Kevin Colbert was the Pittsburgh Steelers' general manager for 22 years. Now, he's a consultant for Ohio State.
In a recent appearance on the Inside The Game podcast with Pierre McGuire, Colbert detailed his new role within the Buckeyes' program. His primary focus is assisting draft-eligible players as they navigate the decision of whether to turn pro or return to Columbus for another season.
"I did Colorado State last year. I won't be with them this coming season. They changed their coaching staff, and I had a chance to stay, but I just felt like it was a good time to move on into some different endeavors," Colbert said. "I do some work with Ohio State, evaluating their draft-eligible players and giving them an opinion as to whether they should enter the draft or stay for more development. ... So right now, that's the only college I'm working with."
Colbert served as the Steelers' general manager from 2000-22. During his tenure, the franchise selected several Buckeyes — namely, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, defensive lineman Cam Heyward and linebacker Ryan Shazier.
The impact of these selections was both immediate and enduring. Holmes, a 2006 first-round pick, secured his place in NFL lore by earning Super Bowl XLIII VP honors after hauling in the iconic, toe-tapping touchdown that lifted the Steelers past the Arizona Cardinals 27-23.
In the trenches, Heyward stands as perhaps the greatest testament to Colbert’s scouting at Ohio State. A six-time All-Pro and the heart of the Pittsburgh defense, he has spent his entire career in the Steel City and continues to compete at an elite level as he enters his 16th season in 2026.
Shazier became a two-time Pro Bowler for the Steelers. While a spinal injury in 2017 tragically cut his playing career short, his transition from a star defender to an inspirational figure within the organization remains a significant chapter of the Colbert era.
Throughout his career, Colbert was a fixture at Ohio State Pro Days, building deep ties with the program through decades of scouting. Now, instead of deciding which Buckeyes to draft, he is helping the next generation of Buckeyes decide when they are truly ready to be drafted. For Ryan Day’s squad, having an NFL evaluator in the building is an advantage few other programs can match.
