The Pittsburgh Steelers began organized team activities at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on May 18, featuring the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a one-year contract and several changes to both players and coaching staff. Receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who joined the team via trade this offseason, said he learned about Rodgers’ signing through social media. “He never told me anything,” Pittman said. “I learned from Twitter before he told me.” He added that he was pleased to be playing with another Hall of Fame quarterback after previously catching passes from Philip Rivers.
Pittman highlighted the importance of building chemistry early in OTAs. “You’ve got to know what certain quarterbacks like and what they don’t like, and what they’re thinking,” Pittman said. He also praised new head coach Mike McCarthy: “That is one of the reasons that I came here, because he is an offensive coach…Being able to learn from him and his system, it’s been great and I’m going to keep on learning it and get it dialed in.”
On defense, linebacker Payton Wilson described working under new coordinator Patrick Graham as positive for player relationships and communication. “He started with relationships and building relationships and trust…He has a great scheme in the way that he’s installing things,” Wilson said. Consistency remains a key goal for Wilson: “It’s something that the whole defensive staff have done a great job of harping on, it’s just consistency.” Linebacker Alex Highsmith echoed these sentiments about adapting to change under Coach McCarthy: “Things are different, things are changing…everyone’s got to buy into the culture.” Highsmith also spoke highly of Rodgers’ leadership upon his return.
Changes continue along the offensive line following Isaac Seumalo’s departure. Offensive tackle Troy Fautanu explained how younger players are stepping up as leaders while adjusting positions during OTAs: “We’re looked at as the vets,” Fautanu said. The group is relying on assistant offensive line coach Jahri Evans for guidance due to his extensive NFL experience.
Kicker Chris Boswell recently signed a five-year contract extension but emphasized performance over compensation: “Because of the contract doesn’t mean I’m going to make or miss any more kicks…My job’s on the line every single kick every single week.” Boswell holds several franchise records including most consecutive field goals made (25), field goals made in a season (41), points in a season (158), career game-winning field goals (15), as well as leading all NFL kickers since 1970 with an 82.5 percent conversion rate from 50-plus yards among those with at least 60 attempts.
The Steelers have achieved notable success historically with six Super Bowl championships according to their official website. The organization honors figures such as Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene through its Hall of Honor according to their official website. Community engagement is supported by historical celebrations such as those featured at Acrisure Stadium’s Hall of Honor Museum according to their official website.
