Max Iheanachor - , steelers Event: media availability | Date: 2026-09-02 | Full transcript (primary source).
Max Iheanachor spoke to the media during a press conference held by the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 2, 2026. The session focused on his reflections from his first game and his preparation for the upcoming season.
Transcript
Iheanachor: Actually when you look back at film at your first game, what were some impressions? First game film, could've played a lot better. I feel like starting off faster, I would say. But as the game's going on, man, just making corrections on the run. I think I'm big self-aware when I mess up and I know what I need to do. And I just try to just fix it on the run, just be better next play.
Iheanachor: Do you feel like you were getting in a groove, like it was starting to feel normal? Yeah, yeah, 100%. I feel like going out there with the guys was one of the best things that could've happened. Coming back, just excitement, just having fun while I'm out there, man.
Iheanachor: Do you feel like you're ready to pass upon the start? Yeah, I truly believe the work I've put into being in this position. I wouldn't be here if not, and just always stressing guys' time. He put me here for a reason, so just let us well be done.
Iheanachor: What have you told us yesterday would be a big couple days before we express that to you? Nah, I wasn't aware of that. Just me coming out here, I know it's big couple days, it's third practice back so far. So I know I have to stack days anyway, so yeah.
Iheanachor: Have they told you anything about the competition, when they're gonna make a decision, anything like that? Nah, I don't ask questions like that. The coaches, they're very good coaches, and they're gonna put the best five out there. And whatever they ask of me to do, just come out here and go 100%.
Iheanachor: Ask where do you feel like you are with the playbook? The playbook's good, I picked it up, OTAs, and coming out here, repping it every day, it's been smooth.
Iheanachor: I think you did that game in Buffalo where you felt particularly good about it. Okay, this is what I do, that kind of thing. I'd say everything, I had obviously a couple of mess ups and stuff I could go back and fix, but I was just getting my feet wet, man, it's just the start.
Iheanachor: Did you ever go up against Joe Bitti in camp, and have you guys ever talked about your soccer background, Steve? Yeah, that's my boy, really excited for him, man. He's put into work too, came in for the same rookie class. We do everything together, man, we stay in the hotel, I was there when he bought his first car, he was just excited, and there's another step in the journey for him, we all just gotta keep working, getting better.
Iheanachor: What did he buy? He got a little charger, so it was his dream car, he said, I was just excited. He was happy driving it, took me on a ride, it was fun. I was even hitting a little car. I got one of those too, so I don't know, we just make it work.