At the 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Stanford tight end Sam Roush shared how his rich football lineage has influenced his development and passion for the sport. Coming from a family deeply connected to football, including his grandfather Phil Olsen, who played for three teams, and his great-uncle Merlin Olsen, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, Roush feels the weight of continuing a meaningful legacy.
Huge influence. I always knew I was gonna play football. My mom didn’t let me until high school, so I played some rugby, played some basketball, but I mean, my dad, his brother, and his dad all played college football. My mom played college volleyball, and her dad and all of his brothers played football in the league. It’s special to be a part of that. And, you know, just obviously building on that family legacy and carrying the family banner.
— Sam Roush
Stanford’s Tradition of Elite Tight Ends Inspires Roush
Beyond his family’s legacy, Roush has embraced the notable history of Stanford tight ends who have succeeded at the professional level. Following in the footsteps of accomplished players like Zach Ertz, Austin Hooper, Dalton Schultz, and Colby Parkinson, Roush is proud to uphold this tradition while setting his own mark. He finished his collegiate career as the school’s all-time leader in receptions for a tight end and ranks third in receiving yards.
It would be amazing. You know, that’s one of the major reasons why I came to Stanford. I wanted to be a good tight end, and I wanted to be a part of that legacy, and to be recognized with those guys would be amazing, an incredible feeling. And that’s something that I really wanna be a part of.
— Sam Roush
Relationship Between Roush and Steelers’ Pat Freiermuth
While the Pittsburgh Steelers may not be actively seeking to add a tight end this offseason, they have expressed informal interest in Roush. He models his playing style after their standout tight end, Pat Freiermuth, whom he admires for his physicality and effectiveness after catching the ball. Roush’s coach frequently showed him film of Freiermuth to guide his technique and approach to the position.
I grew up watching the Steelers a lot, love Pat Freiermuth. My coach sat me down, and we just put on Pat Freiermuth’s film for 20 minutes and watched it. He was like, ‘This is what it needs to look like when you get the ball.’ And he’s really physical after the catch and he does a great job running people over and never letting one man take you down.
— Sam Roush
Comparisons with Former Steelers Legend Highlight Roush’s Strengths
Though Roush draws much of his inspiration from Freiermuth, analysts also liken his style to that of former Steelers tight end Heath Miller, known for his blocking prowess and dependable presence in the offense. Roush is considered an excellent in-line blocker, a skill increasingly rare among modern tight ends, which sets him apart as a versatile asset for any team.
As Roush prepares to transition to the professional level, his strong family ties, drive, and respect for both Stanford’s and the Steelers’ traditions position him as a promising prospect. The next chapter in his career will reveal if he can reach the same heights as his predecessors, but his mindset and dedication suggest he is ready to carry forward his notable legacies.
