Steelers/NFL category, Page 329
Mark Madden: Despite public outcry, Steelers shouldn’t re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster
Since the turn of the century — which I counted down on the Y2J clock — the Steelers have given a significant second contract to just two receivers: Hines Ward and Antonio Brown. The former is a Super Bowl MVP and not-quite Hall-of-Famer, the latter a generational talent. It very...
Madden Monday: Will Big Ben’s contract keep the band together? ‘This ain’t the Beatles.’
There seems to be a misguided sense from Steelers fans that Ben Roethlisberger’s new contract is going to be key in helping the Steelers to make another playoff run. This after the franchise flamed out following an 11-0 start in 2020. In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden is...
First Call: Twists as JuJu Smith-Schuster approaches free agency; Islanders stay hot atop East
Monday’s “First Call” features a few interesting twists along the way toward JuJu Smith-Schuster’s free agency. The New York Islanders stay red-hot atop the Eastern Division. Robert Morris’ women’s hockey team takes a unique route to the NCAA tournament. And Duquesne’s spring football season opener turns back the clock when...
Tim Benz: Thumbs down to a new NFL overtime idea (and not just because the Ravens thought of it)
Steelers fans are predisposed to dislike anything the Baltimore Ravens want to do. In the case of Baltimore’s new overtime proposal, though, our inherent anti-Ravens bias doesn’t even have to come into play. It’s a useless plan, and the NFL shouldn’t bother looking at it. Yet the idea is gaining...
Former Steelers player says his 9-month-old son stable after surgery
Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Ryan Switzer says his 9-month-old son Christian is stable and out of surgery to control bleeding. Christian is finally out of surgery. The GI specialist found several sites of bleeding. He took samples that were sent off to biopsy to see what could be causing it,...
First Call: JuJu and J.J. together in Arizona?, Larry Fitzgerald’s future, Baker Mayfield saw a UFO
Friday’s “First Call” is stacked with news about JuJu Smith-Schuster, J.J. Watt, Larry Fitzgerald and Baker Mayfield. Also, UFOs and ice baths. I’ll let you guess the order. My turn! Now that Ben Roethlisberger’s contract is done, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster wants the Steelers to turn their attention to someone...
Tim Benz: Ben Roethlisberger’s new contract may not be the big picture fix some are anticipating
Let’s get the working of mechanics ironed out as we talk about Ben Roethlisberger’s new Pittsburgh Steelers contract. Then we’ll get to what all of this means. Because the words we use — and how we chose them — to describe Big Ben’s big decision are important to properly frame...
Steelers sign QB Ben Roethlisberger to new contract for 2021 season
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a contract Thursday that includes a pay cut for the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and provides some much-needed salary cap relief for the organization. The contract is for one year and $14 million, according to national reports, and is $5 million less...
First Call: Bud Dupree health update; Joe Haden claps back at talk of release; T.J. McConnell triple-double
Thursday’s “First Call” shows us a feisty Steeler. Bud Dupree is optimistic about his health. And T.J. McConnell sets an NBA record. Also, another Robert Morris hockey player is up for a national award. And a former Pirate had a big hit against the Buccos in spring training. Haden not...
U mad, bro?: Steelers fans cranky about QBs! Ben Roethlisberger, his backups, guys they haven’t drafted yet
So long as we have Steelers quarterback angst, “U mad, bro?” will always have content. However, this week I was getting concerned. We were overrun with positive responses to the “Breakfast With Benz” columns of late about the “Miracle on Ice,” Robert Morris hockey player Chace Sperling, and the Penguins-Whalers...
Pro Football Hall of Fame to put tickets on sale for 2021 class enshrinement ceremony
Fans wishing to make the short drive from Pittsburgh to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement of the class of 2021 can begin purchasing tickets at 10 a.m. Friday. The eight-member 2021 class includes former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Alan Faneca and late scout and personnel man...
First Call: JuJu Smith-Schuster’s tug of war with a lion; spin on J.J.Watt’s signing; new home for ex-Steeler
Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has an interesting new training partner. One of his ex-teammates has a new job. Perhaps some PR spin after J.J. Watt signed in Arizona. And the Cleveland Browns may swap out tight ends. It’s an all-NFL “First Call” for Wednesday morning. Watt do we think of...
First Call: Diontae Johnson’s admission about drops; 17-game NFL season plans; gamblers bailing on Penguins
Tuesday’s “First Call” has an interesting admission from Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. We also get a peek at what a 17-game NFL schedule may look like. People may be overrating J.J. Watt’s impact on the Cardinals. Gamblers have faith in Ke’Bryan Hayes but are losing trust in the Penguins....
Collectors can take bite out of Jack Lambert mementos, including empty teeth holder
“Teeth not included.” That is the final line in the description for Lot. No. 590 of the Lelands Spring Classic collection, and it pertains to perhaps the most unusual item the famed auction house ever has put on the block. It is the container that once held Jack Lambert’s teeth....
First Call: Steelers show interest in high-speed WR; goalie goal, goalie fight; Marc-Andre Fleury bet
A few Steelers post on social media about free agency. The franchise appears to have an interest in a blazer at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. A goalie fight, a goalie goal and a Golden Knights goalie bet. All that in Monday’s “First Call.” Banner’s self-ban Steelers free agent...
Madden Monday: Why Steelers have to draft RB Najee Harris if he is available when they pick
Whether we’re talking about the Steelers — or any NFL team — debates about the importance of running backs are a trigger point for me. I think people conflate analysis of how you get a good one with the importance of having a good one at all. Sure, high-priced, high-pedigree...
Tim Benz: What does all the Ben Roethlisberger talk mean for Mason Rudolph?
We’re talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’re talking about future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. We’re talking about a $41 million cap hit. So it’s no wonder the dialogue about Roethlisberger’s future in Pittsburgh has soaked up so much attention. There’s not much more to boil down beyond that...
Minus NFL Combine, Steelers preparing for draft process that relies on college pro days
The only sound emanating from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis next month will be basketballs bouncing off a hardwood surface. There will be no clicking of stopwatches as scouts time players running the 40-yard dash. No barbells clanging from 300-pound linemen trying to eke out another rep in the bench...
Steelers’ Art Rooney II: Roethlisberger still capable, contract delay not about performance
Two days after releasing a statement that he and his team’s longtime quarterback are in agreement about Ben Roethlisberger playing in 2021, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II reiterated that the organization believes Roethlisberger, even at age 39, remains a high-level NFL starter. “We think Ben played at a high...
Steelers LB Devin Bush: Rehab from torn ACL is ‘going good’ 4 months post-surgery
Four months since he had surgery to repair a torn ACL, Devin Bush is optimistic he is on track for a healthy return next season. The 22-year-old inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers provided an update on his recovery Thursday during a 15-minute question and answer session with fans. “Rehab...
First Call: JuJu Smith-Schuster insists he wants to stay in Pittsburgh; Steelers out on J.J. Watt?; ‘Big Al’ to Indy?
Thursday’s “First Call” finds JuJu Smith-Schuster beaming with hope about staying with the Steelers. A few destinations are emerging for J.J. Watt, and Pittsburgh isn’t on the list. An AFC playoff suitor is mentioned for Alejandro Villanueva’s services. The Flyers are back on track. And it seems like big money...
U mad, bro?: Lots of heat on Mike Tomlin, Art Rooney II, Big Ben, Pens fans, Pirates expectations
This week’s “U mad, bro?” turns ugly for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and owner Art Rooney II. Penguins fans take a little slap. We get a 2021 Pirates reality check. There’s a thorough examination of Cold War-era Europe. And I call out one of my TribLive...
Mark Madden: With Ben Roethlisberger returning, Steelers’ next priority is run game
Ben Roethlisberger’s agent, Ryan Tollner, says his client will play for the Steelers in 2021. But owner Art Rooney II didn’t exactly confirm that. Given how the situation has lingered in limbo after optimistic proclamations three weeks ago, it would be good if he did. Rooney says he wants Roethlisberger...
Art Rooney II, Ben Roethlisberger in agreement Steelers QB returns for 18th season
The long-anticipated meeting between the president and franchise player of the Pittsburgh Steelers finally took place Tuesday. And the two are in agreement their on-field relationship should continue for at least one more season. In a statement released via the verified Twitter account of Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten, Art Rooney...
First Call: Former NFL GM’s spot-on quotes about Ben Roethlisberger; ’70s Steelers on HBCU list
For Wednesday’s “First Call,” we take a look at Doug Whaley’s comments about Ben Roethlisberger’s future with the Steelers. There are Steelers aplenty on an all-time historically Black colleges and universities list. Bruce Boudreau may want to get back into coaching. A former Penguin is getting back in gear. And...
