Steelers TE Darnell Washington Earns NFL Award for Dominant Week 11 Performance

Darnell Washington, the Pittsburgh Steelers' 311-pound tight end, received the 2025 NFL Way to Play Award for Week 11 after a remarkable 31-yard catch and run against the Bengals. During the play, he stiff-armed one defender, ran through another, and knocked over a third, prompting NFL executive Troy Vincent to compare his effort to Jim Brown. Standing at 6-foot-7, Washington is among the tallest tight ends in NFL history and is in the midst of a breakout season, with 18 receptions, just one shy of his previous single-season high. In the game against the Bengals, he caught four of five targets for 67 yards, helping the Steelers maintain their lead in the AFC North. His increased production is credited to building rapport with Aaron Rodgers, who compared him to Marcedes Lewis and praised his size, athleticism, and skill. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith likened his red zone potential to Shaquille O'Neal, and Coach Mike Tomlin highlighted his "freakish things" and unique talents. Rodgers noted that defenses are "getting scared of him," describing him as a "mammoth" who is detailed-oriented, smart, faster, and shifty, consistently making game-changing plays. Former teammate George Pickens believes Washington has the potential to be the greatest tight end of all-time.