Former Ohio State Tight End Jeremy Ruckert Shares Honest Thoughts on NFL Reunion With Quarterback Justin Fields in Pittsburgh

Jeremy Ruckert and Justin Fields were once one of the more dependable quarterback-tight end duos in college football. Together, they thrived at Ohio State, building chemistry, earning victories, and putting up big moments in high-stakes games. Now, years later, they find themselves teammates once again—this time in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The reunion has sparked excitement among fans, but perhaps no one is more fired up than Ruckert himself, who recently opened up about what it means to be reunited with Fields at the professional level.

After two seasons with the New York Jets, Ruckert’s NFL career was still trying to gain traction. Drafted in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he battled injuries, played behind veterans, and saw limited action in a crowded tight end room. His transition to the pro game was anything but smooth, and despite showing flashes of his talent, opportunities were few and far between. When the Jets opted not to retain him, it left Ruckert searching for a fresh start—a chance to reset and rediscover the rhythm he once had in Columbus. That opportunity came in the form of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed him as part of a strategic roster reshuffle during the 2025 offseason.

The twist? Fields, also a former Buckeye and one of Ruckert’s closest friends from their college days, had recently landed in Pittsburgh too. After a challenging tenure with the Chicago Bears, Fields was traded to the Steelers, joining a quarterback room that had been in flux for several years. While his time in Chicago was marked by inconsistency and coaching changes, Fields never lost the traits that made him special at Ohio State: poise, athleticism, and leadership. His reunion with Ruckert isn’t just a feel-good story for fans of the Buckeyes—it represents a real chance for both players to maximize their potential in a system where familiarity could be the spark they both need.

When asked about playing with Fields again, Ruckert’s face lit up. “It’s surreal,” he said. “I never thought we’d be teammates again after college, especially not in the NFL where things change so fast. But when I found out he was here, it just felt right. I know how he plays. He knows how I move. There’s already that trust factor that usually takes a long time to build.”

That chemistry could prove invaluable for Pittsburgh. The Steelers are hoping to stabilize their offense after multiple years of inconsistent quarterback play and underutilized tight ends. Pat Freiermuth remains the team’s top tight end on paper, but with more teams running two-tight-end sets, Ruckert could see significant action—especially if Fields is under center. The bond they developed in college could translate to quick gains on the field, particularly in red zone situations where Ruckert excelled for the Buckeyes.

Ruckert’s college numbers don’t jump off the page—he finished his Ohio State career with 615 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns—but those who watched him know the stats only tell part of the story. He was a reliable third-down option, a solid run blocker, and a versatile route runner capable of lining up in multiple spots. Fields often looked his way in crucial situations, trusting Ruckert to make contested catches and execute assignments flawlessly. That rapport wasn’t just on the field, either. The two were roommates for a stretch and shared countless hours of film study, workouts, and team meetings. Reuniting them could be the key to unlocking both players’ confidence.

“I don’t have to think twice when he’s out there,” Fields said during a recent press availability. “Jeremy’s one of those guys you can count on to be in the right spot, make the tough catch, and get up ready for the next play. He’s smart, he’s tough, and he plays with that edge you want in this league.”

That mutual respect is evident and could serve as the foundation for something special in Pittsburgh. While the Steelers have several questions to answer on offense—including their offensive line and wide receiver depth—bringing in players who know how to work together might accelerate the rebuilding process. It also sends a message about the kind of culture head coach Mike Tomlin is trying to build. He values continuity, toughness, and players who understand the moment. Fields and Ruckert fit that mold, and their reunion wasn’t just coincidental—it was calculated.

Off the field, Ruckert acknowledged how important this new chapter is to him personally. “When you get to the NFL, you realize how rare it is to be around people you truly trust. To have Justin here—someone who knows me, someone I’ve battled with—that means more than people probably realize. It makes it easier to go to work every day, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself again.”

That mindset could be pivotal. Ruckert’s NFL journey so far has been defined more by potential than production, but with the right scheme and the right quarterback, he still has time to flip that narrative. And with Fields under pressure to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback, having a trusted tight end like Ruckert could provide a reliable safety valve. The NFL is a league that demands quick adaptation, but having pre-existing chemistry could reduce the learning curve and give both players a leg up in an increasingly competitive AFC North.

Of course, the reunion won’t guarantee success. The Steelers still need to solidify their offensive game plan, ensure their line can hold up, and determine if Fields is the long-term answer under center. But by adding a tight end who understands his tendencies, reads the same cues, and shares his competitive drive, Pittsburgh may have given Fields the kind of weapon he never truly had in Chicago.

Ruckert is fully aware of what’s at stake. “This league is all about opportunity,” he said. “You don’t always get to choose where you go or who you play with. But when you get a shot to do something special with someone who’s got your back—someone you’ve already been through the fire with—you take that and you run with it. That’s what this is for me and Justin. It’s another chance. And we’re going to make the most of it.”

For fans of Ohio State, watching two former Buckeyes reconnect in Pittsburgh will be a fun storyline to follow. But for the Steelers, this reunion is about more than nostalgia. It’s about building a more cohesive and productive offense, starting with two players who already know how to bring the best out of each other. Whether that connection can elevate the team to contender status remains to be seen, but if nothing else, it gives Pittsburgh a pairing built on trust, timing, and a shared history of success.

As the NFL offseason gives way to training camp and preseason action, all eyes will be on how Fields and Ruckert rekindle their on-field magic. If the early vibes are any indication, this reunion might just be the spark that reignites both of their careers—and provides the Steelers with a much-needed edge in one of the toughest divisions in football.