the Cincinnati Bengals, which ended 30-27.

Steelers coach Mike McCarthy laughed when remembering a 47 yard play by Washington in that game. McCarthy said, "Why don't you give him the ball more?" The coach noted that Washington is a very tough matchup for any defense.

From high school to the draft

Washington has always been huge. His high school coach, Tico Rodriguez, remembers him walking into the weight room at 6 foot 6 and 220 pounds. In high school, Washington even hurdled defenders to protect his legs from low tackles, even though it cost his team a 15 yard penalty.

He went on to play college football at Georgia under coach Kirby Smart and offensive coordinator Todd Monken. He was mostly used as a blocker there, finishing with 45 catches for 774 yards and three touchdowns. Because he was not used much as a receiver, he fell to the third round of the 2023 draft, where Pittsburgh selected him with the 93rd pick.

Rising star in Pittsburgh

Some fans on social media suggested Washington should move to the offensive line. However, the arrival of quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025 changed everything.

With Rodgers throwing to him, Washington set career highs with 43 targets, 31 receptions, 364 yards, and 16 first downs. The Steelers rewarded him with a four year, 42 million dollar extension in the offseason. Now, he faces his former college coordinator, Todd Monken, who is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.