Saturday, January 11
Steelers Nation is ready: Just hours before the Steelers took the field against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Steelers fans gathered at Tequilla Cowboy on Pittsburgh's North Shore, just a short walk from Acrisure Stadium, for a Steelers Playoff Party.
Steelers fans turned up in droves to show their support, decked out in black and gold and waving their Terrible Towels from the minute they walked in the door.
Steelers legends Santonio Holmes and Charlie Batch were both on hand to welcome the crowd, visit with them and get them fired up for the game.
"This is always fun," said Batch. "To be around it is great. The fans build a connection, rooting for this team all year to get to this point. They always hope they are one of those teams that have the opportunity to play for a championship. Everybody has the hope of being able to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
"What better way to get ready for it than to do a pep rally type of party and get people excited, even though we wish it was home. But people still are supporting the team, whether that's in Pittsburgh or throughout the world, they will be rooting them on. And that's one of the reasons why the NFL has slated this game into a primetime slot, because they know Steelers Nation will be glued in."
Batch and Holmes made sure the crowd was hyped before the team took the field, something that was an easy task for them.
"I didn't feel like I had to do too much because everyone was excited to be here," said Batch. "Just watching everybody get in their outfits, dressed all in their black and gold, in character for game day and the team rewards them and posts their pictures. Fans want everyone to know they are diehard fans through thick and thin.
"I get excited to be a part of it. I went from player to fan mode, and I love getting them excited for it."
Friday, January 10
Showing their support: The excitement is real in Pittsburgh as the Steelers prepare to take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium in the Wild Card Round.
Students at Chartiers Valley High School in Pittsburgh's South Hills area made sure they showed their spirit when they hosted the Steelers Playoff Pep Rally on Friday afternoon.
And while Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz couldn't be there at his high school alma mater with the students, he loved that they were bringing the enthusiasm.
"What's up Chartiers Valley, this is Christian Kuntz, Class of 2012, a longtime ago," said Kuntz in a pre-recorded video. "I want to thank you guys and give you a shoutout for hosting our Steelers Playoff Pep Rally. You have the best host that you could have, my man Charlie Batch.
"I want to say what's up to a lot of the faculty, teachers and staff. A bunch of people there now were there when I was there. I love that place. It was home for me.
"Big game this weekend. Go Steelers. Thank you for your support."
As Kuntz said, Steelers legend Charlie Batch was on hand to host the rally, getting the students fired up, even though that didn't take much.
"When you're at that high school level, you're excited with the dream of hopefully being able to don that black and gold at some point in your life," said Batch of the students, in particular those on the school's football team. "But also growing up Steelers fans, they get excited just like anybody else. When you're that close to it and you're able to participate and cheer your team on, it's a special moment. There's only a handful of teams that are in the playoffs at this particular point and you're hoping that you're able to hoist that Lombardi Trophy at the end. So, it's exciting for a lot of people all around."
Steely McBeam was also on hand for the pep rally, which also featured giveaways, Terrible Towels waving like crazy and the Steelers-wrapped Ford F-150 for the students to see.
"It's a great atmosphere," said Batch. "I love the enthusiasm."
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School that featured Steelers legend Charlie Batch, a Ford truck delivering Terrible Towels, and a surprise video from Chartiers Valley alum and Steelers LS Christian Kuntz
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The Steelers held a playoff pep rally at Chartiers Valley High School on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025 in Bridgeville, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Thursday, January 9
Plenty of juice: From the time the 2024 season started, linebacker T.J. Watt made one thing perfectly clear.
He wants to win a playoff game.
And this weekend, he is hoping to make that happen.
Watt, the Steelers first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, has a drive like no other to get over that hump.
"Since I've been here, I haven't won a playoff game," said Watt. "I've been saying it this whole season. You guys know how important this is to me.
"It starts with having a great day, day in and day out this whole week. Today was a good day. This whole week was a good week. But if we've learned anything about these last four weeks, it doesn't matter how well you prepare, how good you feel about your preparation, if you don't execute on game day."
And game day will be one where the defense has to bring everything they have.
The Steelers will take on the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium, an opponent the black and gold are plenty familiar with. The two teams split the regular season series, each winning at their home venue. In the Week 16 matchup, the Ravens offense came out strong, something Watt knows they have to clamp down on this week.
"I don't know if you can add to it honestly," said Watt. "I'm excited to play in the playoffs. I wasn't able to do it last year.
"I want to play better than what we did a couple of weeks ago when we played these guys. I feel like we're capable of playing much better football, especially as a defense. I feel like we had a really good week of practice.
"You can't add juice. You really can't. I mean, if you don't get up for these games, I don't know what you're doing.
"It's a huge game because we're in it. Obviously, the Ravens, divisional opponent. It's great that we to have two games to look at for film, just to see those intimate relationships that Mike T (Coach Mike Tomlin) always talks about."
While the game itself is about as hyped up is you can get, there is something that does add juice for Watt.
And that's what the ultimate goal is.
Yes, he wants a playoff win.
But he wants more.
A Super Bowl Championship.
"You say all the time there's a big difference between guys that come back that are Super Bowl champions and guys that are not," said Watt. "And that's not a slight at the guys that aren't. I'm one of those guys right now.
"But there's definitely an aura and a sense to a guy that has won a Super Bowl. There's a togetherness, a close-knit group of guys that when they come back for those alumni weekends, they hang out and they bond, and they talk about their successes on and off the field in that Super Bowl run. And we want that. Every guy in here wants that.
"Don't confuse any of this lack of success for lack of effort. Everybody's trying. We're turning over every stone, every stone that we possibly can to be great. We want to be great. We just need to do it together. And that's not saying that we haven't, but we just need to do everything collectively. Play complementary football when that time matters most.
"There's definitely a sense of urgency because it's the playoffs in the National Football League. This is what everybody plays the game for."
The road to recovery: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward has spent part of this week battling the flu, but he was back to work on Thursday and said he is ready for Saturday night.
"Good day of practice," said Heyward. "Excited to go play this week."
Heyward played against the Bengals last week with the flu after it hit him the day before the game, but missed time early this week dealing with it.
He now appears to be back on track.
"I've been sick before like that, but it's been a while," said Heyward. "It hit me all Friday and then snowballed from there. Finally starting to get out of it."
And that is good news for the defense. While he was a dominating force against the Bengals last week, a healthy Heyward is even more dangerous and that's going to be a necessity against Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the rest of the Ravens.
Heyward knows they can't have any letdown, and have to do everything they can to limit the group.
"(Guys have to) get off blocks, stay in their gaps," said Heyward. "I think just executing. I think before we go on and try to try to play hero ball, take care of your job, just settle in with our technique."
That combined with the energy that has been on display this week could be just what the doctor ordered.
"Guys have been focused all week," said Heyward. "I think there was attention to detail. You're only measured off it if you win the game. So, fingers crossed that we're dotting our I's and crossing our T's."
So many weapons: When people talk about the Baltimore Ravens offense, the first person everyone mentions is quarterback Lamar Jackson, a frontrunner for NFL MVP once again.
And while Elandon Roberts knows Jackson is who makes the offense go, he also knows there are too many other weapons to focus on just one.
"I think the primary focus is the entire offense because you know Lamar brings his own, but the dynamic of what Lamar can bring to the running game, which Derrick Henry brings his own aspect to it," said Roberts. "Then you've got to think about the pass game where they have some great weapons too.
"They are a complete offense. Statistically first in every category. It's not depreciating Lamar. He is the engine, but it's more than that."
The Ravens offense is ranked first overall in the NFL, as well as first in the run game. And the combination of two MVP type players in Jackson and Henry brings a unique challenge.
"You've just got to take it one play at a time," said Roberts. "Can't get too far ahead of what your responsibility is, and you've just got to play it one play at a time."
That one play at a time mindset is what he is sharing with younger players who haven't experienced the playoffs yet.
"Just take it one play at a time," said Roberts. "That's it. Play it one play at a time. Play your game, but just take it one play at a time.
"If you have a bad play, on to the next."
Right now matters: There is no time like the present.
That is the mood in the Steelers locker room as they aren't looking back, and they aren't looking forward.
They are just focused on the present.
It's a message that Coach Mike Tomlin delivered to the players in their team meeting to start the week, and it resonates with them.
"I think it's very important because if you keep dwelling on the past, it's hard to focus on the future and hard to make improvements," said nose tackle Keeanu Benton. "So, I think that's a great mindset to have, and I think the guys are buying it."
Don't get the wrong idea, though. While they are focused on the here and now, they are still learning from what happened in the past, including the last four games of the season, and doing what they can to ensure they turn it around this week.
"It's about not dwelling on the past, but learning from it," said Benton. "And I think Coach does a great job of getting us together as a group and getting the same message across.
"We definitely learn from our past. And we had enough learning, enough losing. I'm looking forward to right now, this week."
Benton feels an energy in the locker room this week, one that was noticeable on the field on Tuesday when the defensive backs and linebackers did what cornerback Donte Jackson described as a 'mosh pit' type of energy to start things off.
It's contagious, and it came with another message too.
"We were in pads Tuesday. I think that brings the energy out all the time," said Benton. "I think we can transfer that over."
Benton knew with the pads on what things were going to be like.
"It's going to be a physical week," said Benton. "I think we all know what this time of year means. But it just goes to show that our Coach will do what's necessary, and will put us in the position to make those plays, and put us in the position to be great by giving us those circumstances in practice settings."
The Steelers prepare for the Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (10) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Quez Watkins (16) during practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex preparing for a Wild Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Hype man: The energy the Steelers have had this week has been a hot topic in the locker room and there is one player who got it all started.
Safety Damontae Kazee.
"He's our hype man," said safety DeShon Elliott.
That he is. And it isn't something new.
It's just on display more this week as Kazee got practice started on Tuesday with a hyped-up mosh pit that he thought was going to just be him and Minkah Fitzpatrick, but it turned into a lot more.
"Just looking for some energy out there," said Kazee. "Big week for us. New start. Everybody is 0-0.
"So, just trying to start the week off fast, with energy. Just have fun with it."
Kazee was jumping around with Fitzpatrick when the next thing he knew, he was joined by all of the defensive backs and some of the linebackers.
"Yeah, it was funny," said Kazee. "I didn't know everybody was around. We were just having fun, me, Minkah and everybody. Just enjoying it."
It's typical of the energy he brings on a daily basis, someone you can always hear before you see him keeping everyone upbeat always.
"It's just the moments for me," said Kazee. "Just try to enjoy the moment, enjoy what you've got now."
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
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Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
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Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
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Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
Steelers Nation around the world showed their excitement as the Steelers head into the 2024 Playoffs by submitting their Towel Twirl content
