Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig, a 24-year-old fourth-round draft pick known for his explosive pass-rushing skills, is currently in the spotlight due to a viral rumor about his personal life.
Nick Herbig’s Boyfriend has been trending, fueled by a photo that sparked speculation about his sexual orientation.
In June 2025, a Facebook post claimed that Nick Herbig publicly came out about his sexuality on social media, and an article was written about celebrating Pride Month, and posted a photo with his “boyfriend.”
The image in the article showed Nick standing arm-in-arm with another man, both smiling and wearing traditional green leis, at what appeared to be a joyful event.
The article suggested that this was a bold statement about Herbig’s identity, sending shockwaves through Steelers Nation and online communities.
The story is not true, as the photo claims, and the narrative was misleading, revealing a much simpler and far less sensational truth.
The Real Story Behind The Photo
The photo in question was not taken in June 2025; it was taken in May 2024 at a wedding in Kalāheo, Hawaii.
Nick wasn’t celebrating Pride Month or making a personal announcement.
Instead, he was attending the wedding of his close friend or relative, where he was a guest among family and friends.
The man standing next to Nick in the photo? That’s not his boyfriend. It’s Gunnar Burkman, the groom.
Gunnar, an Articles Editor for the SMU Science and Technology Law Review in Dallas, Texas, married his bride, Keaton, in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by loved ones.
Nick shared several photos from the event on his Instagram, including one with the caption:
“Love you guys🖤!! Welcome to the family @keatonburkman 🤙 @choppergunnar still need to work on that swing bud🏌️♂️”
Via Instagram
Does that sound like someone confirming a romantic relationship? Not at all.
It’s a heartfelt message to friends celebrating their marriage.
The green leis, the smiles, and the arm-in-arm pose were part of a festive, cultural moment, not a declaration of Nick’s personal life.
So, how did a wedding photo turn into a “Nick Herbig Boyfriend” controversy?
Social media and sources are often quick to jump on unclear images, especially during Pride Month when visibility for the LGBTQ+ community is heightened.
The lack of a caption or context in the reposted photo made it easy for some to turn a narrative.
But speculation like this isn’t just harmless gossip; it can spread negativity and invade someone’s privacy.
Nick has never publicly discussed his sexual orientation, and there’s no credible evidence to suggest he’s part of the LGBTQ+ community.
His social media is filled with football highlights, family moments, and lighthearted posts, not hints about his relationships.
Herbig’s Personal Life Is Private, And No One Should Speculate On His Sexual Orientation Without Evidence
If Nick were part of the LGBTQ+ community and chose to share that, he would decide to make it on his own terms.
For now, spreading rumors based on a mislabeled photo is unfair and disrespectful.
As fans, we should focus on what Nick brings to the field: his speed, his hustle, and his ability to disrupt offenses.
In the 2024 season, Herbig recorded 3.5 sacks and 29 tackles in limited playing time, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with.
His work ethic and team-first attitude have earned him respect from coaches and teammates alike.
The Nick Herbig Boyfriend rumor is a reminder of how quickly misinformation can spread in the digital age.
A single photo, taken out of context, turned a joyful wedding moment into a false narrative.
Instead of fueling speculation, let’s celebrate Nick for who he is: a talented young linebacker with a bright future in the NFL.
Better yet, cheer for Nick the next time he’s chasing down a quarterback or making a game-changing play for the Steelers. That’s the story worth talking about.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Herbig is from Kauai, Hawaii, and was born on November 21, 2001.
- He attended the Saint Louis School in Oahu, Hawaii, and committed to play college football at the University of Wisconsin.
