Less than a week after parting ways with the Kansas City Chiefs, running back La’Mical Perine has swiftly landed a new opportunity in the NFL. Perine, a seasoned player, despite his age of 26, has inked a deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Perine’s journey to Pittsburgh carries connections within the NFL, notably as the cousin of former Steelers linebacker Myles Jack and Broncos running back Samaje Perine. Drafted in the fourth round in 2020, Perine kick-started his professional career with the New York Jets before transitioning to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad in 2022.
Although his time in Kansas City saw limited active participation, Perine demonstrated his capabilities when given the chance. Notably, he seized the opportunity to start in the Chiefs’ final game of the 2023 regular season, showcasing his versatility by rushing for 77 yards and contributing 33 receiving yards in a competitive matchup against the Chargers.
Before his NFL career, Perine made his mark during his college years at Florida. Across four seasons, he amassed an impressive 30 touchdowns and maintained a solid average of five yards per carry. His collegiate career peaked with a standout performance in the Orange Bowl, where he propelled the Gators to victory with 138 rushing yards and two touchdowns on just 13 carries.
Despite not boasting top-end speed, Perine’s agility and strength make him a formidable force in open space. His knack for maximizing plays beyond their initial expectations stems from his solid vision and physical prowess, qualities that could prove invaluable in Pittsburgh’s offensive schemes.
Joining the Steelers, Perine enters a backfield already anchored by standout performers Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, who collectively racked up an impressive 1,819 yards and 12 touchdowns in the 2023 season. Additionally, the Steelers’ running corps features the versatile Cordarrelle Patterson alongside Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin and rookie Daijun Edwards.
As Perine embarks on this new chapter of his NFL journey, Steelers fans can anticipate his contributions adding depth and dynamism to an already potent offensive arsenal. With his blend of experience, skill set and determination, Perine is ready to make his mark in the black and gold, further solidifying the Steelers’ position as contenders in the AFC.