Carson Bruener

Carson Bruener (born June 5, 2001) is an American professional football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Washington Huskies and was selected by the Steelers in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft.

Early life Bruener attended Redmond High School. He was rated as a three-star recruit and committed to play college football for the Washington Huskies.

College career In his first career game in week 3 of the 2021 season, Bruener made eight tackles and forced a fumble in a win over Arkansas State. In week 9, he earned his first career start versus Stanford, where he finished with 16 tackles with one and a half being for a loss, a sack and a half, and a forced fumble en route to being named the Pac-12 Conference freshman of the week and the Pac-12 defensive player of the week. In his first collegiate season in 2021, Bruener totaled 70 tackles with two and a half being for a loss, a sack and a half, two forced fumbles, and an interception.

In the 2022 season, he tallied 45 tackles with three and a half being for a loss, and a pass deflections. In week 12 of the 2023 season, Bruener recorded 14 tackles, a forced fumble, and a pass deflection in a win over Oregon State.

During the 2023 season, he notched 86 tackles with two and a half being for a loss, three pass deflections, an interception, and a forced fumble, earning honorable mention all-Pac-12 accolades.

In 2024 Bruener was voted a team captain and started all 13 games. He led the UW defense with 103 tackles and three interceptions. Bruener's outstanding play was recognized with third-team All-Big Ten by the coaches and media. He also was named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.

Professional career

Bruener was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 226th pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL draft. He made his professional debut in a 34–32 Week 1 victory over the New York Jets. During the win, he recorded his first professional tackle.

Personal life Bruener is the son of former NFL first round pick and Steelers tight end Mark Bruener.