The Pittsburgh Steelers released the latest edition of their “Asked and Answered” series, responding to questions from fans about team history, player performance, and organizational structure.
A question was raised about the Steelers’ home jersey color in 1970 and 1971. The response clarified that a photo from Nov. 2, 1970—when the Steelers played their first game against the Bengals at Three Rivers Stadium—shows the team wearing black jerseys.
Another fan asked if an upcoming Monday night game against the Houston Texans would count toward the Steelers’ Monday Night Football (MNF) home winning streak. The answer explained that it would be considered part of the MNF series, broadcast by ESPN/ABC with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters, and Laura Rutledge calling the game.
On a play involving Calvin Austin’s touchdown catch against the Ravens in Week 18, Aaron Rodgers described his thought process: “Multiple times in the huddle I’m asking Calvin on various plays, ‘What do you want on the backside, what do you want on the backside?’ He wouldn’t give me a straight answer. And on this particular huddle conversation I said. ‘What do you want, Cal?’ And somebody to my right, I don’t know if it was (Mason) McCormick or Pat (Freiermuth) said, ‘Just go cook ’em.’ I said, ‘All right, Cal, you run a hitch-and-go there.’ I was really thinking the front side three-man combination that we worked and had success with most of the night was my first thought. I peeked back to the left and saw No. 3 (CB Chidobe Awuzie) slip, and that’s a gimme touchdown. I’m proud of Calvin and the line really gave me a lot of time all day.”
A query about how opponents for teams’ 17th regular season games are chosen was addressed by citing NFL operations policy: “The 17th game is an additional game against a non-conference opponent from a division that the team is not scheduled to play. Matchups are based on division ranking from the previous season.” In 2026, this system pairs AFC North teams with NFC East teams based on standings.
Questions also touched on historical rivalries. When asked if Oilers coach Bum Phillips vowed to break through Pittsburgh after consecutive playoff losses in Pittsburgh during the late 1970s, it was confirmed he said: “One year we knocked on the door, the next year we beat on the door. And next year we’re gonna kick the son of a b*h in!”
Regarding playoff compensation for players: Division winners receive $58,500 for Wild Card Round wins; wild card teams and those with byes get $53,500; all players receive $58,500 for Divisional Round participation; Conference Championship participants earn $81,000; Super Bowl winners receive $178,000 while runners-up get $103,000.
A fan noted that Pittsburgh lost at home to Washington on Dec. 7, 2020—a game not originally scheduled as MNF—and wondered why it was played then. The answer confirmed it resulted from schedule changes due to COVID-19 protocols affecting earlier games.
Another question considered whether having standout performances from DK Metcalf, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell simultaneously could help Pittsburgh compete with any opponent in playoffs. The response emphasized needing big contributions from all key players across offense, defense and special teams.
On quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ impact this season for Pittsburgh: “From what I have seen throughout this regular season is that Aaron Rodgers can be a difference maker in the way he manages the game from the quarterback position. Audibles, utilizing cadence as an advantage…using pace as a weapon.”
Responding to news about Ravens coach John Harbaugh’s firing and its effect on rivalry intensity between Baltimore and Pittsburgh: “With all good NFL rivalries it’s more about players than coaches…Steelers-Ravens right now is NFL’s best rivalry.”
When asked about future leadership within ownership ranks following Art Rooney II’s tenure as president: “Team President Art Rooney II’s son Dan Rooney currently is Steelers’ Vice President of Business Development & Strategy.”
Other topics included T.J. Watt’s record-setting sack total achieved despite missing two games in 2021; head coach Mike Tomlin’s consistent approach to film review during late-season preparations; and clarification that opinions expressed in “Asked & Answered” do not represent official views of organization.
