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Monday, September 21

Terrible Towel Tour is underway: A contingent from the Steelers has already touched down in Ireland, and are making their way across the island, visiting various cities as part of a Terrible Towel Tour, presented by Aer Lingus.

Throughout the multi-day tour, which touches all parts of Ireland, the group is stopping along the way and visiting with local celebrities and dignitaries, in a Steelers branded Terrible Towel van.

The main reason for the tour is to visit the different areas of Ireland, something late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney Sr. did while he was the United States Ambassador to Ireland and visited every county. The trip is also an opportunity to learn more about the Irish culture, while also distributing Terrible Towels to the locals in advance of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park.

Led by Max Starks, the former offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion, getting the towels twirling along the route was first and foremost.

"I have to teach the twirl. That's the first thing," said Starks. "It's about getting a group together. It's almost like a yoga class. Warm up the elbow, get the shoulder rotator cuff going, and then you make sure you have a good grip on the towel.

"You have to pick a corner to hold the towel. You have a lucky corner or whatever corner. You bunch it up and then you just make sure that twirl is consistent. Almost like a lasso. You got to get it done."

The tour began in Dublin, which will be the main point of activity for Steelers Nation this week. Starks stopped by the Steelers Pro Shop in Dublin to pick up a supply of Terrible Towels to take along with him on the tour.

"It's amazing," said Starks. "You would love to say it's a dream come true, but I don't even think I could have that dream. So, it's something of fantasy to be able to do this."

The next stop on the first day of the tour was in Kilkenny, where the group visited the Kilkenny Castle. The Castle was founded after the Norman conquest of Ireland and rebuilt and adapted to suit 'changing circumstances and uses' over a period of 800 years. The castle, which is open to visitors, is a Victorian remodeling of the 13th century defensive Castle.

It was then on to Killarney for the final stop of the day, where they met and toured the city with Gaelic football player Paudie Clifford. Clifford, a lifelong Steelers fan, announced one of the Steelers draft picks in 2024 from a draft party in Ireland and was the perfect tour guide.

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The Steelers agreed to terms with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract, pending a physical.

Rodgers will be entering his 21st season in the NFL after being drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft, the 24th overall pick.

He brings with him a long list of honors, including winning the Associated Press Most Valuable Player four times, joining Peyton Manning (five) as the only players to win the honor four or more times.

He was selected First-Team Associated Press All-Pro four times (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021) and Second-Team AP All-Pro once (2012). He is also a 10-time Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021), which is tied for fifth-most by a quarterback.

Rodgers was the MVP of Super Bowl XLV when he completed 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns in a victory over the Steelers.

In 20 seasons he has appeared in 248 games, starting 241 of them. He has completed 5,369 of 8,245 passes, 65.1%, for 62,952 yards and 503 touchdowns.

Rodgers ranks in the Top 10 all-time in every major passing category. He is ranked fifth all-time in the NFL with 503 passing touchdowns and seventh all-time in passing yards with 62,952. He is eighth in career pass attempts with 5,369. He has the lowest career interception percentage (1.4%) in NFL history with players who have 1,500 plus passing attempts. His 102.6 career passer rating is the highest ever by a qualified quarterback.

Rodgers is the only quarterback in NFL history with at least 55,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards and, as well as the only quarterback with 500 plus passes of 25 plus yards and 100 plus runs of 10 plus yards since 1994.

In 18 seasons with the Packers, Rodgers appeared in 230 games, starting 223. He completed 5,001 of 7,660 passes for 59,055 for 475 touchdowns.

He was traded to the New York Jets in 2023, spending two seasons with them. He missed most of the 2023 season injured, appearing in one game that season. He appeared in a total of 18 games in New York, starting all of them. He completed 368 of 585 passes for 28 touchdowns with the Jets.

Pass Attempts
61 vs. Detroit Lions, Nov 15, 2015

Pass Completions
39 vs. Chicago Bears, Oct 20, 2016

Yards Passing
480 vs. Washington Redskins, Sep 15, 2013

TD Passes
6 vs. Chicago Bears, Nov 09, 2014
...1 more at 6.

Long Passes
93t vs. St. Louis Rams, Oct 16, 2011

Completion Percentage
86.4 vs. Carolina Panthers, Oct 19, 2014

Passer Rating
158.3 vs. Oakland Raiders, Oct 20, 2019

Rush Attempts
12 at Atlanta Falcons, Nov 28, 2010

Rushing Yards
60 at Atlanta Falcons, Oct 30, 2016

Rushing Average
6.5 at San Diego Chargers, Nov 06, 2011

Longest Runs
35 vs. Minnesota Vikings, Nov 01, 2009

Rushing TDs
2 at New York Jets, Dec 23, 2018
...1 more at 2.

Read More Steelers.com 

The Steelers 2025 schedule was released on Wednesday evening, and it comes as no surprise the team is once again featured in multiple primetime games.

The Steelers will appear in four primetime games, two at Acrisure Stadium and two on the road. In addition, they will play in the NFL Dublin Game, hosting the Minnesota Vikings at Croke Park in Ireland.

The 2025 slate also includes seven games against teams that appeared in the postseason in 2024.

The Steelers will once again open the season on the road, the tenth time in 11 years the team will begin the season away from home. They will take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 1 p.m. on CBS in the Week 1 matchup.

Despite their first meeting taking place in 1970, the Steelers and Jets have only played 28 times, with the Steelers holding a 21-7 series advantage. The Steelers defeated the Jets, 37-15, in 2024 at Acrisure Stadium, while rookie defense back Beanie Bishop intercepted Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice, for his first two career interceptions.

The Steelers home opener will take place Week 2 when the Seattle Seahawks come to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14 for a 1 p.m. kickoff on FOX. It will be the first time receiver DK Metcalf, who was acquired by the Steelers via a trade with Seattle this offseason, faces his former team. Metcalf, who was signed to a long-term deal by the Steelers following the trade, was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the last six seasons in Seattle.

It's back on the road in Week 3 against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m. The game, which will be the third meeting in four years between the two teams, will air on CBS.

The Steelers, who are slated as the home team, will host the Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 28 in the NFL Dublin Game at historic Croke Park in a Week 4 matchup. The game will kick off at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 2:30 p.m. local time in Ireland.

The game will be broadcast on NFL Network. NFL Game Pass on DAZN will broadcast all 2025 International Games in international markets outside of the U.S. The game will also stream on NFL+.

"The opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to play in Ireland is truly special, not only because of the Rooney family history there but because it allows us to connect with Irish fans while also giving fans who travel from Pittsburgh and beyond a unique football experience," said Steelers President Art Rooney, II. "We are thrilled to be part of this historic event and to represent Pittsburgh on a global stage."

The Rooney family immigrated from Ireland to the United States, and late Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney served as the United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2009-2012 and co-founded The Ireland Funds in 1976. Rooney's passion for Ireland, and his desire to always want to play a regular season game on Irish soil, makes it even more special to play in the first regular season game there.

"We're unbelievably excited about this opportunity to play in Dublin for two very specific reasons," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "First, it is an honor and privilege to represent the game of American football internationally and maybe introduce it to a new set of fans. It is a great honor to play the game that we love and be able to do so on foreign soil.

"Number two, I smile when I think about the late great Ambassador (Dan) Rooney and how fired up he would be about this game. I remember when he was Ambassador to Ireland, he would have a Fourth of July flag football game every year. I think about him, but I also simply think about the honor and privilege to play our game globally."

The Steelers will have some time to rest following the game in Dublin, as they have their Bye Week in Week 5 of the season, falling early this year because of the international game.

Following the bye, it's full speed ahead with 13 games without a break, starting with a Week 6 game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. on CBS. The Steelers have an 82-64-1 advantage in the series against the Browns, splitting the series the last three years with both teams winning their home games.

The team remains in the AFC North in Week 7, appearing on Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is at 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video. It will be the first of three games in primetime in a four week stretch for the Steelers.

The bright lights will be shining again in Week 8 when the Steelers and Green Bay Packers meet at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, Oct. 26 at 8:20 p.m. on NBC's Sunday Night Football.

The Steelers will remain at home for Week 9, the only back-to-back games at Acrisure Stadium all season, when they host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 1 p.m. The Steelers hold a 27-8 advantage in the series against the Colts, winning eight of the last 10 meetings.

It's back to primetime action when the Steelers head West for a Week 10 game against the Los Angeles Chargers on NBC's Sunday Night Football on Nov. 9 at 8:20 p.m. It's the second straight year the two teams will meet, with the Steelers winning, 20-10, in 2024 at Acrisure Stadium in a game where Calvin Austin III had four receptions for 95 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown reception.

The Steelers will be back in familiar territory, and against a familiar opponent, when the team hosts the Bengals in Week 11 on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium on CBS, the second meeting of the season for the two AFC North foes.

It will also be the first of four AFC North games in the last eight weeks of the season in what could be a tough final stretch for the team.

The Steelers will travel to Soldier Field for the first time since 2017 for a Week 12 matchup against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Nov. 23 at 1 p.m. on CBS. The last meeting between the two teams was in 2021, an exciting 29-27 Steelers win thanks to a 40-yard field goal by Chris Boswell with only 26 seconds left to play.

In Week 13 the Steelers will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Acrisure Stadium. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. on CBS.

The Steelers will host the Miami Dolphins in the final primetime game of the season on Monday, Dec. 15 at Acrisure Stadium, with kickoff at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN/ABC. The Steelers are 54-25 all-time on Monday Night Football, including 31-5 at home, including winning the last 22 games at home. Coach Mike Tomlin has guided the Steelers to a 21-3 record all-time on Monday Night Football, including 11-0 at Acrisure Stadium.

Week 16 will have the Steelers facing the defending NFC North champion Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Ford Field. Kickoff is set for 4:25 p.m. on CBS. The Steelers have won five of the last six games against the Lions, dating back to 2001, while the two teams tied, 16-16, in the last meeting in 2021.

It will be all AFC North to finish the season, with the Steelers taking on the Browns for the second time in Week 17, this time on the road on Sunday, Dec. 28 at Huntington Bank Stadium at 1 p.m. on CBS.

The Steelers will close out the regular season with a bang when they host the Ravens in Week 18, a game that traditionally has a lot on the line. The date, time and network for the game have yet to be announced, as Week 18 games are announced following the conclusion of Week 17.

The team also announced their preseason schedule, with Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. In Week 2 of the preseason, the Steelers will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, Aug. 16 at Acrisure Stadium at 7 p.m. The game will air on CBS/KDKA-TV. The Steelers will close out the preseason on Thursday, Aug. 21 against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium at 7 p.m.

-->> Steelers 2025 Ticket Information

The Steelers acquired receiver DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. The Steelers will send the Seahawks their second round pick (52nd overall) and seventh round pick (223rd overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, and receive the Seahawks sixth-round pick (185th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Metcalf also signed a new five-year contract with the team.

Metcalf was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent the last six seasons in Seattle.

In those six seasons, he has appeared in 97 games, starting 93 of them, and has 438 receptions for 6,324 yards, a 14.4-yard average, and 48 touchdowns, which rank eighth-most among active players in the NFL. He has three touchdowns longer than 70 yards, including a career long 84-yard touchdown. 

"I'm a physical receiver," said Metcalf. "Big shout-out to my pops (Terrence Metcalf) who was an O-lineman in this league for a little bit, so he instilled that in me, and I just try to play the game a different way, and just God blessed me with the talents and with this opportunity, so I'm not going to take it for granted.

Metcalf has 15 100-yard games, including one against the Steelers in 2023, and a career-high 177 yards receiving against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. He also has two 100-yard receiving games in the postseason. He also has three 1,000-yard seasons and has 13 catches of 50 yards or more in his career, which ranks seventh among active receivers..

Metcalf was a second-team Associated Press All-Pro selection in 2020 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and 2023. 

For Metcalf, coming to the Steelers is the perfect scenario. 

"I felt ecstatic just to hear about the Steelers because I thought the meeting me and Coach (Mike) Tomlin had at the 2019 Combine," said Metcalf. "He just always spoke volumes into me and spoke of my play style in college, and just being in the league and going up to him before or after a game, he kept that same rapport with me, and it just felt like the right decision for me."

In 2024, Metcalf appeared in 15 games, starting 12 of them. He had 66 receptions for 992 yards, a 15-yard average, and five touchdowns.

Metcalf became one of only two players in NFL history, along with Hall of Famer Randy Moss, with 50 receptions, 900 yards and five touchdowns in each of their first six seasons. He also became the first player in Seahawks history with three consecutive 100-yard games, doing so in Weeks 2-4.

He ranks first in Seahawks' history with receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in his first six seasons and is fourth on the franchise's all-time receiving list.

Metcalf had his third 1,000-yard season in 2023 when he started 16 games, pulling in 66 receptions for 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns, including a 73-yard touchdown, which was Seattle's longest play from scrimmage for the season. His 1,114 yards made him the seventh player in Seahawks history with back-to-back 1,000 yard receiving seasons.

He set a single-season career-high in 2022 when he had 90 receptions, which were fourth-most in Seahawks history. He also turned in his second 1,000-yard season, pulling in 90 receptions for 1,048 yards and six touchdowns.

Metcalf led the Seahawks with 75 receptions in 2021, while adding a team-high 12 touchdowns, which ranked fourth in the NFL and were tied for third-most in a single-season for the Seahawks. He had a career-long 84-yard touchdown against New Orleans, the third-longest reception in team history.

In 2020, Metcalf posted his first 1,000-yard season when he had 83 receptions for a career-high 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns, while being named second-team AP All-Pro and being selected to the Pro Bowl. The 1,303 receiving yards were a team record, passing Steve Largent who held the previous record of 1,287 yards.

It didn't take Metcalf long to make an impact, with 58 receptions for 900 yards and seven touchdowns in 2019. His 58 receptions were second among all NFL rookie receivers, while his 900 receiving yards were third. Both the receptions and yardage numbers were second all-time in Seahawks' single-season history by a rookie.

Metcalf played college football at Ole Miss, where he started 19 of 21 games played before leaving after his redshirt sophomore year. He had 67 receptions for 1,228 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Source: Steelers.com

A highly challenging schedule that features eight bowl teams, including a visit from College Football Playoff runner-up Notre Dame, awaits the Pitt football team in 2025.

The ACC Network unveiled the Panthers' full 12-game schedule during a live telecast Monday evening. The slate features eight ACC games, intriguing non-conference opponents and seven home contests.

The schedule's home highlights:

• The historic series with Notre Dame returns to Pittsburgh on Nov. 15. The Fighting Irish finished No. 2 in both major polls following their run to the CFP title game.
   
• The Panthers welcome four ACC opponents that each advanced to bowls in 2024: Louisville (Sept. 27), Boston College (Oct. 4), NC State (Oct. 25) and Miami (Nov. 29).
   
• As previously announced, Pitt will open the season against Duquesne (Aug. 30), the first football game between the neighboring universities since 1939. The Panthers also host Central Michigan of the Mid-American Conference on Sept. 6.

The 108th renewal of the "Backyard Brawl" against West Virginia will take place in Morgantown on Sept. 13.

The ACC road schedule is comprised of trips to Florida State (Oct. 11), Syracuse (Oct. 18), Stanford (Nov. 1) and Georgia Tech(Nov. 22).

Pitt will again be the beneficiary of two open weeks due to the 2025 calendar and an earlier Labor Day (Sept. 1). The Panthers will be off on Sept. 20 and Nov. 8.

Pitt football season-ticket pricing remains family friendly. Packages begin at $230 and offer flexible payment plans. Season-ticket holders are afforded an array of benefits, including priority on additional single-game home and away ticket requests as well as postseason games.

For pricing, seating maps, season-ticket holder benefits and more, click here or call (800) 643-7488. Inquiries may also be made via email (tickets@athletics.pitt.edu).

The Panthers conclude spring drills with the annual Blue-Gold Spring Game presented by MAC.BID at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday, April 12. Additional spring game details will be forthcoming.

The Panthers' complete 2025 football schedule:

Aug. 30: Duquesne         

The Panthers and Dukes meet on the gridiron for the first time since Oct. 21, 1939. Duquesne finished as co-champions of the Northeast Conference last year.

Sept. 6: Central Michigan                                          

This will be the first meeting between Pitt and Central Michigan. Matt Drinkall makes his Chippewas head coaching debut following six years at Army under Jeff Monken. 

Sept. 13: at West Virginia

Pitt scored 14 points in the final 3:06 to upend the rival Mountaineers, 38-34, in Acrisure last year. Rich Rodriguez, who led West Virginia from 2001-07, returns to Morgantown as head coach.

Sept. 27: Louisville*

The Cardinals defeated Washington, 35-34, in the Sun Bowl to finish 9-4. Coach Jeff Brohm has won 19 games in two seasons at his alma mater.

Oct. 4: Boston College* 

The Eagles went 7-6 and advanced to the Pinstripe Bowl in Coach Bill O'Brien's debut season on Chestnut Hill.

Oct. 11: at Florida State*             

The Panthers return to Tallahassee for the first time since their 41-17 demolition of the Seminoles in 2020. 

Oct. 18: at Syracuse*     

Pitt returned three interceptions for touchdowns in a 41-13 win over Syracuse last year. The Orange rallied to win 10 games, including a 52-35 Holiday Bowl victory over Washington State. 

Oct. 25: NC State*           

The Panthers and Wolfpack clash for the first time since 2020. Coach Dave Doeren has led NC State to 10 bowls in 12 seasons.

Nov. 1: at Stanford*

Pitt plays a regular-season road game at Stanford for the first time since 1922. This will be the Panthers' first football game in California since the 1971 opener at UCLA. 

Nov. 15: Notre Dame

Notre Dame won a program-record 14 games en route to the CFP National Championship Game under Coach Marcus Freeman. The Irish last visited Pittsburgh in 2020 under pandemic crowd restrictions. 

Nov. 22: at Georgia Tech*

The Yellow Jackets have advanced to consecutive bowls for the first time since 2013-14. The Panthers have won four of the past five against the Ramblin' Wreck. 

Nov. 29: Miami*

The Hurricanes return to Pitt's conference slate following a two-season absence. The Panthers won the last encounter, 42-16, at Hard Rock Stadium in 2022. 

Dec. 6: ACC Football Championship Game (Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, N.C.)

Since 2011, only three teams have won an ACC Football Championship: Clemson, Florida State and Pitt.

*ACC game

Times and television networks will be announced at a later date.

Former Pitt Panthers star wide receiver Tyler Boyd received a great honor, as Clairton High School renamed their football stadium after him.

Boyd does a number of work throughout the Clairton community, which is a city in the Monongahela River valley, about 14 miles south of Pitt's campus.

Some of the work Boyd does includes starting a basketball league for the kids in the Clairton community that sends the all-starts to Florida. His mother also helps a great deal, as they both run a youth little league and do whatever they can to give back and keep kids engaged in and outside of school.

Boyd had an incredible four seasons with the Clairton Bears from 2009-12, holding a 63-1 record and winning four straight WPIAL and PIAA Class 1A Titles.

He held the record for most touchdowns in WPIAL history with 117 and was fifth all-time with 5,755 rushing yards when he graduated. 

Boyd would win all 63 games for Clairton consecutively and the 66 game winning streak, which continued after he graduated, was the longest in the country. 

He played in the Big 33 Classic in 2013, where he scored five touchdowns, including two receiving and one each passing, kick return and rushing in the 58-27 blowout win over Maryland. He also played in the 2013 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. 

One of his best high school performances came in the 2010 PIAA 1A Class Championship. Clairton faced a 24-0 deficit, but Boyd would lead the way, posting a 100+ yards receiving and two touchdowns in the 36-30 comeback victory 

Boyd would choose to play collegiate football at Pitt and excelled in his three seasons there from 2013-15. His 254 catches and 3,361 receiving yards in his career rank as the most for a Pitt player in program history. He also has 21 receiving touchdowns, tied for sixth most in a Pitt career.

His 1,261 receiving yards in 2014 and his 1,174 receiving yards in 2013 rank fifth and sixth most in a season for a Pitt player, repectively, while his 91 receptions in 2015, 85 receptions in 2014 and 78 receptions in 2013 rank fourth, fifth and sixth most in a single season for the program.

he Cincinnati Bengals took Boyd in the Second Round of the 2016 NFL Draft and he would make 513 catches for 6,000 yards and 31 receiving touchdowns in eight seasons for them, along with a Super Bowl appearance.

He signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, where he is currently heading into Week 3 with the team. 

Source: Pitt Panthers

The Steelers signed defensive tackle Cameron Heyward to a new three-year contract.

Heyward, who is entering his 14th season with the Steelers, made it clear that he wants to finish his career in the black and gold.

"There are certain guys who are one-helmet guys," said Heyward. "I want to be one of those one-helmet guys."

Heyward has been a mainstay for the Steelers defense, a captain for 10 consecutive seasons. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time Associated Press First Team All-Pro selection.He has appeared in 194 career games, with 159 starts, and has started every game he has played in since the 2014 season. His 194 games played put him in seventh place on the Steelers all-time list, and he could move into fourth place in 2024.

Heyward is tied with James Harrison for second place in team history with 80.5 career sacks, behind only linebacker T.J. Watt, who has 96.5 career sacks. His 80.5 career sacks are the most by a Steelers' defensive lineman since 1982 and ninth-most by a defensive tackle in NFL history.

For his career, Heyward has 647 tackles, 404 of them solo stops, 118 tackles for a loss, 175 quarterback hurries, 47 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and two interceptions.

Last year Heyward appeared in 11 games while dealing with a groin injury, recording 33 tackles, 25 of them solo stops, six tackles for a loss, two sacks and one pass defense.

What Heyward brings on the field is matched by what he does off the field. He was selected as the 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in the entire league.

"We all start being great players, but we understand to be a great player is just not enough," said Heyward. "The community needs us. When I first got here, I had guys like Brett (Keisel), Aaron (Smith), who took me under their wing and showed me. Having that opportunity, I just want to provide my teammates with that. They aren't going to follow the same lane I might, but they need the opportunity to give back.

"I know a lot falls on my shoulders, but it was falling on my shoulders before this. The work continues. But we don't shy away from it. We know there are a lot of people that need our help. I want to be doing that. If pressure intensifies, I have to grow from it."

He joined a list of former Steelers who won the award, which includes Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann and Jerome Bettis. In addition, new teammate Russell Wilson also is a former winner of the award.

"It's unbelievable," said Heyward. "You look at guys like Joe Greene, Lynn Swann, Jerome Bettis and Franco. I feel honored to be among that group. I almost don't feel worthy of it. Those guys did so much for the community and held the standard. It's just unbelievable to be a part of it."

One of the main projects Heyward has undertaken the last two years is 'Cam's Kindness Week,' where he sets out on daily missions to make a difference in a multiple of ways, most of them last year about being a support system for today's youth, whether that was through visits to The Caring Place where he met with grieving children, or 'Craig's Closet,' his pet project named to honor his late dad, Craig 'Ironhead' Heyward.

"Cam's Kindness Week the last two years was something I talked to people about and we wanted to have a concentrated effort," said Heyward, who was born in Pittsburgh. "We knew it would require a lot of energy. But we were able to do some special things. It's the initiatives we care about, the youth we care about.

"It's my hometown, it's my birthplace. It's something my dad built before I was born. It's his legacy. The City of Pittsburgh is always near and dear to my heart."

The Steelers have always valued stability when it comes to leadership, and that was evident today when the team signed Coach Mike Tomlin to a three-year contract extension.

The extension will keep Tomlin with the team through at least the 2027 season.

"Mike Tomlin's leadership and commitment to the Steelers have been pivotal to our success during his first 17 years as head coach," said Steelers President Art Rooney II. "Extending his contract for three more years reflects our confidence in his ability to guide the team back to winning playoff games and championships, while continuing our tradition of success."

Tomlin, who was hired in 2007, will enter his 18th season with the team in 2024 and is only the third Steelers head coach since the 1969 season, joining Hall of Famers Chuck Noll (1969-91) and Bill Cowher (1992-2006) during that time frame.

"I am appreciative for this contract extension and thankful for Art Rooney II for his support during my first 17 years in Pittsburgh," said Tomlin. "We are continuing to work diligently to get back to where we belong – sustained playoff success with the ultimate goal of winning the franchise's seventh Lombardi Trophy.

"I am very excited to get the 2024 season underway and provide our fans with a memorable year."

Tomlin has been a stabilizing force for the Steelers, now the longest-tenured coach in the NFL with the same team as he enters the 18th season.

Tomlin found success from the time he arrived in Pittsburgh.

He became the youngest head coach in NFL history to both coach in and win a Super Bowl when the Steelers defeated the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23, in Super Bowl XLIII, and at the time Tomlin was 36 years, 323 days old. That record stood until Sean McVay led the Los Angeles Rams to the Super Bowl in LVI.

In 17 seasons Tomlin led the Steelers to seven AFC North titles, most recently in 2020, 11 playoff berths, most recently in 2023, and two Super Bowl (XLIII and XLV) appearances.
Tomlin has a 173-100-2 (.633) regular season record. The 173 regular season wins are second most among active NFL head coaches and he has led his teams to victories in at least five home games in 16 of his first 17 seasons.

During his long tenure with the Steelers, Tomlin's teams have never had a losing record, the only head coach in NFL history to begin a head coaching tenure with at least 17 consecutive non-losing seasons. That is the third-longest streak of .500-or-better seasons by a head coach in NFL history.

Tomlin, who is a member of the NFL's Competition Committee since 2013, has also seen his players have individual success, with nearly 80 selections to the NFL Pro Bowl.

Source: Steelers.com

 For High School football recruits interested in securing a college spot on the roster, the experience can often times feel like you are in an episode of the Game of Thrones. Keeping it real, with the transfer portal, a method that allows NCAA college athletes to transfer from one school to another, the chance to play at a top college is a battle. In the portal, college coaches can see what athletes are ready to transfer, it can be a real dog fight to land a spot at one of your selected schools. Talented high school players will have to  compete against top- notch college athletes.  Basically, "D. UP" for a fierce and unpredictable fight to get on a team. You are going to have to be the fittest, smartest and maybe even a little lucky. It's really not personal, the coaches have the tough job of recruiting, retaining, and winning. Start over again. RECRUIT, RETAIN, & WIN! 

We caught up with Carnegie Mellon University Defensive Backs coach, K. K. Rountree who breaks the game of recruiting down in the day of the transfer portal era. Coach Rountree makes a very important point, "Go where you are appreciated and not tolerated. College football is hard and it is not for everyone." If you are interested in playing on the Tartans team for Carnegie Mellon University, ranked one of the  Best Colleges Nationally, Coach Rountree has some good advice, you got to bring your "A" game, ( Academics + Talent ) coaches want to see your very best as a student athlete. A gladiator on the football field and a wizard in the classroom. 

The Carnegie Mellon University football team had 21 players receive All-Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) distinction, announced by the conference office following voting by the league coaches. The Tartans placed six on the first team, five on the second team and nine were named honorable mention and one was honored to the sportsmanship team. The team also finished the season with a record of 10 wins to 1 lost. Let's find out from Coach Rountree why he is very excited about the upcoming season and what he is looking for in an athlete. 

Bio

KK Rountree will enter his first season on the Carnegie Mellon staff in 2023 and will be coaching the defensive backs.

Rountree comes to Carnegie Mellon after serving as an analyst for the special teams at the University of Connecticut for four seasons. While on the Huskies staff, he created scouting reports, handle daily practice plans, and broke down film. In 2022, UConn finished in the top ten of the FBS in blocked kicks.

Prior to his stop at UConn, Rountree worked at Stonehill College in 2018 as a secondary coach, working with the safeties and cornerbacks. From 2014-18, he was a varsity special teams coordinator and safeties coach for Pope John XXIII Regional High School.

Rountree is a 2012 graduate of Wilkes University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting before receiving his master's degree of business administration from Wilkes in 2013. The Central Islip, New York native played safety and outside linebacker while at Wilkes earning academic all-conference three times.

One on One with Coach Rountree:

How has the college football transfer portal changed the way high school seniors are being recruited?

Coach Rountree: The Portal has sped the entire recruiting process up for high school seniors. As a senior, you had time to go on visits in December and January to help make college decisions. Nowadays with the portal, some of the December & January visits are with more College Transfers than High School Seniors.

What advice would you share with recruits interested in playing football at CMU, as well as the process of getting into the school?

Coach Rountree: Advice to a recruit that has interest in Carnegie Mellon would be to take AP Calculus and AP Physics. Carnegie Mellon is a S.T.E.M. heavy school, so a lot of our majors will require you to have these courses taken before applying. The ability to have AP Calculus and AP Physics will open more doors in terms of choosing a major. Carnegie Mellon has other options in English, History, Philosophy, etc., for students that do not have AP Calculus and AP Physics.

When it comes to securing a spot on the team, what are you and your coaching team looking for in a player? What sets them apart from others?

Coach Rountree: Our staff is looking for players that can help us win football games and are determined to be great in the classroom. Carnegie Mellon is unique, in the sense you can find elite academics and play for a Top 25 Division 3 program.

CMU is one of the hardest schools to get into academically, what formula does it take for a player to successfully secure a spot on your team.

Coach Rountree: In my short time at Carnegie Mellon, I have realized that we are unique from an admissions standpoint. We have 7 Academic schools that have different requirements to become admitted. There is no specific formula to be admitted. There are tools that can help a student with admissions. As I mentioned before, having AP Calculus and AP Physics will open more opportunities for majors. Secondly, Carnegie Mellon will still have options for students that have not taken AP Calculus and AP Physics. At the end of the day, a rigorous schedule with a blend of AP classes can help with the admissions process.

High school prospects are competing for scholarships with experienced college players who entered the portal, is it best they go to a smaller college and try to work their way up to a more competitive football program?

Coach Rountree:  I recently heard a statement that really stuck with me. Go where you are appreciated and not tolerated. College football is hard and it is not for everyone. Go to a school where you can play football and choose your major. There will always be opportunities to move up levels in college football. Larger schools have recruiting departments that search through all levels of the portal.  In order to move up divisions, coaches want to see game film of you playing at a high level. 

What inspires you as a coach and what does the upcoming season look like for CMU?

Coach Rountree: As a coach I am inspired to see young men come into college at 18 years.  Then the next 4 years you watch them transform into a man. You help these young men see the man they can and will become. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing former players become great husbands, fathers and men in society. There are a lot of reasons why I coach, but the development of young men is the largest reason. 

The season for Carnegie Mellon is bright, I believe we have a shot to win the PAC Conference and potentially go to the NCAA National Playoffs. Those are goals of Carnegie Mellon but the staff and players know it will not be easy. The PAC Conference is a really good conference with tremendous teams. We are very excited for the upcoming season.

 EXPLOSIVE, RELENTLESS and INSPIRING Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams Defensive tackle proudly represents Pittsburgh on and off the field, PUM Contributor Isaiah Beckham caught up with Donald as a participant at his annual football camp.  

Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald comes home to Pittsburgh to host a free, youth football skills camp for athletes ages 6 to 18 at his alma mater, Penn Hills High School. Donald, AD99 Solutions, and 2 Tenths Speed & Agility Training presented the Living in the Pocket Youth Football Skills Camp for close to 150 athletes held on June 26th. Donald, who also played for the University of Pittsburgh is recognized as a unanimous All-American and was drafted by the Rams with the 13th pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. 

Eager Athletes from all over the country participated in the camp and best of all we had the opportunity to meet and learn some valuable football techniques on the field with the legendary NFL superstar. 

Donald is currently rated as the best player in the NFL and I would agree with RAMSWIRE.com he is a serious force to be reckoned with:  “Donald doesn’t play a premier position for the Rams, but he’s established himself as the best defensive tackle in the NFL and the most dominant player at any position. You earn that title by winning three Defensive Player of the Year awards, earning six All-Pro selections and setting the NFL record for the most sacks in a season by a defensive tackle (20.5). At the age of 30, he’s shown no signs of slowing down, either. He’s coming off a season in which he had 13.5 sacks and 28 QB hits, winning Defensive Player of the Year for the third time. And as a result, Pro Football Focus continues to view him as the best player in football.”

For a student athlete striving to make it to the NFL, this was truly a privilege to be in Donald’s presence and better yet, to take a photo and get his autograph well that is a keepsake memory to be cherished.  Meeting Donald, I was a little nervous but his personality is very laid-back and he is super chilled. I watched as he patiently greeted each camp participant with kindness and sincerity.   

THE CAMP EXPERIENCE:  WHAT THE WORKOUT CONSISTED FOR ME   

For over three hours in the extremely humid 88 degree weather we worked our butts off while having a blast. We started off with warmups and stretching to get our body’s ready for the intense work ahead of us. Then we all separated into various groups to go through some tough agility drills. I did pretty well on the agility drills because as a running back you have to have quick feet, something I have been working on all summer. Once the agility work was complete,  we focused on defensive back drills which was a great experience for me because guarding someone closely one on one is essential in football. We worked on pass drops and shifting our speed at the correct time to learn to get the interceptions. There was one rep where I jumped up and caught the ball with one hand and that seemed to get everyone around me hyped up. My Shady Side Academy football team mate, Deacon Durham and I were on fire, and many of the coaches continued to challenge us with harder drills. 

While participating in the camps, I usually like to start off on offense drills but decided to switch it up and get on defense and I did not hold back because this was a great time to show off your skills. Once the ball was snapped, I was as physical as I could be and barely let the player off the line and once we got to start his route I was right there with him and I grabbed the ball out of the air for an interception. That had to be my best DB play, I am finally getting a feel for how you properly guard someone, thanks to camps like this one and my  SSA football summer training. I then proceeded to run six more routes against the players and I dominated each one. I focused on two key people to run against because everyone else seemed to be no competition.  Near the end of the camp we went back out to run some more 1v1s and this is where it got interesting and competitive. Everyone crowded to one spot to watch five players including Deacon and myself go against each other in more 1v1s. Once it was my turn to run on the first route I was jammed at the line by a player and couldn’t even get off to run my route. I was caught off guard, but I didn't just give up there, I told everyone to run it back so I could redeem myself and that’s exactly what I did. I exploded off the line and dusted the DB then I turned around and the ball floated in the air, it wasn’t really a good pass but I didn’t give up, I hunted the ball down and got the completion. Don’t give up, the play is still in action, I learned to trust myself.  (Check out the play on my twitter account: https://twitter.com/ReignBeckham

At the end of the camp, well known Pittsburgh King of football training,  Dwayne Brown (aka D. Brown) owner of  2 Tenths Speed & Agility Training, who trains Donald, offered the best advice to camp participants. “You did an excellent job today, you got to keep moving and keep improving, that’s the most important, you need to have good grades, listen to your coaches and parents. You need to know how to take direction. A lot of you guys who have some talent but you need to learn how to take directions or you are not going anywhere.”  

I loved this football camp experience and it was one of the best I attended so far this summer.  I would definitely recommend this camp to future athletes who want to improve their football skills and techniques. At the end of the day, what made this experience extra special was the legend himself, Aaron Donald who truly demonstrates on and off the field that he has the Heart of a Champion. Not only does he provide this free camp, but he also holds an Annual Prep Forward Program for male African American high school student-athletes to be able to receive access to the organization’s tuition-free academic, athletic, and life skills programming. This tuition-free educational program is offered to African American student-athletes, ages 13-18, throughout Allegheny County.

For me, the most important lesson I learned from one of the greatest NFL players, our Pittsburgh hometown hero, Aaron Donald, “don’t talk about it, be about it.”

Isaiah Beckham 

Isaiah Reign Beckham

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReignBeckham

Over 400 athletes from around the country showed up to attend The University of Pittsburgh’s Rising Star Camp 1, held June 6th at the UPMC Sports Complex, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

From Compton, California to New York City, the athletes sporting their new gear, with their game day faces intact, stepped into the facility prepared to showcase their talent.  

As a rising sophomore at Shady Side Academy, who signed up in the running back category, this was going to be my first football camp experience, and I really had no idea what to expect, but I felt I was in shape and ready to enjoy the day. The venue was held where the Steelers train and to be able to practice in this magnificent facility was a dream come true. Just knowing the Pittsburgh Steelers new running back Najee Harris' was just practicing on the field, made the venue extra special especially for someone like me who would love to play for the Steelers. Having the Pitt Panthers host this sold out event, you can especially appreciate the fact they have nine championships and to be able to interact one on one with the Pitt coaches was worth the sixty bucks for the camp.  

The high school athletes understood this was a great opportunity to show off their skills to the college coaches who came to watch, teach and elevate our game. For some of the athletes this just might be the last chance to get noticed, so its serious business to impress the coaches. 

We first broke off to participate in a combine which consisted of the 40 yard dash, broad jump, and line runs. These are the basic skills you need to work on, because the coaches are keeping stats on these particular skills. This felt like the American Idol competition of football, you really just don’t know what exactly coaches are looking for in a high school athlete especially at these camps. I am told, they perhaps have already identified some of the athletes they are interested in, and of course always looking for new talent.   

In the running back category, there were about thirty athletes who joined me for our drills. Decked out in my shiny new all black helmet (which got really hot) one of our coaches proceeded to teach us how to get off of tackles when using a stiff arm more effectively and also how to have quicker feet when making cuts and spins. The Pitt coaches were willing to help us improve our game, they were very encouraging in their training details. I really enjoyed most the 1v1s (player vs player) because I was able to show off my skills and also get direct coaching that can help in an in-game situation. This was an opportunity where the coaches and players can watch you closer instead of a large group of players. 

I learned while attending this camp, it’s not all about the brawn, you have to get your brain focused while in High School. The resounding message from the coaches is the fact that academics does matter, you need to keep your GPA up as high as you can (prefer over 3.5) because that will help you get noticed by more college recruits. When it comes to your overall effort, that is where you need to have the heart of a champion, you need to give 100 percent effort in your preparation to play football. You need to get faster in your running game, build a stronger body through weights, keep your body healthy by always hydrating and eating healthy meals. You need to also improve your agility by setting up cones or an agility ladder and just going through simple footwork drills. It is the small stuff that counts and if you focus every day on one aspect of your body then you will see the biggest change when you step onto the field, your game will ultimately improve. 

Overall this camp experience was worth going to because it showed me new ways of improving my techniques as an athlete and as a student. If you dream of attending a D-1 college like Pitt, this camp provides athletes exposure to their coaches, other talented players and more importantly you have a better idea of what colleges are looking for in future players. 

This camp was the real deal, no one was sugar coating the process, if you even get looked at from college recruiters it’s going to take that extra effort work ethic on and off the field. Character matters, researching schools matter, having your social media highlight tape current and available for busy coaches to review is also important.   

At the end of the camp day, after experiencing six hours going through training drills in 88 degree weather, I was exhausted, hungry and even more encouraged to pursue football because of the Pitt camp experience. Just keeping it 100, the talent is fierce, but I will encourage you to participate in the Pitt camp in the future or any upcoming football camps because it truly opens your eyes up to the dedication and determination you need to get recruited by colleges. When you walk away from the camp experience hopefully you feel like I did that you love the game of football even more.  

Who could have prepared my football teammates and I at Shady Side Academy for the summer of 2020, for me, it is going down in history as one of the most unpredictable, frustrating, upside down you turn me seasons I have ever encountered. Of course, this is due to the COVID-19 pandemic scare which hit our team with such a great force like a lineman tackling a quarterback without much protection. 

Let me backup, it was Spring, March 2020 to be exact, and as an eighth grader, I was anxiously trying to get out of middle school, when COVID-19 reared its ugly head. Students were forced out of our daily school routines and rushed into an online learning experience to be located at home for about three months without much notice or preparation. The online experience was confusing and a little strange in the beginning, it did not feel normal to not be around my classmates, but once I got my ZOOM skills down, I persevered.  Needless to say, I missed connecting with my friends and my teachers in person, its hard to recreate the excitement and action that takes place in a classroom, for me it is an important part of the overall learning experience. During my online instruction in the spring, my mom was always looking over my shoulder while I sat at the kitchen table and my dogs were enjoying biting my toes during my endless ZOOMS, but still online learning could not take the place of being at Shady Side Academy for a regular school day with my classmates and teachers.     

Like many people surviving the pandemic here in the United States and around the world we believed by summer COVID-19 would be a thing of the past, this horrific historic disaster, would be brief and just like that life would soon be back to normal, at least by summer, right? Not.  Unfortunately, here we are in the middle of August and the virus still has deadly tentacles that continues to spread ferociously, touching everyone’s lives in unpredictable and sadly harmful ways even for us athletes who dream of playing football. I was excited about participating in summer football camp at SSA that kicked off in June. I envisioned my life as a football player taking off especially since this is the first time I would be practicing on a High School team. I was relieved when football practice for the summer was not cancelled, however while the powers that be sorted out our football destiny, we had a few moments of interruption and uncertainty. When we got the green light to continue practice through the summer most of my teammates and I were relieved and we understood we would have to practice differently under COVID-19, no doubt this would not be your regular football season.    

Your football game strategy and techniques needs to be on point especially with COVID-19 looming over the field,  social distancing with my passionate teammates who are eager to run a cool play and throw a football is a new challenge. You better keep your stride and forget about the fact that we had to wait four long weeks before we could even touch a football. On the long hot 90 degree days, you better make sure you have your own water jug, no sharing sips and stories around the big Gatorade cooler, remember to stand 6-feet apart (this is always on your mind.) Don’t forget your plays and get into formation, run the ball, COVID-19 rules, they exist, they are real and required.  

While COVID-19 has tried to take away everything good this summer, I’m thankful that our team, one of the few in the region is still able to practice and come together. While the politics continue over whether or not we will have a season, I still enjoy my football practice even with the extra safety precautions and the major changes required and necessary. As part of the precautions, every morning our temperature is taken and we are asked questions regarding our travel activities. My teammates diligently wear our masks for most of our practice and we place our items in a small hoop, making sure not to contaminate anything. Overall, everyone is working hard at following the social distancing rules because we understand the importance of why we have the guidelines in the first place is to help keep us safe and alive.   

My favorite part of every practice is when we go to lift weights, in smaller groups, with masks secured, my teammates and I turn up the music and focus on our goals of winning. Moments like this help me escape the harsh reality of COVID-19 and I am thankful that our football camp was not canceled. I appreciate the camaraderie of the players and how important it is for my mental and physical growth overall. I realize so many other players in other school districts have already canceled their football seasons and fall athletics, and I understand the difficult decisions that many people have to make because of COVID-19. These are tough decisions for families, school administrators, coaches, lawmakers, and the athletes but in the face of adversity we are all learning important lessons about life and how precious these moments are sometimes we have to run the most difficult plays to get to the end zone.         

My coach, Chuck DiNardo at Shady Side Academy emphasizes during practice to work hard at everything that you do, and when you show up for practice be ready to do your best. He also tells us to  thank our parents and others who are making sacrifices for us to be able to practice, and more importantly we should not take them for granted especially during this deadly pandemic.  

TO BE OR NOT TO BE, indeed, this is the question that sums up our football season-- whether or not we will have a season come fall is still up in the air and a heated political hot potato, I am not sure who really wins in the end. While the politics about the season continues to be sorted out, I can appreciate that everyone on my football team still comes to work hard every practice and we all have respect for each other, our coaches, and our equipment and stadium. More importantly, our team focuses on respect and trust the most. Coach DiNardo, aka “Coach D” says that he wants to be able to trust us to keep working hard even when we are tired. We are tired of this pandemic, but our spirits are not broken by the desire to continue to play a game that means so much to us young athletes.    

As our social distancing rules continues, for me football is still a great escape from this pandemic, sincere props go out to Coach DiNardo, Coach Charles Calabrese “Breezy,” Coach Dave Havern, Coach Josh Frechette, and Coach Alex Bellinotti for their dedication and leadership throughout the summer practice. Indeed, I am a better player because of their relentless commitment and support through this highly unusual, unpredictable but need I say, worthwhile summer of football. Whether we play football or not will continue to be debated, I hope those marking the decisions understand most of us athletes still care about what actions take place. What resonates with me during these turbulent times, is our SSA football chant after each practice where my teammates and I come together to shout loud and proud: “Family on 3.  1. 2. 3. Family.” Family is what matters the most and sometimes it comes in the form of a football team, and sometimes in a family we learn crucial life long lessons during difficult situations like this dreadful pandemic, these are the moments that you need to be strong, stay focused and keep grinding!    

Isaiah Beckham, PUM Contributor 

August 17, 2020