Mason McCormick reflects on second year with Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Roosevelt, South Dakota State guard prepares for third season in NFL

Mar. 11, 2026 at 10:05am

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Mason McCormick, a former Sioux Falls Roosevelt and South Dakota State guard, was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers two years ago and earned a starting role right away as a rookie. He spent his second year in the league protecting future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, but he still makes regular appearances around his hometown and alma mater.

Why it matters

McCormick's success in the NFL as a former South Dakota State player is a point of pride for the state and the university's football program, which continues to produce top talent for the professional ranks.

The details

McCormick recently visited his alma mater, South Dakota State, to watch spring practice and catch up with former teammates. He reflected on his second season in the NFL, noting that it was much better than his rookie year as he became more comfortable and established. McCormick spoke highly of playing with Aaron Rodgers, saying the veteran quarterback was great to the offensive line and took them under his wing.

  • McCormick was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers two years ago.
  • McCormick spent his second year in the league protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
  • McCormick was in Sioux Falls over the weekend rooting for his fiancee's former team as they earned another NCAA tournament berth.
  • McCormick was at the SJAC watching former teammates as the Jackrabbits kicked off spring practice on Tuesday.

The players

Mason McCormick

A former Sioux Falls Roosevelt and South Dakota State guard who was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers two years ago and has earned a starting role, spending his second year in the league protecting quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Aaron Rodgers

The future Hall of Fame quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who McCormick protected during his second season in the NFL.

Addison Hirschman

McCormick's fiancee, who he was in Sioux Falls supporting over the weekend as her former team earned an NCAA tournament berth.

Dan Jackson

The head coach of the South Dakota State football team, who McCormick played under for two years and is now back at the school in his second year.

Tucker Kraft

A former South Dakota State teammate of McCormick's who now plays for the Green Bay Packers and had a big game against the Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“It was awesome to see, yeah. It's just so rewarding to see the former Jacks guys have success. We've got a lot now, and hopefully it can continue to grow.”

— Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh Steelers Guard (siouxfallslive.com)

“They're working their asses off. And I don't know, I think they're further along than I personally would have anticipated. I think they look pretty good. And I think they're working super hard, which is a big part of South Dakota State culture.”

— Mason McCormick, Pittsburgh Steelers Guard (siouxfallslive.com)

What’s next

McCormick and his fiancee Addison Hirschman will be married next month, and the two-time national champion will soon be headed back to Pittsburgh to prepare for his third season and first under new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy.

The takeaway

McCormick's success in the NFL as a former South Dakota State player highlights the continued growth and prominence of the university's football program, which is producing top talent for the professional ranks and maintaining its reputation for hard-working, dedicated players.