The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed several fan questions in the latest edition of “Asked and Answered,” covering topics from team history to player nutrition.
One question focused on whether the Steelers have ever led the NFL in sacks. The response clarified that sacks became an official statistic in 1982, so earlier records do not count. Since then, the Steelers led the league in sacks for five consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2021, becoming the first team in NFL history to achieve this four and then five times. T.J. Watt led the NFL in sacks in 2020, 2021, and 2023, making him the only player to lead three times. In 2021, Watt’s total of 22.5 sacks tied Michael Strahan’s single-season record.
Regarding practice jerseys worn at training camp, it was confirmed these are exclusive to players and not available for public purchase.
On offensive threats for the upcoming season, fans were advised not to focus solely on wide receivers. Tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith were highlighted as legitimate receiving threats.
A fan asked about former running back Barry Foster. After injuries shortened his career and contract disputes arose, Foster left football but later worked as a running backs coach at DeLay Middle School and became an assistant principal at Crosswinds Accelerated High School in Grand Prairie, Texas.
Questions about safety positions followed recent roster changes including trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and adding DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill. The answer noted that other defensive backs may take on safety roles and referenced Coach Mike Tomlin’s comments about veteran Chuck Clark: “Been really impressed with his ability to digest schematics in a short period of time and execute the defense. But I’m not completely surprised by it, because we’ve competed against him over the years, and I just know he has a reputation of a really solid professional. I think he’s displayed that in the short period of time he’s been here.”
When asked why Ben Roethlisberger was selected for the Hall of Honor now rather than waiting for his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction, it was explained that eligibility rules require three years of retirement: “Ben Roethlisberger has been retired for 3 years, and I dare you to give me a name of someone more deserving than him. Why wait? He is deserving, he is eligible, he gets elected. Simple.”
Discussion about quarterback depth clarified that all players must be placed on waivers before joining a practice squad.
Addressing uniform numbers assigned to new acquisitions like DK Metcalf (No. 4), Jalen Ramsey (No. 5), and Patrick Queen (No. 6), it was suggested decisions would be made case by case moving forward.
Concerns over offensive line depth acknowledged that while thinness exists across most teams’ lines league-wide, recent No. 1 picks need playing time to develop into proven starters.
NFL officials regularly attend training camps such as those held by Pittsburgh at Latrobe Stadium to work with both referees-in-training and players; defensive players are permitted to bat down passes during camp practices.
Finally, on game day nutrition routines: pre-game meals include various foods suited to athletes’ preferences while halftime allows only quick options like protein bars due to its brief duration except during Super Bowl games.
