From the practice field to the NFL: Greg Crippen's journey is a testament to perseverance. The undrafted Michigan center has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after impressing during a tryout at the team's rookie minicamp.

While several Wolverines heard their names called in the 2026 NFL draft, Crippen wasn't among them. But that didn't stop him from chasing his dream. After going undrafted, he earned an invitation to Pittsburgh's tryout and made the most of his opportunity. The Steelers officially announced the signing of the former Michigan standout.

Crippen's path to the pros mirrors the patience he showed in college. A flip from Notre Dame, he arrived in Ann Arbor with high hopes but faced stiff competition. The Wolverines kept adding veteran centers through the transfer portal—Olu Oluwatimi in 2022 and Drake Nugent in 2023—pushing Crippen down the depth chart. In 2024, his long-awaited chance seemed to slip away again when the coaching staff initially turned to converted defensive tackle Dominic Giudice. But when Giudice went down with an injury, Crippen stepped in against Washington and never looked back.

Over his Michigan career, Crippen appeared in 41 games, starting 21. He anchored the Wolverines' offensive line all 13 games of the 2025 season at center. Now, he'll look to bring that same grit and reliability to the Steel City.

For fans of the maize and blue, Crippen's signing is a reminder that the NFL dream doesn't always start with a draft pick—sometimes, it begins with a tryout and a refusal to quit. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just love a good underdog story, Crippen's journey is one to watch.