FRISCO, Texas — For the last five seasons, Matt Goncalves has come to love and appreciate the city of Pittsburgh. If he has his way at the end of the NFL draft process, he’ll remain in the Steel City.
A three-year starter for the Pittsburgh Panthers at left and right tackle — 11 starts at left tackle, 13 at right tackle — Goncalves saw his 2023 season cut short after just three games due to a torn plantar plate in his left toe. Sitting on the sidelines watching his teammates practice and compete without him crushed Goncalves, but now that he’s so close to achieving his dream of playing in the NFL, he feels like he owes the city of Pittsburgh.