The latest installment of “Asked and Answered” features questions from Pittsburgh Steelers fans on a range of topics, including memorable games, draft strategy, playoff scheduling, player awards, and team history.
One fan from San Diego asked about the significance of the recent Steelers-Ravens game. The response compared it to notable moments in franchise history: “In terms of drama and significance, the 2025 regular season finale ranks up there with the 2016 Christmas Day Game in Pittsburgh, when Ben Roethlisberger threw to Antonio Brown who got the ball across the goal line with an effort that came to be known as the Immaculate Extension with 9 seconds left for the decisive points in a 31-27 victory that sent the Steelers to the playoffs while simultaneously eliminating the Ravens from the postseason. And while the Acrisure Stadium crowd was buzzing throughout Sunday night’s game and exploded appropriately when Tyler Loop missed that 44-yard field goal as time expired, it doesn’t come close to the din that accompanied Troy Polamalu’s pick-6 to clinch the 2008 AFC Championship Game and send the Steelers to Super Bowl XLIII.”
Another question focused on potential draft strategies for 2026. The answer emphasized patience: “I understand the excitement coursing through the fan base after the win over the Ravens and the clinching of the AFC North, but it’s way too premature to talk about a plan for the upcoming draft and the possibility of the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers running back their business relationship for another season. I suggest you just enjoy the Steelers opening these playoffs by hosting a Wild Card Round Game and leave that other stuff for when this season actually is over.”
Concerns were raised about playoff scheduling after it was announced that Pittsburgh would host Houston in a Monday night Wild Card game. The response addressed broader league trends: “I don’t know about you, but that ship sailed for me when the Steelers were assigned 3 games in 11 days last December in order to be scheduled for the Christmas Day package when Dec. 25 fell on a Wednesday. This is NFL nowadays. Networks and streaming services will pay top dollar for rights to NFL games because those games generate big revenue via ratings and ad rates, and that revenue is added to pie and divided among players and owners to continue driving up salary cap. The NFL scheduling games on non-traditional days of week has become part of current business model.”
On scouting practices, it was clarified: “The in-depth vetting and studying of college players by NFL teams doesn’t happen until player is at least 3 years removed from his high school graduation. Teams really have their hands full just with guys who are in their draft eligible window…”
A reader suggested Aaron Rodgers should be considered for Comeback Player of Year honors; however, updated award criteria were cited: “After Joe Flacco was voted Comeback Player of Year a few years back now, criteria for winning award was changed… It was in 2023 when Aaron Rodgers missed all but one game with an Achilles injury, so based on adjusted criteria it would have been 2024 when he was candidate… But he played all 17 regular season games that season.”
Kenneth Gainwell’s selection as team MVP drew historical context: “The Steelers MVP Award first was given in 1969, and since then Kenneth Gainwell is sixth different running back to win it. The others were Franco Harris in 1972; Barry Foster in 1992; Jerome Bettis in 1996, 1997, and 2000; Willie Parker in 2006; Le’Veon Bell in 2014 and 2016.” Several past winners—including Joe Greene—are also honored figures within the team’s Hall of Honor.
Regarding voting patterns for team MVPs like Joe Greene—who won only once—the answer noted unpredictability due to teammate voting.
Fans expressed excitement over recent victories leading into home playoff games under coach Mike Tomlin.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have built a legacy marked by six Super Bowl championships according to official records, extensive community engagement through celebrations like their Hall of Honor, museum exhibits at Acrisure Stadium open to fans, affiliation with major football leagues such as the National Football League, longstanding leadership dating back to founder Arthur J. Rooney Sr., and recognition initiatives including steel football replicas presented during inductions.
