Steelers Rookie Opens Up on First Career Interception

CLEVELAND — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie safety Robert Spears-Jennings was one of the few bright spots from Thursday night's loss to the Cleveland Browns.

Spears-Jennings, who replaced veteran Rayshawn Jenkins in the first half, recorded his first career interception in the third quarter. The Oklahoma product high-pointed a tipped pass with an assist from Jack Sawyer.

"It feels good. I mean, thankful for the opportunity," Spears-Jennings said about his first career INT.

Spears-Jennings said he realized the ball was coming when Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston's eyes got big.

"I was like, OK, the ball's coming. Ball in the air, I got to go get it," he said.

Spears-Jennings' interception initially got negated, as Daylen Everette was called for defensive pass interference. Mike McCarthy challenged the ruling since Sawyer tipped the pass, which makes interference a non-issue. The officials overturned the call on the field, giving Spears-Jennings his first career INT.

"I didn't know. I was talking with the refs," Spears-Jennings said when asked about the review process. "Once they clarified it, I felt good about myself."

Rooks first 🔒 @RobertJ3nnings 📲 Stream on NFL+: pic.twitter.com/hQo7d7wrYb — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 2, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 2, 2026

Jenkins appeared to be the culprit behind another busted coverage that went for a 60-yard gain down the sideline, the coaching staff elected to bench him for the remainder of the contest.

To say the least, it was a brutal night for Jenkins. Spears-Jennings could be the starter moving forward. DeShon Elliott (hamstring), who is currently on the PUP list, is eligible to return in Week 5, however.

Getting Elliott back would be a big boost for the Steelers' ailing secondary. Spears-Jennings showed that he could be a starter on Thursday night, though. The rookie certainly turned heads.

Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Cleveland.