Steelers/NFL category, Page 49
After more than a year of inactivity, LB Cole Holcomb ready to be part of Steelers defense
Losing another first-round playoff game was the worst possible outcome for a Pittsburgh Steelers team trying to reverse its run of losses in the postseason. The 28-14 defeat at Baltimore, however, may have been the best thing for inside linebacker Cole Holcomb. Holcomb was nearing a return from a devastating...
Steelers OTAs notes: Jaylen Warren a fan of Kaleb Johnson; Max Hurleman bounces between RB/WR
For a period of about five weeks this spring, Jaylen Warren for the first time in his pro career was the unquestioned No. 1 on the depth chart at running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If Warren is upset that the organization’s drafting of Kaleb Johnson could threaten that, he...
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph responds to ‘backlash’ from some fans over Trump rally
Four days after the President of the United States called him “tall” and “handsome” and predicted he would win the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback job, Mason Rudolph had some good things to say about Donald Trump announcing a partnership between Nippon Steel and Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. “It’s going to help...
On Sports: Steelers, Bucs finalizing joint camp practice; Livvy Dunne does split on swimsuit runwayVideo
Tuesday’s “On Sports” highlights a joint venture between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a look at how Livvy Dunne stole the show at the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue runway event, and North Allegheny grad Cole Young’s special moment when he got called up to the majors. Working jointly...
Steelers respond to fan emailers angry about player appearances at Trump rally
The presence of at least two current players and one high-profile former player at a rally staged by President Donald Trump last week irked some Pittsburgh Steelers fans. The organization replied to many of those who’d expressed anger via email. A message was sent by the team, apparently to any...
Aaron Donald, ‘Ironhead’ Heyward top list of NFF College Hall of Fame nominees
Penn Hills native Aaron Donald and late star running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward of Pitt headline more than a dozen former college football players with Western Pennsylvania ties who received nominations for the National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Fame. The NFF Honors Court will consider 79 players and...
RB Kenneth Gainwell brings Super Bowl pedigree, 3rd-down mentality to SteelersVideo
In the not-too-distant future, Kenneth Gainwell will have some new jewelry to flaunt around the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room. And despite the fact that 29 of his Steelers teammates will make more money than him in 2025, no amount of cash can help any of them match this bling. Gainwell...
On Sports: Justin Fields ‘absolutely phenomenal so far’ for Jets; James Franklin ranked top 10 coach
Today, in “On Sports,” pinch-hitting for “First Call,” we have a look at how Justin Fields is performing for the New York Jets. Penn State’s James Franklin is listed among elite company. And, two players with Pittsburgh ties miss out on a CFL opportunity. Fields on the fields While the...
Madden Monday: ‘I’m tired of Aaron Rodgers, and he has not taken a snap yet for the Steelers’
The “Madden Monday” podcast with Mark Madden of TribLive and 105.9 The X will be off next week. I’ll be back with Madden again on June 16. That’s when “Madden-Benz: Unfiltered” will come back as well. That certainly feels like a long time from now. One question I have heading...
WR Robert Woods out to channel Hines Ward in deploying ‘grimy’ game for Steelers
Robert Woods embraces the comparison, and why wouldn’t he? The Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest veteran wide receiver is surely familiar with the franchise leader in all major receiving categories. “A little bit of Hines,” Woods said last week in reference to his playing style’s similarity to former Steelers star Hines Ward....
Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu ready for fresh start as bookend tackles for Steelers
They each played left tackle in college but were moved to the other bookend position on the offensive line after joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. The transition was natural for Troy Fautanu, not so much for Broderick Jones. Still, the former first-round draft picks experienced challenges in the early stages of...
Rocky Bleier names Trump ‘honorary Steeler’ during West Mifflin event
President Donald Trump called an audible early in his speech Friday night in West Mifflin, temporarily shifting focus away from a $14 billion agreement between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel to recognize a trio of Pittsburgh Steelers. Former Steelers legend Rocky Bleier, who was joined on stage by current Steelers...
Rookie quarterback Will Howard experiences learning curve in 1st week of OTAs with Steelers
If, as expected, quarterback Will Howard doesn’t take the field for the Pittsburgh Steelers in his rookie season, it won’t be for lack of preparation. If the first week of organized team activities is any indication, Howard plans to have a full grasp of the playbook in case he is...
Mark Madden: Extending T.J. Watt is a mistake, but spineless Steelers will placate his demand
I’ve written this before, but I’m going to reiterate in detail because there seems little doubt that the Steelers are going to make a big mistake even as most of you marks cheer them on. There isn’t a single good reason to give edge rusher T.J. Watt a contract extension...
On Sports: Russell Wilson says George Pickens is just ‘misunderstood’; an amazing Jaromir Jagr statVideo
Whispers out of Pittsburgh Steelers headquarters suggest not many were all that too upset that George Pickens was traded. A prominent former teammate, though, has Pickens’ back. During an appearance on the “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, hosted by former NBA star Carmelo Anthony, Russell Wilson said he “loves” Pickens and...
Report: Steelers talking to Dolphins about deal for veteran TE Jonnu Smith
How many tight ends does it take to fill out the Pittsburgh Steelers roster? The organization may add another big-bodied player to the position group if reported trade discussions with the Miami Dolphins lead to a deal taking place. ESPN reported Thursday that the Steelers are talking to the Dolphins...
Steelers notes: P Cameron Johnston 100%, Alex Highsmith believes T.J. Watt will get deal
Cameron Johnston is back booting punts at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “Yeah,” he said after Thursday’s Pittsburgh Steelers organized team activities session, “and it feels really, really good.” Johnston was a marquee free-agent signee for the Steelers in spring 2024, and during training camp and the preseason showed why. After...
Bulkier Payton Wilson looking to take on heavier role at inside linebacker in Steelers defense
Wanting to take on a bigger role in the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, inside linebacker Payton Wilson used his offseason time in the weight room to get bigger physically. Wilson said he reported to organized team activities this week weighing 243 pounds, saying it is the “heaviest I have ever been.”...
First Call: J.J. Watt goes quiet on his brother’s contract talk; interesting quote from Kenny PickettVideo
Thursday’s “First Call” features some interesting comments from J.J. Watt and Kenny Pickett. The Pittsburgh Pirates look for some retribution in San Diego. And the Penguins may have their eyes on a pending restricted free agent. Nothing to say J.J. Watt was on the “Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday. And he...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans revolt over Aaron Rodgers coverage; take turns defending and ripping Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have returned to practice. The weather somehow feels like fall in May. And readers are flooding my mentions and my inbox with Steelers-related outrage. The 2025 season must be closer than I thought! Here’s this week’s “U mad, bro?” Let’s start with a message I got from...
Tim Benz: Growth of Steelers’ young O-line is the most under-discussed aspect of 2025 team
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback position has been talked to death. Don’t expect that to stop anytime soon. Also, as you may have heard, the Steelers are yet again in search of a No. 2 wide receiver. And the running back duel between Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson will no doubt...
New corner Darius Slay wants to bring championship mentality to Steelers
After missing the first day of organized team activities, cornerback Darius Slay roamed the practice field Wednesday for the Pittsburgh Steelers, using his time on a rainy day to get to know his new teammates. Playing for just his third NFL team in 13 seasons, Slay said it was important...
A forgotten man in Steelers’ QB room, Skylar Thompson works to make an impression
Part of a three-man position group, he still is considered by most to be No. 4 on the depth chart. But don’t tell that to Skylar Thompson. He’s enjoying life with the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I’ve loved it,” Thompson, a fourth-year quarterback, said after Wednesday’s organized team activities session. “It’s been...
Mark Madden: OTAs may not matter, but Steelers’ QB conundrum has reached critical mass
OTAs are underway at the Pittsburgh Steelers’ South Side complex. On the offensive side of the ball, they don’t matter. Little can be accomplished. The first-string quarterback isn’t there. The backup quarterbacks are getting the reps. Top wideout DK Metcalf didn’t bother attending the first day. Perhaps because the QB expected...
Tim Benz: We’re having the wrong conversation about the Aaron Rodgers waiting game
When it comes to attendance at organized team activities, it seems like Pittsburgh Steelers players assign a level of importance based on how the question is asked. And who the subject of the question may be. In general, tight end Pat Freiermuth placed a high value on spring practices. “Being...
