Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick lands 52 on NFL’s top 100 list. This is his second consecutive year making this list. Last season, he checked in at number 35 overall on the top 100 list. Since joining the Steelers, he has been a two-time All-pro, pro-bowler, and top 100 list recipient. In the 2020 season, Fitzpatrick was the highest-graded Safeties in the red-zone last season, per PFF.
This appears to be a slight towards Fitzpatrick but taking into account where the other safeties around the league were positioned on this list it may not have been. However, Fitzpatrick was not so happy with his positioning and voiced his thoughts via Twitter.
“I was tryna end my Sunday peacefully….smh,” tweeted Fitzpatrick.
I was tryna end my Sunday peacefully….smh
— Minkah Fitzpatrick (@minkfitz_21) August 16, 2021
Fitzpatrick in the same breath also acknowledges the honor of making the list and what it means to him. Although, he may not be where he desires to be on the list. His peers from around the league have the utmost respect and nothing but high regards towards him and they share their feelings about his play in his tribute.
“Having respect around the league and knowing that people hold me to high regard is pretty cool,” said Fitzpatrick.
.@minkfitz_21 lands at #️⃣5️⃣2️⃣ on the #NFLTop100
📝: https://t.co/qWryz4S7MJ pic.twitter.com/ibkc4nnTlo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) August 16, 2021
Minkah Fitzpatrick’s high regards from peers
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey compliments Fitzpatrick for having an itch for the football. He speaks to his will to always be in the right place at the right time and just his abilities to often make big plays for his team.
“He’s just always in the right spot at the right time. It doesn’t matter what way whether it’s a scoop and score, interception, or big hit,” said Humphrey. “He just makes plays. The ball just finds its way into his hands.”
Cleveland Browns receiver Jarvis Landry speaks to his versatility and challenges playing against him so often. It’s no secret the Steelers and the Browns are rivals being placed in the same division, AFC North. This matchup is always paid attention to very closely throughout the game. These two studs face off Sunday afternoon, October 31st.
“You can put in the deep half or you can put him in the box. He loves to tackle as well, he can guard receivers, tight ends, and running backs,” said Landry. “His versatility when you turn on the field pops out. We have to find where 39 is at all times.”
