Ramsey loves the game: Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is looking forward to one thing on Sunday when the Steelers open the season against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

"Playing football," said Ramsey.

It really is that simple for Ramsey, the 10th year veteran who was acquired via a trade with the Miami Dolphins in late June.

Ramsey brought with him the ability to do it all in the secondary, having a versatility that can make offensive coordinators minds spin.

It's a role he enjoys, but from the sound of things, as long as he is on the field he would enjoy whatever is asked of him.

"I'm happy with what I'm doing," said Ramsey. "Honestly, at the end of the day, I just love playing football. So whatever role I need to have within each week, I'll be happy doing that.

"I embrace any type of challenges that they want to throw at me. I take a lot of pride in being able to be a versatile guy for the defense and the secondary."

Coach Mike Tomlin has referred to the secondary, and the defense as a whole, as a group that can be a 'historic' unit. They will have their first test on Sunday and Ramsey wants them to live up to how special Tomlin believes they can be.

"That's the goal," said Ramsey. "That's what we've been working towards, is proving ourselves right, proving Coach right, when we get out there and put the product on the field.

"We've been working towards that."

Something special: Rookie linebacker Carson Bruener is no stranger to what life in the NFL is like, with his father, former Steelers No. 1 pick and current scout Mark Bruener a first-hand example.

But this week, when the Steelers take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, Bruener will get a new taste of what it's all about in his first NFL regular season game.

"It's a dream come true," said Bruener. "Something I've dreamed of for a long time. Something I truly believed I can see myself doing.

"And now, I'm finally here, but I've still got to go out there and play well. That's something I know I'm going to do. I just have to play free.

"I feel that excitement of that first NFL game, but it won't be too much for me to be out there and fly around and make plays."

Bruener has noticed a change already in practice this week, with things ramped up with much more on the line.

And he loves it.

"I feel like there's even more excitement," said Bruener. "I'm leading up to my first real NFL game. Obviously, I played in the preseason, and I got to kind of learn what a week was like for that. But now, this thing is getting real.

"We're not playing in the preseason anymore. It's something that Coach (Mike Tomlin) even reiterated to me. (He indicated) this isn't August, this is September, this is October, so we need that preseason play to kind of translate into the season."

Bruener knows the key for him right off the bat is going to be special teams, something he thrived on at the University of Washington as well.

He is ready for his shot.

"I love the ability to go out there, and special teams is one of those things that's a little overlooked," said Bruener. "It's one of the things where everyone focuses on offense and defense, even the crowd. When there is a kickoff, sometimes a lot of people aren't paying attention. When it's a punt, they might think it's time to get a snack.

"I take pride in special teams. I took pride in special teams at UW (Washington) when I wasn't playing as much as I wanted to on defense. I always want to be on the field. It's awesome."

It hasn't taken Bruener long to fall in love with the way special teams coordinator Danny Smith approaches things, and he wants to go out there and perform for him.

"I love it," said Bruener. "He fires you up every single day, every minute of every day. You can see him at five in the morning and he's the exact same way at that time or at nine at night.

"I love playing for him. I'm excited for the season."

Ready to roll: It's been a season and a half since linebacker Cole Holcomb has been on the field for a regular season game after suffering a serious knee injury mid-way through the 2023 season.

Holcomb not only missed the remainder of the 2023 season with his injury, but also spent the 2024 season on the Reserve/Injured List.

So, it's hard to blame him for feeling good about the regular season getting underway this week, an opportunity for him to get back to doing what he loves most.

"It's great. It feels great to be back," said Holcomb. "It's great to be wanted back. It feels good to know that I did enough to prove to them that I'm worth keeping.

"But that's just one goal marked off, and now on to the next. I was joking with Coach (Mike) T(omlin) the other day. I told him, if you think the goal is just to make the team and be happy with that, he's mistaken.

"The road is not finished. Good milestone. Great milestone, super excited, but the job is not done."

Holcomb's plan is to go get back to the player he was, a solid and integral part of the defense and the inside linebacker corps.

"It's about getting back to where I was," said Holcomb. "I want to prove that I can be a top linebacker in the league again.

"I love this game. I love playing all aspects of football. But I love playing defense, and I want to carve out a role on defense, as well as playing special teams again.

"It's just getting back to being a top tier linebacker."

Inside information: Wide receiver DK Metcalf didn't feel compelled this week to seek out any inside information from cornerback Brandin Echols or safety Chuck Clark, two defensive backs new to the Steelers this season who both played for the Jets last season.
Such intelligence is deemed unnecessary by Metcalf.

"They way I look at the game is they gotta stop me, and they gotta stop our offense," Metcalf maintained. "I feel like I'm a different player than a lot of the receivers they've gone up against in the past."

That said, Echols nonetheless has a handle on the Jets defense the Steelers will confront in the regular-season opener on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.

"Sauce is a dude, you gotta respect him," Echols observed regarding cornerback Sauce Gardner. "Highest-paid (cornerback) right now, you know what comes with that.

"Probably gonna be traveling with our No. 1 (wide receiver), which is DK."

Echols also had high praise for the second level of the New York defense.

"The linebacker duo, between Quincey (Williams) and (Jamien) Sherwood, my dawgs right there," Echols said. They just play sideline to sideline, redline to redline, just playing fast. Some people may look at them like they're undersized linebackers but they're complete dawgs.

"Run stuffers, they can play the pass well, I feel like that's a strength now."

Williams is 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, while Sherwood checks in at 6-2, 216. Both are understandably dwarfed by a Jets' front that includes Quinnen Williams (6-3, 303) and Harrison Phillips (6-3, 307) in the interior of the defensive line.

"They're big as heck," Echols noted.

Echols was originally a sixth-round pick by the Jets in 2021. But after spending his first four NFL seasons with the team he won't be returning to New Jersey harboring a grudge.

"I just want to win," he said.

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, September 4

The sky's the limit: Fans across the NFL have been waiting for Week 1 of the NFL season since the minute the Super Bowl ended.

And they aren't the only ones.

Players feel the same week, including tight end Jonnu Smith.

"I'm excited," said Smith. "It's Week 1. I think the whole NFL, we all have the same feeling right now across the league, all 32 teams.

"There's a lot of turnover year-to-year with a lot of teams, so you always want to establish your identity early on. Allow all the work that's been put in during the offseason to come to fruition. So, we'll be looking forward to that moment, for that opportunity.

"There's nothing like this time of year. It's like Christmas for us."

Smith was acquired by the Steelers via a trade with the Miami Dolphins in the offseason and he can't wait to hit the field with his new team on Sunday against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

While he, along with others on offense, didn't play in the preseason, he feels confident they will be just fine when the game kicks off.

"That's what training camp is for, and the offseason is for," said Smith. "Obviously, we had some new additions, myself included, but it's just consistently establishing familiarity with one another. It's taking every opportunity we can get, inside and outside of the building.

"It's something else ultimately to go out there and showcase our quality of work and what we're putting in and allow it to pay dividends.

"But we're ready to go Week 1 and I'm confident in all the guys that are going to war with us on Sunday."

The Steelers tight end room is one that is packed with players ready to go to war, including Smith, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington and Connor Heyward.

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers even referred to the group as the 'best tight end room that I've been around in 21 years.'

It's a compliment Smith appreciates greatly.

"That means a lot," said Smith. "Especially coming from him, he's been around some great talent. We've had several conversations with him being in an offense like this, with guys that all possess different skill sets. We've got a lot of ways to make our playmakers execute and come up big for us."

And coming up big is something that is a real possibility not just for the tight ends, but the offense overall.

"The sky's the limit," said Smith. "We're going to be able to complement each other, play off each other's energy.

"We've got a heck of a tight end room. But every skill position room is stacked. We've got guys that we're going to be able to feed off and help open the field and create more space and more opportunities so that we could continue to be our best version of ourselves."

Let it fly: Jack Sawyer played in a lot of big games at Ohio State, including the National Championship, but for the rookie linebacker, this week is just a little bit different.

"I'm super excited," said Sawyer. "Going into the first game week in the regular season in the NFL, it's a little different. You've got to come in with a different attitude, a little more tuned in to everything you're doing, taking care of your body, etc.

"So, super pumped up and excited about it."

Sawyer, the Steelers fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, said he feels prepared for the first game, taking care of everything on and off the field.

"I feel good," said Sawyer. "I feel like I'm taking the steps every day to prepare myself, so when I go out on Sunday, all I've got to do is play as hard as I can. Know my job and go out and let it fly."

Sawyer has received advice from veterans, including fellow linebacker T.J. Watt, about how to approach things. And he is listening to everything he is told.

"Going into preseason, going through things for the first time and not knowing is the biggest thing," said Sawyer. "Once you realize that it's just football at the end of the day and trust what you've been doing.

"That's what T.J. has been telling me, is trust what I've been doing and trust the abilities I've got because they're good enough to go out there and do good things for his team. So, for me that's the biggest thing right now."

The one hurdle rookies often have to overcome is going from thinking to reacting on the field.

"I think at the end of the last preseason game I felt way more comfortable out there than I had the previous one," said Sawyer. "I think right now I'm in a good spot. I feel comfortable. I know it's football at the end of day. The guys are a little faster, a little stronger, but I'm built for it too."

Practice reps matter: Center Zach Frazier worked with quarterback Aaron Rodgers all through training camp and in preparation for Week 1 of the season.

On Sunday, the second-year center will be snapping to the four-time MVP in live action for the first time when the Steelers take on the New York Jets.

And Frazier isn't fazed by it.

"It's something I'm not necessarily worried about because we've gotten so many reps," said Frazier. "I don't think it's much different as far as being in a game versus practice just because we've got so many reps together."

While the center-quarterback combo of Frazier and Rodgers have been working closely together over the last month plus, this week is the first time they are doing so from a game preparation standpoint.

"It's the first time we're going through a game week together," said Frazier. "Just figuring out the rhythm of the week. How he wants to go about installing everything. How we're building out the protection plan and stuff like that. I think it's good to see how he goes about it."

One thing Frazier has noticed is Rodger's demeanor hasn't changed now that it is game week. He keeps the same steady, focused approach now that he had in the middle of training camp.

"He's the same guy," said Frazier. "Obviously, it is a game week, so we're diving more into the game plan than training camp, where you're just going against your defense. Now we have something to game plan for."

All the work Frazier has been doing with Rodgers has been a huge benefit for him, improving his game in different areas.

"I would say it's helped with my knowledge of the game," said Frazier. "He sees a lot of things, can call out protections when he picks up on little things that the defense might be doing.

"Just trying to pick up on those things and learn from him is a big thing for me."

Turn the page: Safety Miles Killebrew admittedly never "in my wildest dreams" saw becoming the Steelers' special teams captain for a fourth consecutive season coming.

But the roster turnover from one season to the next that drastically affects the special teams is annually anticipated.
"Traditionally, that's right," Killebrew maintained.

So once again this season, the Steelers find themselves looking for a few good men in the kicking game. As head coach Mike Tomlin has referenced, they're after defensive players who can block and offensive players who can tackle to fill in the special teams gaps.

"We won't get into that discussion of the duality of special teams but I am of the camp that believes, yes, to be a quality special teamer you have to have skills that require offensive and defensive specialty, for sure," Killebrew said.

Two players have gotten Killebrew's attention in particular in advance of Sunday's regular-season opener at the New York Jets.

"There's guys that I'm very excited to see out there, specifically some rookies, like this guy two lockers down," Killebrew said.
He wasn't referencing rookie linebacker Carson Bruener merely because Bruener was sitting in the locker room within earshot at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.

"I think Carson's going to be an exciting guy on special teams for us," Killebrew continued. "It's just happenstance that he's right there. I think (rookie outside linebacker) Jack (Sawyer) is going to be another guy that is going to be someone I'm excited to see out there. We're gonna have a good year on special teams, I'm excited for it."

Those two are potentially two of the next men up for special teams units that have to compensate for not having cornerback James Pierre, linebacker Mark Robinson and linebacker Tyler Matakevich, among others, on the 53-man roster in Week One. Matakevich and Robinson played 66 percent of the special teams snaps last season and Pierre 63 percent.

Killebrew, an All-Pro special teams player in 2023 in addition to being the Steelers' four-team captain on special teams, is taking the success on special teams this season personally.

"As a special teams captain I take special teams very serious," he said. "I've always loved special teams and I devote myself to the betterment of the special teams unit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I don't take it for granted but I understand the weight that it carries."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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.

**Sign up today**.

Wednesday, September 3

A love for the game: Steelers fans will get their long-awaited first look at receiver DK Metcalf on Sunday when the Steelers take on the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, and he can't wait for it.

Metcalf said he has no concerns about being able to come out and start fast despite not playing in the preseason and he is just looking forward to it.

"I'm very eager because I haven't played football since January," said Metcalf. "Another reason why I'm ready to get out there on the field, but also just to see all my new teammates so they can get used to me on Sundays, on game days and vice versa. So just excited all around."

Metcalf, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and tight end Jonnu Smith are all newcomers to the team this year who didn't play in the preseason, but going against the Steelers defense daily has them ready to go for Week 1.

"Going against this defense will definitely prepare you for that," said Metcalf. "But also making sure we're in football shape out there. Taking those reps seriously at practice, always finishing in the end zone, finishing the rep, and then using those as our game reps."

His relationship with Rodgers began to develop the moment he arrived in Pittsburgh, and his goal is to deliver for him every time the ball comes his way.

"Playing with a Gold Jacket, Hall of Famer quarterback of his caliber, I've got to catch up to speed to him because he's seen a lot of ball," said Metcalf. "I know I'm a hard worker, and vice versa on his end. I'm just ready to put a product on the field"

Metcalf's rapport with Rodgers is one offensive coordinator Arthur Smith doesn't have to worry about, as the two have spent plenty of time building that connection over the last few months.

"Our signaling, the way we see the game," said Metcalf of how it works for them. "Starting to get a feel for what he's going to do at the line of scrimmage, if he's going to make a check or not. And then just the type of throws that he makes in certain coverages."

When Metcalf was acquired by the Steelers in March from the Seattle Seahawks, he didn't come in with any preconceived notions of what things were going to be like.

He just came to do what he loves most.

And that is playing football.

"I'm just happy to play football," said Metcalf. "Just being here in this organization who has won six Super Bowls. Just trying to live up to the expectations that they've already set here and the standard that they have here."

That standard is something Metcalf shouldn't have a problem living up to.

In six seasons, he has appeared in 97 games, starting 93 of them, and has 438 receptions for 6,324 yards, a 14.4-yard average, and 48 touchdowns, which rank eighth-most among active players in the NFL. He has three touchdowns longer than 70 yards, including a career long 84-yard touchdown.

Metcalf has 15 100-yard games, including one against the Steelers in 2023, and a career-high 177 yards receiving against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. He also has two 100-yard receiving games in the postseason. In addition, he has three 1,000-yard seasons and has 13 catches of 50 yards or more in his career, which ranks seventh among active receivers..

Metcalf was a second-team Associated Press All-Pro selection in 2020 and a two-time Pro Bowl selection in 2020 and 2023.

When asked if he felt like he had to prove something to the NFL after being traded, he quickly made it clear that wasn't the case.

"I ain't got nothing to prove to nobody," said Metcalf. "I just like playing football. That's it."

Getting grimy: Coach Mike Tomlin stressed the importance of stopping the Jets ground game during his weekly press conference, especially with New York having weapons like Breece Hall and Baelon Allen in the backfield, and a mobile quarterback in Justin Fields.

"They've got a deep and talented backfield led by Hall and Allen," said Tomlin. "They're both very capable. Allen really burst onto the scene a year ago as a rookie out of Wisconsin. He's got a downhill run demeanor and style. The pile always seems to fall in the direction that he desires it to.

"Breece Hall is multiple talented. He can run inside, outside. He had a lot of explosion plays a year ago on the perimeter. He's good out of the backfield in the passing game. Check downs, but beyond check downs in one-on-one matchups and so forth aligned outside of the backfield, he's displayed that skillset.

"Their running backs, and commitment to the running game, I think Coach (Aaron) Glenn has been very transparent about their desire to run the football and their commitment to doing so, and so that has our attention as we prepare.

"You can't talk about the run game without talking about Justin's physical abilities in that area and the challenges it may present to us."

Those challenges are something the Steelers defensive line is well aware of, and
nose tackle Keeanu Benton relishes the challenge.

"As a d-lineman, I always pride myself knowing you had a good game when you stop the run and hold a team to under 100 (yards). I think it's a big gesture of ours to stop the run."

And having a two-headed monster in Hall and Allen isn't ever an easy task.

"I feel like it's difficult when you have to go against two good running backs like those guys are," said Benton. "But at the end of the day, they're still human.

"We've got to go out there and attack."

Add in Fields, and there are three strong weapons they will have to defend on the ground.

"When you get a running quarterback, it adds a whole different aspect to the game and what they can do," said Benton. "So just keeping him contained, keeping him in the pocket, will be big for us.

"You kind of know his tendencies, but it's game day. People can play different. They can think different. So, you've got to go out there and stop them."

Benton likes what the Steelers have done this offseason to improve their run defense, and is looking forward to it showing on Sunday.

"Just the will," said Benton. "I feel we've got some big guys that are in there willing to stop the run. We're not all looking just for pass rush and those big stats or sack stats. We're down to get grimy."

On top of their details: Sunday will be the first time the Steelers offense will take the field as an entire unit, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't play at all in the preseason.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth isn't concerned, knowing the work they did in training camp and beyond has provided plenty of preparation.

Freiermuth said the key to coming out on Sunday without any rust is to focus on the same things they have been doing and execute an offense he is excited to be a part of.

"Just executing our details," said Freiermuth. "We've had good meetings so far this week. We've been executing all camp. So just going out there in a game-like setting and being on the same page.

"I'm very excited for this work week with the guys and I think we'll be good.

"It's been fun every day in practice, catching the balls over the middle of the field. It's great. I'm excited to go into Week 1 and execute that."

The Week 1 opponent just so happens to be the New York Jets, the team Rodgers played for the last two seasons.

Freiermuth said he hasn't seen any change in Rodgers based on playing his former team, and he doesn't expect to see any change as the week continues to unfold.

"He makes it seem like it's another game," said Freiermuth. "I think that's cool for us being able to just put it in our minds that it's another game. Obviously, we want to go out there and win it for him, but I don't think he's kind of living off that we're going back to his old stomping grounds.

"I think he is just ready to go out there and compete and play."

While Freiermuth played in the preseason finale against Carolina, fellow tight end Jonnu Smith, who was acquired via a trade with the Miami Dolphins, didn't see any preseason action. Freiermuth is looking forward to getting on the field with him as the two have formed a quick bond.

"It's been great," said Freiermuth. "He's helped me a lot just in my abilities, and I've helped him in the same ways. We just bounce ideas off each other.

"We're excited to go out there in Week 1 and be able to execute what (offensive coordinator) Art (Smith) puts in front of us, and I think you guys will be excited too."

Making moves: The Steelers made multiple practice squad moves, including signing receiver Lance McCutcheon and linebacker Jon Rhattigan, on Wednesday.

McCutcheon was signed to a Reserve/Future contract following the 2024 season and spent the 2025 preseason with the team. McCutcheon also spent time on the Steelers practice squad during the 2024 season.

McCutcheon originally signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He also spent time on the Houston Texans and New York Jets practice squads.

McCutcheon played college football at Montana State where he appeared in 51 games. He finished with 94 receptions for 1,741 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added one rushing touchdown.

Rhattigan is in his fifth season in the NFL and has appeared in 52 games. He has 44 career tackles, 20 of them solo stops, and one fumble recovery.

Rhattigan spent the 2024 season with the Carolina Panthers. He played in 16 games, and finished the year with 12 tackles, six of them solo stops.

Rhattigan spent three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2021-23) after signing with them as an undrafted free agent following the 2021 NFL Draft. In 36 games he recorded 32 tackles, 23 of them solo stops, with a career-high 17 tackles in 2023.

Rhattigan is a graduate of Army's West Point, where he recorded 78 tackles, 33 of them solo stops, nine tackles for a loss, four passes defensed, two interceptions and one and a half sacks his senior season.

The team also released offensive lineman Aiden Williams, and on Tuesday released receiver Robert Woods from the practice squad.

Kickoff Week is in full force: The Steelers are celebrating kickoff week with a full slate of events this week. Some highlights that are still to come include the list below:

Friday, Sept. 5

Kickoff Pop-Up Bar – 5 p.m.-midnight

Join fellow Steelers fans at the Kickoff Pop-Up bar located in the Grant Street Lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel. The bar will feature a black and gold theme, along with Steelers inspired food and beverages.

Saturday, Sept. 6

Pittsburgh Irish Festival – 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Steelers are headed to Dublin, Ireland to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Sept. 28 and that means football is coming to the Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Fans can enjoy taking part in a 40-yard dash, quarterback toss and getting a shot at the Plinko board with Steelers giveaways. Tickets for the Irish Festival are required. For tickets, click on here - Pittsburgh Irish Festival

Kickoff Pop-Up Bar – 5 p.m.-midnight

Join fellow Steelers fans at the Kickoff Pop-Up bar located in the Grant Street Lobby of the Omni William Penn Hotel. The bar will feature a black and gold theme, along with Steelers inspired food and beverages.

Steelers Nation Unite Road Warriors Rally – Wicked Wolf Tavern – Hoboken, NJ – 5-9 p.m.

Steelers Nation is everywhere, and all are invited to join the fun the night before the Steelers take on the Jets. Wicked Wolf Tavern in Hoboken, New Jersey will be the site of the Steelers Nation Unite Road Warriors Rally, a gathering of Steelers fans like no other. Highlights will include an appearance by a Steelers Hall of Famer Alan Faneca, an SNR broadcast, autographed prize giveaways, a giveaway item and food and beverages will be available for purchase.

-->> Steelers Nation Unite Road Warriors Rally

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.

**Sign up today**.

Monday, September 1

Chip will always be there: Running back Jaylen Warren is a player who quietly goes about his business, focuses on the task at hand and tries to stay out of the limelight.

But on Monday, it was hard for him to avoid the limelight after he signed a new three-year contract.

"It's always something you dream about," said Warren of the contract. "But I didn't know it was going to come this soon. I'm grateful it did.

"I never looked toward the future. I always stayed present, in the moment, and whatever panned out for me, that's what panned out.

"There's a saying out there, whenever you get paid you get lackadaisical. I look at it as more motivation, do what I can for the team."

Warren is an NFL success story, signing with the Steelers as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft and making the 53-man roster his rookie season.

He is a former JUCO product, fighting and clawing his way for everything he has.

And he doesn't take one thing for granted, especially with his beginnings.

"It's surreal. I could go forever on that topic," said Warren. "It's surreal. It's what everyone who goes to JUCO dreams about, being in a situation like mine. I hope I can be the one to look up to when you're in those hard situations in JUCO.

"Every time I hear a JUCO product, it's like extra respect for them, because that life is not easy. And kudos to them."

In three seasons, Warren appeared in 48 games, not making any starts. He has 346 carries for 1,674 yards, a 4.8-yard average, and six touchdowns. He also has 127 receptions for 894 yards, a 7.0-yard average.

Now, he is a go-to guy for the offense, someone who can be depended on to give more than 100 percent every time he takes the field.

"It's a great feeling knowing they have my back," said Warren. "I'm going to do what I can to have their back. I'm blessed."

Warren approaches every snap, whether it's in practice or game, with a chip on his shoulder. That comes from his being undrafted and it's something he will never let go of.

"If anything, it's to add more chips," said Warren of his contract.

With that chip comes an approach that is nothing but pure physical football when he is on the field.

"I love the way I play," said Warren. "I don't think I'll ever (change that). That's why I play this sport, because of the physicality.

"I just love playing that way. (I want everyone to) know that I can ball. I love playing ball."

Taking the lead: Steelers players voted on captains on Monday, selecting four players to represent them this season in that role.

This year's team captains are quarterback Aaron Rodgers on offense, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and linebacker T.J. Watt on defense and safety Miles Killebrew on special teams.

Watt is a captain for the fifth time in his career and it's a role he takes to heart.

"It's huge," said Watt. "It's something I don't take lightly. It's something I'm continually trying to work on, the leadership role, and talk more. Trying to reach out to younger guys more and be more encouraging. Things like that have helped me become a better leader and it's nice to be recognized by the guys."

When Watt first came to the Steelers, he took a quieter approach, listening and learning.

Now he is the one setting the example for younger players.

"It's trying to be more open, talking to guys and not be so lone wolf at times," said Watt. "Trying to do more encouraging and let guys know when they do a good job. Talking to the offense more and not just being a defensive guy. Trying to help out anywhere I possibly can."

There was one message Watt didn't have to deliver on Monday to younger players and that was how things change from the preseason to Week 1 in the NFL.

"I really think if you can't feel it, you shouldn't be here," said Watt. "The intensity has already picked up. It's a bonus Monday, so I'm sure it will be more for Wednesday for younger guys.

"That's the thing for me is to try to remember, what it felt like. Obviously, this is my ninth season now, so it's hard to not feel the redundancy at a certain point. I love what I do, but it's also a reminder of what a guy like Jack Sawyer is feeling. So, I can relate to him and slow things down for him if I can."

Honored for the opportunity: Former Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks can't help but smile as he thinks about his new role with the Steelers Audio Network.

Starks, who has been a sideline analyst for the broadcast team since 2021, has been elevated to the radio booth where he will be the color commentator, enjoying his first regular season game this week when the Steelers take on the New York Jets.

"I'm really excited for the opportunity," said Starks. "Joining in the line of tremendous color analysts for the Pittsburgh Steelers is special. When you think back to Myron Cope, Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley, and being able to say you're associated in that same group, it's kind of a daunting challenge when you first look at it on paper. Knowing that these are the guys that paved the way for me to be in this position."

Starks steps into the role that was held by Wolfley, the beloved former Steelers offensive lineman who passed away on March 10.

Starks, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Steelers, isn't trying to replace Wolfley, just honor those who came before him.

"Talking about having offensive linemen in the booth, it's uncommon in a lot of media forums. You don't see it," said Starks. "You see quarterbacks. You see defensive backs. You see linebackers. You see all these other positions. But really offensive line is one of those that's still very nuanced and people get it or they don't get it. So having guys like Tunch Ilkin, Craig Wolfley you can point to, they are successful offensive linemen, especially here in this city.

"It's a special honor. This is the place I got drafted, the place that I played the majority of my career and then was able to rejoin. Granted, I don't love the circumstances every time, but I know that if I was going to follow in anybody's footsteps, it's the guys I respected the most. And there's nobody I respected more in my in my entire football career than Tunch Ilkin and Craig Wolfley. I looked at them as big brothers throughout this whole process. They even gave the uncle pat on the back. We had the kick in the pants as well at the same time. And I appreciated that because there was a pure honesty, passion and love for this game that I hope that I can carry on and show that to our fans that the tradition has not been broken in any type of way. It's only simply gone on and evolved throughout this process so we could tell this great story of football, but more simply tell the tremendous story of the Pittsburgh Steelers."

Full speed ahead: Inside linebacker Patrick Queen likes what he sees as the countdown continues to Sunday's regular-season opener against the New York Jets.

"Given all the pieces that we brought in, everybody has done a great job of gelling together," Queen assessed. "We have a lot of flexibility on that defense and everybody's loving it right now. The vibes are high.

"The emphasis is us going out there right now and keep the thing steady flowing."

Queen assesses the Steelers as capable of winning multiple ways, as opposed to being an offensive- or defensive-driven team in the campaign that's about to commence.

"I think both sides are going to fuel the emotions for this team," Queen said. "Even special teams, I think all three phases have the ability to do some damage.

"When you have a guy like (quarterback) Aaron (Rodgers) on that side, you know he's going to put up points so as a defense that fuels you more to go out there, give him more chances."

The Steelers have stressed versatility and position flexibility throughout the preseason. Queen believes those components of their game are about to pay dividends, and might be the most impactful differences heading into the 2025 season.

"Just the more flexibility that we have, the ability to be able to change looks and be diffident to the offense," he said. "That's what I think is going to be the biggest factor in this season.

"I think we can ride that the whole way through the season."

The Steelers have also spent a great deal of time and effort honing their blitz packages, a suggestion if not a hint as to their intentions to bring more pressure this season.

"They call it 'Blitzburgh' for a reason and we're getting back to that," Queen said. "I'm excited."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

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