The 2026 NFL Draft is through three rounds and the Pittsburgh Steelers may have shaken up the AFC North landscape after bringing in quarterback Drew Allar.
The former Penn State Nittany Lions star gets to stay in Pennsylvania for the start of his professional career. However, Pittsburgh’s new draft pick revealed a secret Friday evening after the Steelers selected him in the third round.
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MORE: Watch 2026 NFL Draft live on Fubo (free trial)
Allar is undoubtedly excited about his chance to compete in the NFL. Although, his childhood fandom is tested after going to a rival of his favorite team growing up.
Drew Allar on growing up a Browns fan: "Yeah, I was a Browns fan growing up, but I guess that's kind of gone out the window right now. I'm very excited to be a Steeler. I have a lot of family that grew up in the Pittsburgh area that are huge Steelers fans and Pittsburgh fans in…
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) April 25, 2026
Steelers test Allar’s NFL fandom with draft selection
The former college football star told Pittsburgh media that he grew up a diehard Cleveland Browns fan, which could make for some interesting encounters in the AFC North. The two teams are bitter rivals that play at least twice a year in heated division matchups.
“Yeah, I was a Browns fan growing up, but I guess that’s kind of gone out the window right now,” Allar joked after being drafted in the third round. “I’m very excited to be a Steeler. I have a lot of family that grew up in the Pittsburgh area that are huge Steelers fans and Pittsburgh fans in general.”
The former Penn State standout originally was viewed as a first-round talent prior to his injury in October 2025. However, Allar is still the fourth quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft despite that major setback.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks Rounds 1 through 3
“So honestly, at my time at Penn State, I got a lot more familiar with the whole state of PA, but especially Pittsburgh. I know how serious the culture is around sports in Pittsburgh and how much pride the fans take in all the pro teams … I’m really looking forward to becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler.”
Penn State quarterback Drew Allar speaks with Pittsburgh Steelers coach at the NFL Scouting Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Allar threw for more than 7,400 yards during his four years with the Big Ten program. That includes a tremendous sophomore campaign where Allar tossed 25 touchdowns to just two interceptions.
The Steelers currently boast three options at quarterback, including Allar, Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Meanwhile, the six-time Super Bowl champions are also waiting on Aaron Rodgers’ decision about playing in 2026.