Char Valley grad Christian Kuntz ready for 2nd chance with Steelers after XFL run
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Christian Kuntz’s foray into the XFL produced the desired result.
Kuntz, a Chartiers Valley and Duquesne graduate, signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Friday, two weeks after the XFL canceled its season after five games because of concerns over the spread of covid-19. Kuntz played long snapper for the Dallas Renegades, not only showing off those skills but also his ability to cover kicks.
The sample size was small, but it was enough to convince the Steelers to give Kuntz another chance. He spent 16 days with the team last summer, playing in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers before being cut.
Kuntz (6-foot-2, 237 pounds) said he didn’t get an indication from the Steelers where he will be needed. His path to long snapper could be blocked by three-year veteran Kameron Canaday, but there are holes to fill in coverage.
Though the Steelers signed fullback Derek Watt to pick up some of the slack, the recent departures of special teams stalwarts such as Tyler Matakevich, Anthony Chickillo and Roosevelt Nix might leave an opportunity open for Kuntz.
“When they called me, obviously, I was ecstatic,” Kuntz said Saturday. “I’ll do whatever they ask me to do: long snap, linebacker, other special teams. It doesn’t matter.”
Kuntz joined a growing list of XFL players who have signed with NFL teams. The Steelers also have signed defensive end Cavon Walker (New York Guardians), offensive tackle Jarron Jones (Guardians), defensive end Dewayne Hendrix from Pitt (St. Louis Battlehawks) and safety Tyree Kinnel (D.C. Defenders). Other notable XFL players to sign with NFL teams are Houston Roughnecks quarterback P.J. Walker (Carolina Panthers) and Battlehawks QB Jordan Ta’amu (Kansas City Chiefs).
Kuntz said he enjoyed his experience in the XFL. More than anything, he said, it gave him the opportunity to show what he could do in games that counted.
“My goal was to go to the XFL and get the film that I needed to show them I can do this at a high level,” he said. “It’s awesome. It is a professional football league. The coaches were great. Our facility had top-of-the-line stuff. I don’t have anything bad to say about it.
“I think that league is going to be around for a while because it’s doing great things for guys like me.”
Like other athletes, Kuntz is coping with sports’ layoff during the covid-19 pandemic. To prepare himself for camp, he has been working out with long-time friend George Boulos. Kuntz and Boulos grew up together in Scott Township and attended Duquesne together.
Boulos, a Bishop Canevin graduate, has a background in strength and conditioning and has been affording Kuntz the use of the equipment set up in his garage. The two also spend time working on Kuntz’s long snapping, whether that is in the yard or when they find a field available.
“We’ve made the most of it,” Kuntz said.
Because of the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, the timeline for NFL teams beginning formal workouts remains up in the air. When that time finally comes, Kuntz is confident he will be better prepared to try to make the Steelers opening-day roster.
“Playing in the XFL gave me the confidence I could do it,” he said. “Having been in (Steelers) camp and getting to know the coaches and know some of the plays, playing in the preseason, that’s a big advantage now going into this second signing.
“I am ready to get back and show them I am ready to make an impact in any way I can.”