Damontae Kazee brings fun, playmaking to Steelers defense
A serious lapse in judgment last October potentially cost Damontae Kazee tens of millions of dollars.
A broken forearm during a preseason game cost him half a season.
It hasn’t all been roses for Kazee over the past 13 months. But things are looking up for the playmaking safety — and for the Steelers defense.
Not that any of the misfortunes Kazee has experienced have affected his overall disposition.
“He’s a guy that I would describe as he’s never seen a bad day,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said. “He lives life like that. He’s always got really good energy, really upbeat, in a good mood, positive. That’s a great attribute to have.”
Kazee had reason to be in a good mood this past week: He was back in an NFL game for the first time in nine months, recording an interception and four tackles while playing every snap of the Steelers’ win against the New Orleans Saints last Sunday.
Kazee had an interception in addition to four tackles, and Watt had a QB hit and four tackles during the Steelers’ win. https://t.co/RExGKVcD7M
— Tribune-ReviewSports (@TribSports) November 14, 2022
Among 16 Steelers who played defense that day, Kazee was graded as the fourth-best by Pro Football Focus. A surprise starter after the Saturday appendectomy performed on Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kazee popped in his Steelers debut as a speedy playmaker.
His effect on the field against the Saints did not go unnoticed by teammates. Rest assured, Kazee’s effect on the Steelers off the field is appreciated, too.
“This guy is just a football lover,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “He is. He brings energy and enthusiasm. He’s a good communicator. He’s a playmaker. We’re lucky to have him.”
The Steelers, in all likelihood, would not have Kazee if not for his October 2021 arrest for driving under the influence in Texas. Kazee was starting at free safety for the NFC East champion Dallas Cowboys, making two interceptions to give him 12 over a 53-game span in which he also played for the Atlanta Falcons.
Such production — not a fluke, considering he’s the San Diego State career record-holder for INTs — typically translates into a big payday in unrestricted free agency. It might have for Kazee except that teams were scared away by the knowledge Kazee was facing an NFL suspension related to his DUI.
That left Kazee on the market until May, when the Steelers signed him for a $1.19 million deal near the NFL veteran minimum. More than two dozen veteran safeties signed for more during 2022 alone, including several for $10 million or more.
“It (stunk),” Kazee said. “But we are here now, and I’m happy to be here.”
Kazee was a significant part of the Steelers defense during training camp and the preseason, regularly deployed as part of a “big nickel” look alongside Fitzpatrick and Terrell Edmunds. Kazee also took extensive first-team reps when one of those two was out for injury or rest.
Making a play in the Steelers’ preseason finale, though, Kazee fell awkwardly on the sidelines and fractured his right forearm and dislocated his wrist. He began the regular season on injured reserve, during which he served his suspension.
“When we signed Damontae, we knew he was a starter-capable safety,” Austin said. “That’s why he was so attractive to us, and being able to get him was very good for us. And why early in the year, before he got hurt, we were working to get him on the field as much as possible, because we think he does bring a positive impact to our team.
“Really good player, really good energy. He’s a physical guy. He knows how to get around the ball.”
Fitzpatrick is a two-time All-Pro, and Edmunds is having arguably his best season, so it’s unrealistic to believe Kazee will become a full-time starter this season. But the Steelers believe deploying Kazee as a third safety often gives them their best look, pending opponent and situation, etc.
Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals will be their first opportunity to use that package in a regular-season game.
“I’m excited to see what it looks like with both of us — all three of us — out there making plays,” Fitzpatrick said. “He plays the game like he never has a bad day. He’s full of energy, full of excitement, brings passion to the game. I like playing with Kazee a lot.”
Kazee has only been with the team for six months, only been able to practice for a handful of weeks and only appeared in one regular-season game. But he has fully endeared himself to coaches and teammates in that time.
“I mean, these are my brothers, man,” Kazee said Friday.
“It’s fun, man, everything is fun. I’m just a football head. So I’m doing what I love, and I try to bring energy every play and go have fun at the end of the day. A lot of people don’t wanna have fun, but you’ve got to have fun with this.”
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Chris Adamski is a TribLive reporter who has covered primarily the Pittsburgh Steelers since 2014 following two seasons on the Penn State football beat. A Western Pennsylvania native, he joined the Trib in 2012 after spending a decade covering Pittsburgh sports for other outlets. He can be reached at cadamski@triblive.com.
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