Thursday, July 24

Feeling a hunger: For defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, starting his 15th training camp is something he welcomes in a way only he can.

Heyward has a passion for the game, a thirst for more, a hunger for something that he has yet to taste.

He wants the ultimate goal.

He wants to win the Super Bowl.

"There's a hunger," said Heyward. "I know I'm in a rare group who gets to see Year 15. It's something I constantly think about. There are things I want to check off before I hang them up and I haven't reached those goals yet."

Heyward knows the expectations are high with all the moves the Steelers have made in the offseason.

"You just have to answer on the field," said Heyward. "Everybody's going to have an opinion of what we need to improve on. It's simple to say (do your) 1/11th, but just the buy-in, week in and week out, and understanding that we've just got to be constant. It can't be a roller coaster where we're riding our highs, and then going down our lows.

"I think to be number one defense, it can't just be for week one through week seven. It's got to a continued grind, and at the end of the season we've got to be playing our best football."
Heyward has seen a lot in his first 14 seasons with the Steelers, but he admits the moves this offseason were ones he didn't fully expect, which included trading for Jalen Ramsey, DK Metcalf and Jonnu Smith and signing free agent Aaron Rodgers to name a few.

"You never know what's going to happen, what's outside the locker room," said Heyward. "There were definitely some surprising things. Things I thought I would never see happen.

"But I think we have a good football team, and we'll see what happens."

What Heyward believes everyone in the organization hopes happen, is exactly what keeps him coming back.

Putting another Lombardi in the team's trophy case.

"I think the front office has done their job to put this team together," said Heyward. "It's up to the players to make that come to fruition.

"We're not trying to be paper champs. We're trying to be champs. You don't win the Super Bowl now, but you learn how to be a better team. And you learn to be better situationally. And we're going to be put in moments during camp, and we should be able to answer those."

Part of his journey: Tight end Jonnu Smith, who was acquired in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, is excited to be in the black and gold and reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Smith, who is in his ninth season in the NFL, has appeared in 124 games, with 84 starts, while playing for four teams, including the Tennessee Titans (2017-20), New England Patriots (2021-22), Atlanta Falcons (2023) and Miami Dolphins (2024).

He has 307 receptions for 3,307 yards, a 10.8-yard average, and 28 touchdowns. He also has 19 carries for 126 yards, a 6.6-yard average, and one touchdown.

Smith, who is day-to-day in camp right now, had his best season in 2024 with the Dolphins. He played in 17 games, starting six, and set career highs with 88 receptions for 884 yards, a 10-yard average. He tied his career-high with eight touchdowns. He was the only Dolphins player selected to the Pro Bowl Games in 2024.

Smith spent one season with the Falcons during Arthur Smith's tenure. He played in 17 games, starting six, and finished with 50 receptions for 582 yards, an 11.6-yard average, and three touchdowns.

"It's of been a part of the story of my career, Art being instrumental in my journey," said Jonnu Smith of the two reconnecting. "It's a good feeling to be back with him. To able to collide with him again and continue to achieve something that we both have set in mind, it's a good thing."

Smith likes what he sees from the Steelers offense so far, and believe he and fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth can be the best combo in the NFL. They just have to show it on the field.

"We've got to prove it," said Smith. "We can say all of that. "We've got to prove it. We've got to go out and prove it"."

Smith is brand new to the Steelers offense, even if he does have a relationship with his offensive coordinator, but he already loves what he sees.
"The experience from the top down. Again, we've got a former head coach, and we've always had a lot of success with Art being an offensive coordinator. And I know it starts there. Aaron leading us. Those two components right there are a lot pieces to this puzzle that we're trying to put together. And so having guys, me going into my ninth year. DK (Metcalf) having a lot of experience, these young guys are going to give us versatility. We've got to continue to piece this puzzle together, so it's an exciting time for us."

Give to get in the secondary: Count cornerback Joey Porter Jr. among those in the Steelers' contingent that has checked in to Saint Vincent College who never saw the trade of free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick coming.

"I was shocked by it," Porter acknowledged today. "I came in, 'Mink' was that guy. I always watched 'Mink.' I loved his game, respect his game. It kinda sucks he's not a part of our team but we got some great additions.

"It's a bittersweet feeling."

Porter has no mixed feelings whatsoever regarding cornerback Jalen Ramsey joining the Steelers as part of the return in the Fitzpatrick transaction.

Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke glowingly upon the opening of camp about the options the Ramsey acquisition brings to the defense, including the anticipated ability of the Steelers defense to "match up and play man-to-man versus anyone."

Porter couldn't agree more.

"We had a talk about it the other day and I agree with all the points (Tomlin) made up," Porter continued. "We have elite corners on our team now. I'm just happy about it."

The start of training camp commenced the sorting out process in the secondary.

Tomlin wasn't specific regarding the anticipated new division of labor among, other than to maintain Ramsey, Porter and Darius Slay, a free-agent addition at cornerback, "are going to be on the field, I don't care what offenses come out in."

"He said we're all on the field at the same time," Porter confirmed. "However the matchup plays out, that's what we're gonna do. I just know that we're al gonna be working together. We just gotta start it off with camp.

"I feel like it's gonna be a hard matchup for any offense to go against three elite DBs that we have. It's gonna be a nightmare for them."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Back Together Weekend: We're celebrating being Back Together on Saturday, July 26th at Training Camp! Join us at Saint Vincent College for these cool opportunities:

• Experience a Steelers Legend meet-and-greet
• Win prizes & giveaways
• Interactive football games
• Exclusive on-site activations
• Photo opportunities

--> Secure your Back Together tickets today.

Upcoming schedule: Steelers Training Camp, presented by FedEx, is underway and here is a look at what's to come over the next few days.

Thursday, July 24 – 1:55 p.m. - first practice
Friday, July 25 – 1:55 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 - 1:55 p.m.
Sunday, July 27 – 1:55 p.m.
Monday, July 28 – no practice
Tuesday, July 29 – 1:55 p.m. – first day in pads
Wednesday, July 30 – 1:55 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 - 1:55 p.m.

Admission to open practices at Saint Vincent College is FREE to Steelers Nation, but attendees MUST have a mobile ticket to enter Saint Vincent College. Secure your tickets now while they're still available! Details Here.

For the 1:55 p.m. practices - Parking lots will open at 11:45 a.m. and fans can enter camp starting at 12:00 noon.

All who attend Training Camp will be eligible to win prizes and giveaways, participate in family activities, take advantage of photo opportunities, get gear direct from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop and more.

Date and times subject to change. Practice may be cancelled or moved due to inclement weather. Download the Steelers Official Mobile App to opt in to Training Camp push notifications (Settings > Notifications), and/or follow along on all Steelers digital platforms, for the latest weather and practice updates should they become available.

-->> Know Before You Go

Friday Night Lights: The Steelers Training Camp tradition of Friday Night Lights never disappoints, bringing fans as close to the action as possible under the lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 1. Experience:

• Current player autograph opportunity before practice
• Post-practice fireworks

-->> Friday Night Lights ticket information

Fans can arrive early for Latrobe Fest from 11 am - 5 pm and experience even more fun!

• Legend appearances and autographs
• Prize giveaway games
• Interactive football games
• Steeline drumline performance

*No ticket is required for Latrobe Fest.

-->> Friday Night Lights details

Wednesday, July 23

It's go time: Linebacker Patrick Queen said he feels more comfortable in his surroundings in Year 2 with the Steelers, ready to attack training camp head on with a defense that has gone through a lot of changes this offseason.

Queen said he talked to Coach Mike Tomlin before heading to camp, and he is fired up and ready to roll.

"It's a little more familiar," said Queen. "They expect the bling. We are just ready for the good vibes. Mike T called me yesterday and we had a little talk. I am excited."

And what was Tomlin's message to Queen?

"It's go time," said Queen. "There is no more getting acclimated. There is no more trying to get familiar with each other. It's time to go."

One of the additions to the defense Queen is excited about is cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was acquired in a trade from the Miami Dolphins.

"My type of guy, my type of football player," said Queen. "Just everything that you want with somebody in the secondary. Somebody that's going to be physical, somebody that's going to talk trash, somebody that's going to be able to come down and make tackles. I think that's probably the best way I can sum it up."

Queen said is approach in camp is to just get better with every step, something that is constantly his focus.

"Just improving day-by-day," said Queen. "I don't think there's no main focus that you could do just to try to overcome or anything. I think it's just every single day put my head down, going to work and try to get better at every single detail that I can."

He said it:

"Any way I can get on the field and help the team, that's what I'm here for. I know my role, I know what they want from me. As far as being there for the guys, supporting them on and off the field, being a player they can rely on to come in and there's no fall off. In that aspect, I think that's just one thing that we can do better." – linebacker Nick Herbig

Another journey: Receiver Robert Woods is welcoming the camaraderie of being together on a college campus for training camp and is ready to roll in his first season with the Steelers.

"I would say it's exciting," said Woods. "The offseason, you've kind of been working and training and building up to this. And just yesterday, packing and getting ready for today. I feel like it's another year, another journey full of excitement. We've got a great roster, great coaches. Excited to see where this year goes."

Woods, who will be entering his 13th season in the NFL, signed a one-year contract with the Steelers in the offseason. He has appeared in 171 games, with 145 starts. He has 683 receptions for 8,233 yards, a 12.1-yard average, and 38 touchdowns. He also has 75 rushing attempts for 514 yards and five touchdowns.

He will be working with a quarterback who also brings a lot of experience to the table in Aaron Rodgers, and he is excited about it.

"I had some good quarterbacks, with Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, so great to partner up with Aaron Rodgers just to be able to throw with him and catch with him," said Woods. "Obviously, he's a Super Bowl winning quarterback, dynamic in the pocket and out the pocket and a California guy."

Ramsey ranked No. 66 in Top 100: Current NFL players have once again voted on their Top 100 Players of 2025 in the league, and newly acquired cornerback Jalen Ramsey is among the Steelers to make the NFL Top 100 list this year.

Ramsey, who was acquired via a trade with the Miami Dolphins last month, came in at No. 66 on the list. He was No. 25 last year and has appeared on the list every year since 2017.

Ramsey, who will be entering his 10th season in the NFL, is a three-time Associate Press All-Pro selection, earning first-team honors in 2017, 2020 and 2021, He is also a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, earning the honors from 2017-2023. He has been named to the NFL Top 100 Players list the last seven years.

He has appeared in 135 games, starting 134 of them. He has 534 career tackles, 432 of them solo stops, 108 passes defensed, 27 tackles for a loss, 24 interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown, three sacks seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. His 108 passes defensed are ranked third among active players since entering the league in 2016, while his 24 interceptions ranks fourth.

Ramsey has started 10 postseason games and was part of the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LVI championship team.

Ramsey spent the last two seasons with the Dolphins, after they acquired him via a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. In two years with the Dolphins, Ramsey appeared in 27 games, starting all of them. He had 82 tackles, 57 of them solo stops, 16 passes defensed, five interceptions and six tackles for a loss with Miami.

During his time with the Rams, Ramsey appeared in 57 games, starting 56. He had 242 tackles, 193 of them solo stops, 10 interceptions, 47 passes defensed, 15 tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Ramsey began his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars, selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Ramsey was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team in his first season.

During his time with the Jaguars he appeared in 51 games, all starts, and recorded 210 tackles, 182 of them solo stops. He had nine interceptions, one of them returned for a touchdown, 45 passes defensed, six tackles for a loss, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

Ramsey played college football at Florida State where he was a first-team All-American, finishing with 180 tackles, 119 of them solo stops, five sacks, three interceptions, 26 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a three-year starter.

Ready to roll: Safety Juan Thornhill, who is entering his eighth season in the NFL, signed with the Steelers this offseason after spending the last two years with the Cleveland Browns.

Thornhill is excited for the start of camp, accustomed to holding camp at a remote site after he also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs, where they held their camp away from their practice facility as well.

"That's what we're here for, because we've got a little bit of time," said Thornhill. "It's going to go by fast though, but the biggest thing is just we've got to spend as much time together as possible.

"Everybody's new, the defense is new to us. So, I think the more time we spend together, the better we will be together."

Thornhill welcomes the physical nature that he heard Steelers training camp will be, anxious to get on the field and see what happens.

"I've asked a lot of people about it," said Thornhill. "They said it's a hard camp. But the thing is, this isn't my first time going away from camp. I was in Kansas City. We went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where we had to basically stay in a dorm. A lot of physical contact, like tackling, things like that. So, I'm used to it. I'm just ready to work."

Ready to go: The Steelers arrive at training camp today, and we will have all of the latest news featured in the camp blog throughout the next few weeks.

From today's check-in to practices and off-the-field happenings, you will find it all here.

Check back throughout camp for updates on a regular basis.

Here We Go.

Upcoming schedule: Steelers Training Camp, presented by FedEx, is underway and here is a look at what's to come over the next few days.

Thursday, July 24 – 1:55 p.m. - first practice
Friday, July 25 – 1:55 p.m.
Saturday, July 26 - 1:55 p.m.
Sunday, July 27 – 1:55 p.m.
Monday, July 28 – no practice
Tuesday, July 29 – 1:55 p.m. – first day in pads
Wednesday, July 30 – 1:55 p.m.
Thursday, July 31 - 1:55 p.m.

Admission to open practices at Saint Vincent College is FREE to Steelers Nation, but attendees MUST have a mobile ticket to enter Saint Vincent College. Secure your tickets now while they're still available! Details Here.

For the 1:55 p.m. practices - Parking lots will open at 11:45 a.m. and fans can enter camp starting at 12:00 noon.

All who attend Training Camp will be eligible to win prizes and giveaways, participate in family activities, take advantage of photo opportunities, get gear direct from the team at the Steelers Pro Shop and more.

Date and times subject to change. Practice may be cancelled or moved due to inclement weather. Download the Steelers Official Mobile App to opt in to Training Camp push notifications (Settings > Notifications), and/or follow along on all Steelers digital platforms, for the latest weather and practice updates should they become available.

-->> Know Before You Go

Back Together Weekend: We're celebrating being Back Together on Saturday, July 26th at Training Camp! Join us at Saint Vincent College for these cool opportunities:

• Experience a Steelers Legend meet-and-greet
• Win prizes & giveaways
• Interactive football games
• Exclusive on-site activations
• Photo opportunities

--> Secure your Back Together tickets today.

Friday Night Lights: The Steelers Training Camp tradition of Friday Night Lights never disappoints, bringing fans as close to the action as possible under the lights at Latrobe Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 1. Experience:

• Current player autograph opportunity before practice
• Post-practice fireworks

-->> Friday Night Lights ticket information

Fans can arrive early for Latrobe Fest from 11 am - 5 pm and experience even more fun!

• Legend appearances and autographs
• Prize giveaway games
• Interactive football games
• Steeline drumline performance

*No ticket is required for Latrobe Fest.

-->> Friday Night Lights details