{"id":256,"date":"2026-05-20T15:48:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:48:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usatoday.drinkfood.info\/?p=256"},"modified":"2026-05-20T15:48:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:48:01","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-olb-speaks-out-in-defense-of-his-fiancee-following-personal-attacks-i-dont-care-about-skin-color-shes-been-by-my-side-for-seven-years-and-wit","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usatoday.drinkfood.info\/?p=256","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Speaks Out in Defense of His Fianc\u00e9e Following Personal Attacks \u2014 \u201cI Don\u2019t Care About Skin Color. She\u2019s Been by My Side for Seven Years, and Without Her, I Wouldn\u2019t Be Where I Am Today.\u201d..DT"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Speaks Out in Defense of His Fianc\u00e9e Following Personal Attacks \u2014 \u201cI Don\u2019t Care About Skin Color. She\u2019s Been by My Side for Seven Years, and Without Her, I Wouldn\u2019t Be Where I Am Today.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania \u2014 Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Nick Herbig has become the center of a social media storm following his engagement to longtime girlfriend April Helms.<\/p>\n

\"Article<\/p>\n

What began as a joyful personal announcement quickly became one of the most talked-about offseason stories involving the Steelers organization.<\/p>\n

After sharing engagement photos online, social media was flooded with reactions, ranging from congratulations and support to harsh criticism and personal attacks.<\/p>\n

Much of the backlash targeted April Helms and her relationship with Herbig, sparking conversations about race, public image, and athletes\u2019 private lives.<\/p>\n

\"Article<\/p>\n

Many fans defended the couple immediately, but others created heated debates across platforms that drew national attention.<\/p>\n

As the controversy grew, Herbig decided to address the situation publicly at the Steelers\u2019 training facility.<\/p>\n

The young outside linebacker remained calm throughout the press conference while delivering a direct and emotional message defending his fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen the comments. I\u2019ve read the posts. But honestly, I don\u2019t care about skin color,\u201d Herbig said firmly.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s been beside me for seven years. Through the hard moments, through the doubts, through everything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout her, I probably wouldn\u2019t be where I am today,\u201d he added, highlighting the depth of their relationship.<\/p>\n

Herbig played in thirteen games for the Steelers in his rookie season, earning praise for his contributions and potential as a core part of the defense.<\/p>\n

His statement quickly spread across social media, generating a strong wave of support from Steelers fans and NFL followers nationwide.<\/p>\n

Several teammates reached out privately to show support, and thousands of fans publicly praised Herbig for standing firmly by his fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n

Sources within the organization noted that Herbig was frustrated by the personal nature of some attacks directed at Helms.<\/p>\n

The couple had maintained a private relationship for years, making the sudden online criticism even more hurtful.<\/p>\n

Helms has been a significant source of emotional support for Herbig since his college years and throughout his early NFL career.<\/p>\n

Despite ongoing online criticism, Herbig made it clear that outside opinions would not affect his commitment or focus entering the new season.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople can say whatever they want,\u201d Herbig added, reinforcing his determination to protect their relationship.<\/p>\n

April Helms spoke briefly to reporters, thanking fans who had defended the couple online during the controversy.<\/p>\n

She emphasized, \u201cWe know who we are. We built this relationship together. That\u2019s all that matters to us,\u201d underscoring their mutual commitment.<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the story highlights issues of loyalty, identity, and the pressures athletes face off the field, but Herbig remains steadfast in his dedication to his fianc\u00e9e.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Pittsburgh Steelers OLB Speaks Out in Defense of His Fianc\u00e9e Following Personal Attacks \u2014 \u201cI Don\u2019t Care About Skin Color. She\u2019s Been by My Side for Seven… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":257,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nPittsburgh Steelers OLB Speaks Out in Defense of His Fianc\u00e9e Following Personal Attacks \u2014 \u201cI Don\u2019t Care About Skin Color. 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