Skip to main content
Advertising

Steelers Nation never disappoints

Steelers Nation is like no other.

And that is a fact.

The support they provide the team, both at home and on the road, is something that doesn't go unnoticed and is never taken for granted.

That support might not have been talked about more than it was when the Steelers traveled to Las Vegas in Week 6 to take on the Raiders.

Steelers Nation took over Allegiant Stadium.

And Coach Mike Tomlin noticed, as he couldn't miss the sea of Terrible Towels.

TVStory_Fans_Vegas_KR3_2740

In his postgame press conference, Tomlin didn't open with how the team played, what he saw from his players. No, he opened with talking about the fan support.

"I think the first thing that needs to be said, taken aback by the support we got from our fans, Steelers Nation," said Tomlin. "Continually, they show up. I just thought it was awesome. The environment for a road venue was special. It was special to be a part of."

It didn't end there. When he opened his press conference the Tuesday after the game, the message was the same.

"As I mentioned after the game, what do you say about that support that we had in Vegas. Steelers Nation is special," said Tomlin. "We don't take it for granted. We really appreciate it. Not only in terms of the support, in terms of attendance and the crowd noise and so forth.

"I just thought it was really cool that 20, 30 minutes after the game, when we're going through the arena on our way to our busses, a lot of Steelers Nation was still in the stands and cheering for us and so forth as we were going to our busses. And so that relationship is a real thing.

TVStory_Fans_Acrisure_JMW_9812

"The new Steelers are in awe of it, whether they're veterans or young people. It's just good to kind of share that with them and to show them what that's about. They've heard about it, but to get an opportunity to experience it, there's nothing like it.

"I've been in a lot of organizations and obviously I've been here a number of years and that was a special day from a support standpoint for a visiting football group."

As Tomlin said, those new to the Steelers really are in awe of the support. Many of them have never seen anything like it, some only when they were in college.

"It was awesome," said cornerback Donte Jackson, who was acquired this offseason via a trade with the Carolina Panthers. "My teammates were telling me about the Las Vegas experience before, and about the last Atlanta experience and stuff like that. So, you kind of heard about it from them. But going into the game, just seeing it and experiencing it was insane.

"I haven't seen anything like that since college. My college, when I went to LSU, they would travel really well. Certain places were like home games, but never in the NFL have I experienced something like that.

"It was just crazy. The defense chants were wild. Before I got the interception, the defense chants, you would have thought we were in Acrisure Stadium. So, it was it was awesome."

TVStory_Fans_Vegas_KR3_5299

Patrick Queen left a passionate fan base in their own right when he signed with the Steelers after playing for the Baltimore Ravens, but he never expected it to be the way it has been with Steelers Nation, especially in Las Vegas.

"I remember running out the tunnel to take the field and it was yellow everywhere, for an away game, all the way in Vegas," said Queen. "For our fans to travel like that, it's insane. Usually, NFL based teams don't travel that well.

"I appreciate them a lot. They give us everything they've got. They love their team. They love the Steelers. And that's what makes you want to play even harder for them. Just how much they love their team.

"Seeing that turnout in Vegas, it definitely brings a smile to your face and joy in your heart."

Receiver Scotty Miller has played in Tampa and Atlanta, and he has never experienced what he has so far this season.

"It's different than anywhere I've been," said Miller. "It started when I first got here, training camp in Latrobe. I've never seen anything like that. It seemed like there were 5,000 or more fans every day. It doesn't stop no matter if it's a Tuesday or if it's a Saturday night when we're practicing. It's been fun. It definitely gives you an advantage, especially in Vegas. You walk out of the tunnel and just see the yellow towels everywhere.

"No matter what city you're in, they are there supporting you. Even after games, they are still there waiting for you. Even if it's just to be three miles down the road when you're heading back to the airport on the bus, you will see Steelers fans waving. It's crazy."

TVStory_Fans_Vegas_KR3_0298

What it does for the team, and can do to the opposing team, is something fans might be aware of, but not to the extent.

Jackson explained both.

"It does a whole lot for us," said Jackson. "I remember T.J. just telling us on the field, 'Hey, we got the crowd. Just continue to get the crowd with us, continue to get the crowd with us.' And all of us were just out there getting them with us. You see how much they take on to how we feel on the field. It was definitely an awesome experience.

"On the other side, I've been in the home stadium, as a home team, and other teams out scream our fans. I've been in that situation and it's definitely deflating because you think this is our home venue, so how are their fans so loud. It does a lot to the opponent. It doesn't really give you that home field that you're looking for."

Miller noticed when the Raiders were on offense them struggling to hear because the crowd was so loud, something he has never seen before.

"The Raiders had the ball backed up and you'd think they'd have the advantage because it's their stadium," said Miller. "But I'm sure they couldn't hear. They had to use the silent cadence and everything like that. So, it's definitely a big advantage for us.

"The fans are amazing."

TVStory_Fans_Acrisure_JMW_9792

Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

Advertising