A first-team All-American tight end out of South Dakota fighting for a foothold with the Pittsburgh Steelers after an up-and-down rookie year.
JJ Galbreath arrived in the NFL with a decorated college resume, capping his South Dakota career as an All-American before signing with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent. The Arvada, Colorado native has cycled through the practice squad and reserve/future contracts as he tries to carve out a role at tight end.
Path to the league
Galbreath starred at South Dakota from 2021 to 2024, finishing with 93 receptions for 1,355 yards and 12 touchdowns over 45 games. He earned first-team All-American and first-team all-conference honors as a senior before going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft and signing with Pittsburgh.
Career highlights
At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, Galbreath tested well at his pro day, running a 4.68-second 40-yard dash with a 38-inch vertical jump. His college production and size profile made him a notable name among Pittsburgh's undrafted rookie tight ends heading into 2025.
2025 season recap
Galbreath was waived by the Steelers in final roster cuts on August 25, 2025, but cleared waivers and returned to the practice squad, only to be released again on September 16. He signed a reserve/future contract with Pittsburgh on January 23, 2026, and was also selected by the Orlando Storm in the 2026 UFL Draft, keeping his professional options open.
Sources
- Wikipedia: JJ Galbreath
- Steelers.com: JJ Galbreath
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Tight End
- Group
- offense
- College
- South Dakota
- Hometown
- Arvada, CO, USA
- Age
- 25
- Status
- active
