Danny Smith reveals why Steelers have best special teams unit in NFL
On Wednesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, live from training camp, Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith made his appearance memorable — and wasted little time hyping up his unit as the greatest in the league.
"We were number one," Smith said, referring to his special teams unit. "And that's not me, man — that's the players that I coach. They come out with rankings and that… I got good players, man. This organization will supply you with people. You gotta know what you're doing. You gotta give them a direction. And these players will work their butt off if you know what you're doing."
In 2024, the Steelers led the league in field goals made with 41, ranked second in field goal percentage at 93.2%, and tied for first in field goals blocked with two. Pittsburgh was also one of just six teams to return a punt for a touchdown — and special teams ace Miles Killebrew was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl.
From kickoffs to punts and field goals, Smith hit the nail right on the head — there is arguably no more complete special teams unit than the Steelers heading into 2025. But whether or not that's enough to end the almost nine-year playoff win drought remains to be seen.
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