A former Colgate special-teamer and Notre Dame walk-on who parlayed a tryout into a Steelers contract and a touchdown in his preseason debut.
Max Hurleman is a versatile running back and returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers whose path to the NFL ran through five college seasons and three different positions. After four years at Colgate and a graduate transfer season at Notre Dame, the Wyomissing, Pennsylvania native signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent following a rookie minicamp tryout.
Path to the league
Hurleman played four seasons at Colgate, totaling 814 rushing yards, 80 receptions for 841 yards, and return duties on kickoffs and punts, earning first-team All-Patriot League honors as a special teamer in 2023. He transferred to Notre Dame for a final season in 2024 as a walk-on, primarily working as the Irish's punt returner before signing with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2025.
Career highlights
Hurleman impressed the Steelers by working out at three different positions during his rookie minicamp tryout, showcasing the multi-phase special-teams versatility that defined his college career. He returned 23 punts for 138 yards at Notre Dame and brought that return skill set directly into Pittsburgh's evaluation process.
2025 season recap
Hurleman made his preseason debut for the Steelers against Jacksonville, catching two passes for 29 yards and a touchdown. He signed a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 14, 2026, and has since transitioned to a full-time running back role.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Max Hurleman
- Steelers Depot: Max Hurleman
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Running Back
- Group
- offense
- College
- Notre Dame
- Hometown
- Wyomissing, PA, USA
- Age
- 24
- Status
- active
