LATROBE, Pa. – With the pristine, manicured fields, it sure looked like training camp. And the numbers on the thermometer screamed that it felt like training camp. But once the Steelers took the field for the first of 15 practices open to the public this summer, it seemed to be much more like minicamp.
But that's the way the NFL works these days. The Steelers alumni who stop by campus every year to keep up with their former team are happy to regale fans with stories of how it "used to be tougher" when they were players, but the current rules mandate that a series of acclimation days take place before the pads can go on and the hitting begins.
Thursday's session was the first of four practices in helmets that will be followed by a mandatory day off, with the first practice in pads then scheduled for Tuesday, July 29. But acclimation day isn't the same as vacation day; it doesn't mean that work isn't getting done and the evaluation of that work hasn't begun.
"A really good first day," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Love practice at 1:55 p.m.; the heat helped us. There's no question that heat helps physical development, individually and collectively. We also appreciate the fans. It's just good to be back in Latrobe, at Saint Vincent, and formally beginning this team development process. A lot of good energy today, obviously a lot to coach and learn, but we're just at the beginning of this thing, and so it's reasonable to be really excited."
It was the first opportunity to see Aaron Rodgers wearing a Steelers jersey and taking part in team drills, and while he flashed a lot of the arm talent that has been behind those multiple MVP Awards, there also were some things that emphasized IT WAS JUST THE FIRST DAY.
Such as the opening play of the first 11-on-11 session of training camp. Rodgers took the snap and made a quick throw to DK Metcalf, only to have Patrick Queen cut in front of the route to make an interception. An example of two guys with decorated NFL careers, but yet new to the Steelers and new to playing with each other victimized by a player in his second season with the Steelers, which makes him a grizzled veteran in comparison.
But meshing these new players is Tomlin's job, and his words and actions indicate the process is underway.
Take a look at the Steelers training and preparing for the 2025 season at Saint Vincent College
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) catches a ball during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back D'Shawn Jamison (17) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin observes training at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) = trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson (17) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Lance McCutcheon (82) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and center Zach Frazier (54) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (76) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin observes training at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin observes training at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Trey Sermon (27) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Players make their way to the field during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with players during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and teammates interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) along with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and teammates trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) maneuvers around Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Calvin Anderson (67) during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Quindell Johnson (35) catches a ball during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Juan Thornhill (22) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) and the quarterback corps trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) and the quarterback corps trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans view training at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (18) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans view training at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A member of the Pittsburgh Steelers trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4), teammates defensive end DeMarvin Leal (98) and defensive tackle Esezi Otomewo (72) make their way down the stairs during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A fan holds up a sign during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) interacts with young fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jack Sawyer (33) and teammates interact with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Jacob Slade (79) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and teammates interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes his down the stairs during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) interacts with young fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Pittsburgh Steelers trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with players during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) signs an autograph during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) interacts with fans during a training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans interact with vendors prior to the training session at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Thursday July 24, 2025 in Latrobe, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
"You know, when in Rome, he's going to be Roman," said Tomlin about working Rodgers into the program. "It's our job to teach him how we do things. Not only him, but also guys like Jalen Ramsey and others. We've got a lot of new, significant players. As a coach, I embrace that challenge of educating them not only about the things that we value, but how we go about our business here. They all have been really receptive to it."
And to aid in that education, Tomlin had assigned Rodgers and Metcalf to be suite-mates in Rooney Hall, which allows the process to continue after hours.
OFF AND RUNNING
Kaleb Johnson stood out during the practice, by displaying a nice burst through the defense on a couple of running plays. Again, no pads and no hitting, but still noticeable.
"He's highly conditioned, and that helps development," said Tomlin. "When you're in really good shape, you can take additional reps, and reps equals getting better. And so he handled the first leg of it. He's come in really good shape. He's really engaged, and obviously he's got some talent. You guys saw that today."
BEING A TEAMMATE/COMMUNICATOR
In interviews with the media earlier in the day, both veteran TE Jonnu Smith and rookie QB Will Howard both talked about how Rodgers' style of communication with them already has been a help.
"Certainly not surprised that they have that perspective on him," said Tomlin when told about Smith and Howard. "(Rodgers) has been a good communicator with me. He's been on the job a long time. If you're going to gain cohesion, certainly communication is component of it."
And sometimes it can be non-verbal. Such as what happened on one of the final 11-on-11 plays of the practice. OLB Alex Highsmith flashed upfield at the snap and then darted inside LT Broderick Jones to create a clear lane to the quarterback, who happened to be Rodgers. After the play, Rodgers came up and gave Jones a quick hug and a pat on the helmet.
TOMLIN'S INJURY UPDATE
"Normal bumps and bruises associated with the first day, nothing of any significance worth mentioning. A couple of heat-related illnesses and so forth. I'd imagine guys will bounce back and continue on tomorrow."
