Hey Steelers Fans. Welcome to Tuesday!
The Kickoff
When I was a kid, the biggest “season opening moment” was always when baseball players started to show up for Spring Training. Not only was it the return of America’s Pastime but it was also a sign that Winter was indeed going to end. At that time, few held any such feelings towards NFL or NCAA Football Camps opening. It was in fact, hardly more than a news bite during the local sportscast. Things have obviously changed a great deal; or maybe that’s just me. Nah, it’s not me. It’s a lot of us! The Pittsburgh Steelers officially report to Training Camp tomorrow. Like most people, I have not been to all 32 NFL Training Camps. I feel confident however in telling you that there isn’t a better or more beautiful place for a Camp to be held. St. Vincent College in the Laurel Highlands is a special place filled with tradition and history. If you haven’t been, you need to go. It’s as much a pilgrimage for Steelers’ fans as going to the Hall of Fame or Acrisure Stadium. It may be too late this year but plan ahead and go. You won’t be disappointed.
The Podcast
Episode 431 of the SCB Steelers Podcast presented by DEK Roofing Inc will air Thursday night at 10pmET. We will celebrate the opening of Training Camp and we’ll break down all of the positions and key players. I’m sure we’ll dive into many more topics as well.
Final Thoughts on Watt
After months of speculation, the Steelers and T.J. Watt finally got their deal done. The three-year extension worth $123 million does in fact make Watt the highest-paid non-QB in the NFL but we all know that doesn’t last long. Whether Micah Parsons or someone else, that number will be eclipsed at some point and probably sooner than we think. Three or four years from now we will all be re-visiting the question of whether they should have done this or whether they should have traded him. The numbers will tell us everything. Will he live up to the contract or will his numbers – like so many other pass rushers before him – dwindle with age? Time will tell.
Starks to the Booth
With the sudden and incredibly sad passing of Craig Wolfley, the Steelers had to find someone to fill his shoes. Former Steeler Max Starks will move from the sidelines to the broadcast booth. I think it was an obvious decision and a good one. I’m hopeful that fans give Starks a chance. He’s not Wolf. He’s not overly funny or bombastic the way Wolf was and that’s totally OK. Think Max will do an excellent job.
The Throwbacks
I’ve discovered that at my age I don’t get quite as “giddy” over uniform announcements as I once did. That said, I was looking forward to the unveiling of the new throwbacks. I was hopeful, as I’ve been for many years, that the Steelers would finally be bringing back the ‘Batman’ jerseys. Instead, we are getting a new and improved version of the 1933 jersey which we last saw as a throwback in the 1990’s. Personally, I would have waited and used this throwback in eight years when the Steelers turn 100 years old. Then again, they don’t ask for my input.
Random Reads
Man, the Bengals are a mess. Their number one draft pick hasn’t suited up once since being drafted and is still without his contract. Meanwhile, Trey Hendrickson is holding out and reportedly is in Florida rather than Ohio for Camp… All I’m going to say regarding the Washington stadium issue is this; Presidents have far more important things to be worried about… If you haven’t been paying attention, the NFLPA is a mess. Their former Executive Director was racking up bills at strip clubs for starters… Scottie Scheffler is being ridiculed for not “having enough personality” or for not “loving the game” like past greats have. God forbid the guy actually enjoys being ‘just a guy’ rather than someone who is constantly in the tabloids… I often wonder what we’ll be talking about Steelers-wise three months from now.
Hot Reads is presented by
