Cory Trice Jr. Trains Under Top Mentor in 2025

A New Beginning for Cory Trice Jr.

Cory Trice Jr. has always been a player who faced challenges from the start. As a former seventh-round draft pick, his journey to the NFL was anything but straightforward. The Purdue product slipped in the 2023 NFL Draft due to concerns over his injury history, and unfortunately, those issues followed him through his first two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Trice is now fully healthy and eager to prove himself as he enters what he calls a “take it or get lost” year.

Ahead of the Steelers' first padded practice of training camp, Trice spoke to the media, expressing that he feels great and is ready to make an impact. What made his comments even more interesting was a revelation about his off-season training. According to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive, Trice trained with and studied the habits of All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt during the 2025 offseason. This development could be a game-changer for Trice's career.

Learning from the Best

It’s rare for a young Day 3 draft pick to have the opportunity to train with a franchise star like T.J. Watt. The eight-year veteran edge rusher is known for keeping a low profile outside of football, but his decision to take Trice under his wing speaks volumes about the potential he sees in the young cornerback.

Although Trice and Watt play different positions, Watt has shared valuable knowledge about workout regimens and mental preparation. His experience with injuries and setbacks makes him a unique mentor for Trice, who has battled his own share of health issues.

Trice’s rookie season was cut short by an ACL tear during training camp, and in his second season, he suffered a significant hamstring pull in Week 4 of the 2024 season, leading to an 11-game absence. Now entering his third year, he’s determined to avoid further setbacks.

Watt, too, has had his own struggles with injuries. Before joining the Steelers in 2017, he dealt with a string of knee injuries in college and underwent surgery to repair ligaments in his right knee. At one point, he even considered quitting football. Despite these challenges, Watt went on to become one of the league’s premier defensive players, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in 2023 after recovering from a pectoral tear and arthroscopic knee surgery.

A Talent with Potential

At 6'3" and 206 pounds, Trice possesses the physical tools to succeed at the next level. His long arms and 4.47 speed, combined with impressive hip fluidity for his size, make him a promising prospect. However, the Steelers have added notable cornerbacks like Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey, which puts Trice at best as the fourth cornerback on the roster.

Despite this, Trice is determined to prove himself as a starting-caliber player. His off-season training with Watt shows his commitment to improving and learning from the best. While the road ahead will be tough, having a mentor like Watt in his corner can only help.

The Road Ahead

For Trice, this season is crucial. He needs opportunities to show what he can do on the field, but he also knows that consistency and health are key to his success. Training with someone like T.J. Watt gives him a unique advantage, not just in terms of physical preparation but also in mindset and discipline.

With the right approach, Trice has the potential to carve out a meaningful role in the Steelers’ defense. Whether he ends up as a starter or a key contributor, his journey so far has already shown resilience and determination. As he steps onto the field this season, all eyes will be on him to see if he can finally break through and fulfill the promise that made him a draft pick in the first place.