Aaron Shampklin is no stranger to stepping in for regulars.
It was just last year when he earned a living as a substitute teacher at Perry Lindsey Academy in Long Beach, CA while waiting on an NFL opportunity.
That opportunity has arrived.
Aaron Shampklin’s Path from Substitute Teacher to NFL Running Back
Shampklin is expected to have a significant role in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense tonight against the Dallas Cowboys after two regular contributors, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson, have been ruled out.
The Harvard graduate and Paramount, CA native went undrafted in 2022. He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Los Angeles Chargers, as well as the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL, before joining the Steelers.
"I was a substitute teacher at Perry Lindsey Academy."
Steelers RB Aaron Shampklin was working at a middle school before getting the call to the league 🙌
(via @Aaron_M_Becker)pic.twitter.com/jxerzntxf5
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) October 3, 2024
The Chargers released him after training camp last year. That’s when he returned to California for the teaching gig. Following the 2023 season, the Steelers signed him to a reserve/futures contract.
Shampklin was waived again by the Steelers after training camp, but this time was signed to the practice squad for the start of the regular season.
Shampklin’s debut came last week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Steelers’ Running Back Depth Chart Through Week 5
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers value being able to move the ball on the ground, and they do so with a variety of running styles. The starter is Najee Harris, a big, bruising back who provides attitude and physicality along with rushing yardage.
Warren is the team’s change of pace back. He can give Harris relief when needed but also presents a different running style to the defense. These two backs have combined for 282 rushing yards on 82 carries.
Pittsburgh also has Patterson, a dynamic offensive weapon who can line up in the backfield as a runner but also has starts in the NFL as a receiver. Patterson has logged 16 carries for 92 yards on the season and was relied upon when Warren left the Week 3 game against the Chargers.
Now, with Patterson and Warren ruled out, Shampklin will enter the Steelers’ Week 5 game against the Cowboys as the primary backup behind Harris. This will undoubtedly mean Shampklin will see snaps and, likely, touches on offense.
While it’s probable Warren will remain the Steelers’ No. 2 option at running back once healthy, the Steelers commitment to the running game means there could be a role carved out for Shampklin, the former substitute teacher, if he can contribute when his number is called on Sunday night.