DK Metcalf's 'loyalty' comments prove Steelers made the right decision
DK Metcalf's 'loyalty' comments prove Steelers made the right decision
The Pittsburgh Steelers truly found their cornerstone on the offensive side of the ball for years to come in their new star WR, DK Metcalf.
Who Metcalf is on the football field—an ever-athletic, lightning-fast, 6'4" mammoth of a wide receiver—is nothing compared to his work ethic and values shaped by loyalty.
Loyalty, according to Metcalf on Marshawn Lynch and Mike Robinson's Da Get Got Pod, is one of the most important qualities to have. Metcalf proved how far his loyalty runs when he committed to Ole Miss as a freshman in high school and saw it through until the very end of his collegiate career.
Metcalf would then argue that when he notices a teammate in a precarious situation—one that requires a physical altercation of sorts on the football field—he feels obligated to 'insert himself.'
His loyalty to his teammates is truly admirable and doesn't just start and end on the football field—it also extends into the weight room:
"When I'm working out, I'm not just working out for myself or to look good. I gotta work out to make sure I'm there for my brothers on Sunday."
The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to do right by Metcalf, as while the former Seahawks receiver will do all in his power to lift up his teammates, the Black and Gold has done little as of late to prove themselves capable of reciprocating the loyalty.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers plans to disappear post-retirement: 'I won't be in the public'
Enjoy him while you can — Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers revealed he plans to vanish once he retires. On Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers was candid about his life after football — and made it clear he's done with the spotlight: "I don't want the attention," Rodgers said. "I know that's a narrative out there. When this is all done — it's Keyser Söze. You won't see me. I won't be in the public. I don't want to live a public life. That's why it's so strange what's going on right now with my private life, because I don't want to live a life in the public eye. I'm not going to be in the public eye. When this is done, I'm done. And you won't see me, and I'm looking forward to that." Rodgers would clarify that, for the time being, his sole focus is giving the Pittsburgh Steelers everything he has left — although he all but confirmed 2025 as his final season. Whether you love him or hate him, Rodgers is surely a first-ballot Hall of Famer — as the Super Bowl champion, four-time MVP, and five-time All-Pro QB has done everything there is to do in the NFL. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
2 hours ago
- USA Today
Steelers HC Mike Tomlin among best in NFL according to PFF
The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base falls into one of two camps, for the most part. You have one group that believes head coach Mike Tomlin is one of the best head coaches in the NFL. Then the other group believes Tomlin is the key factor in why the Steelers haven't won a playoff game since 2016 and haven't been to a Super Bowl since 2008. Pro Football Focus ranked the 10 best returning head coaches in the NFL and they fall into the first camp as they ranked Tomlin No. 5 in the entire league. Here's what they had to say about Tomlin: Despite recent criticism about a lack of playoff success, Mike Tomlin still finds a way to squeeze every ounce of execution out of his teams. He still has yet to go through a losing campaign across 18 seasons as Pittsburgh's head coach, though there have certainly been close calls. Making the postseason in 2024 despite a turbulent quarterback situation is an impressive feat. The Steelers' identity, though, is their defense, which played at an elite level once again in 2024. They ranked fourth in PFF defensive grade and first in PFF pass-rush grade, led by future Hall of Famers T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. They could use the occasional spurt of offense, though, as they went 8-0 when allowing 18 points or fewer and 2-8 when they allowed 19 or more. The problem with making an argument for Tomlin is the degree of power he has on this team. You cannot deny the postseason drought this team has been on. But if you are going to say Tomlin is great anyway because he gets so much out of the roster, you are implying the players on the team aren't great. But it's pretty well known there aren't many guys who end up on the Steelers that Tomlin didn't want. So if the players aren't living up to expectations, Tomlin has no one to blame but himself.
New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
One thought on every Steelers offensive player currently on the roster
In less than one month, Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers open training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. Given the significant addition at the quarterback position — maybe you've heard — it should be one of the more well-attended and eventful preseasons in recent memory, even for fans who flock to Latrobe annually just to watch practice. Advertisement While Rodgers rallies his receivers in California to develop some early chemistry and the Steelers enjoy their final weeks of the offseason, let's take stock of the roster with one thought on every player. Today, we're tackling the offense. In a future story, we'll break down the defense. Aaron Rodgers: Will he look more like a four-time MVP or a 41-year-old, and can he stay healthy to help Mike Tomlin snap his eight-year postseason winless streak? Mason Rudolph: How much will he see the field after rejoining the Steelers on a two-year deal? Aging quarterbacks often get injured, so he'll need to be ready. Will Howard: Rodgers has taken a hands-on mentorship approach with the rookie. Can Howard parlay his apprenticeship into a starting opportunity in 2026? Skylar Thompson: He beat out Howard once before in college, but it appears he's slated for the practice squad if he's not scooped up by another team on cutdown day. Jaylen Warren: Is the shifty, former undrafted free agent ready to carry the load in 2025, or will it be a by-committee approach in Year 1 without Najee Harris? Kaleb Johnson: After excelling in Iowa's wide-zone attack, he's a perfect scheme fit for Arthur Smith's offense. How quickly can he improve his pass protection to become a three-down capable back? Kenneth Gainwell: How creative will the Steelers be in getting the speedy ball carrier involved out of the backfield, especially in the passing game? And how does Gainwell fit with another great third-down back (Warren) already in the fold? Cordarrelle Patterson: Why haven't the Steelers cut him yet? Smith has a soft spot for the once-great return man, but the offensive coordinator didn't even mention Patterson when talking about the running backs group during the offseason. Trey Sermon: A career backup, Sermon started three games for the Indianapolis Colts last year. He carried the ball 56 times for 159 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught 16 passes for 99 yards out of the backfield. Given the depth ahead of him, he'll have an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but he could be a good player to stash on the practice squad. Advertisement Evan Hull: The 24-year-old has yet to carry the ball in the NFL and needs to star on special teams for an outside shot at the roster. Max Hurleman: After starting his college career at Colgate and later transferring to Notre Dame, Hurleman has experience as a receiver and defensive back but will try to make the NFL as a running back. Special teams is this UDFA's best path to a pro career. DK Metcalf: We know he'll be a great big-bodied deep threat and a physical presence in the run game. But will he run the precise routes that Rodgers demands? Additionally, do the Steelers have enough depth behind Metcalf in case he gets injured? Calvin Austin III: Receivers coach Zach Azzanni gave Austin the WR2 title during the offseason. Can Austin keep it and build upon his 2025 season in a contract year? Related: Will the Steelers sign Austin ahead of camp or let him play out his final year? Roman Wilson: He feasted on in-breaking routes over the middle of the field at Michigan, which should fit Rodgers' skills. Can he stay healthy after enduring numerous injuries that robbed the third-round pick of his rookie season and help make the WR group deeper than most anticipate? Robert Woods: Wearing No. 16, Woods joked he has one-half of Hines Ward's No. 86. Will a player who models his game after the former Steelers great bring the same physicality to become a reliable contributor at 33 years old? Ben Skowronek: Smith affectionately called Skowronek a 'dirtbag' last year. His physicality as a blocker and excellent gunning ability make him the most likely candidate to claim the last spot in the receivers group, barring another addition. Scotty Miller: Skowronek's special teams contributions could help him earn the final roster spot, but will Miller's route running and history with Smith make this a competition for the last spot in this room? Advertisement Roc Taylor: At 6 feet 2 and 213 pounds, Taylor has a muscular frame that makes him a red zone threat. However, he struggles to create separation, which could limit his effectiveness. He could be a developmental project for the practice squad. Montana Lemonious-Craig: The 6-foot-2 receiver recorded 172 receiving yards last season at the University of Arizona before signing as an undrafted free agent. Lance McCutcheon: In 2022, he was a special teams contributor on the Los Angeles Rams with 110 snaps in the third phase of the game, but he hasn't played in an NFL game since. Ke'Shawn Williams: He caught 39 passes for 448 yards and five touchdowns at Indiana University last year and will have an uphill climb to make the team. Pat Freiermuth: He actively recruited Rodgers in Instagram DMs. Can he help Rodgers unlock the middle of the field and continue to be a reliable zone coverage beater? Darnell Washington: Rodgers has likened Washington to Marcedes Lewis. Is this the year Washington is more than just an in-line blocker? Connor Heyward: His special teams value and positional versatility likely help him secure a roster spot. For what it's worth, his brother was a bit of a late bloomer, so maybe his best ball is ahead of him. JJ Galbreath: The Steelers carried four TEs last year and used the most three-tight-end formations in the league. After Donald Parham Jr.'s injury, can this undrafted rookie make the team? DJ Thomas-Jones: Smith used a fullback often in Atlanta. Will Thomas-Jones prove enough to make the Steelers consider featuring one more often this year? Maybe this TE/FB can be the fourth 'tight end' they carry. Broderick Jones: He holds an important place in Steelers history as the first-ever draft pick in the general manager Omar Khan era. Will the switch to left tackle help him become a reason the offensive line wins games for the Steelers when it matters? A fifth-year option decision awaits after this season, so it's time to make an impact. Advertisement Isaac Seumalo: Will his experience and physicality show up more often now that he's surrounded by better pieces up front? At 32 and in the final year of his deal, how much longer will he be part of an offensive line in transition? Is he another candidate for an extension, or will he be moving on next year? Zach Frazier: After a stellar rookie season, can Frazier take the next step to become a Pro Bowler in Year 2? Mason McCormick: Thrust into a starting role last year due to injury, McCormick played about as well as one could hope for a fourth-round rookie. Can his physical playing style help the Steelers establish the run more consistently this year? Troy Fautanu: An injury kept Fautanu from showing his promise as a rookie. The Steelers need him to be solid to protect Rodgers, who was the worst QB in the league (min. 300 attempts) by EPA/play against the blitz, according to TruMedia? Ryan McCollum: He was steady in relief for Frazier last year, which should help him claim a job as a backup. Calvin Anderson: Is he the swing tackle or will the Steelers find an outside upgrade in camp? Spencer Anderson: He can play all five positions, but where will he provide the most value? Dylan Cook: A former QB turned offensive lineman, Cook has yet to make his NFL debut and might be on the outside looking in on cutdown day. A potential practice squad candidate. Max Scharping: One of several backup candidates in a room full of backup guards. Doug Nester: A backup guard out of West Virginia, Nester spent the entire 2024 season on the practice squad. He'll have more competition to stay there. Steven Jones: Another backup guard, Jones spent the 2024 season on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad. Nick Broeker: A three-year starter at Ole Miss, Broeker didn't miss a single game (48 consecutive contests). He started 23 career games at left tackle and 13 at left guard, which gives him some positional versatility to earn a spot as a backup or on the practice squad. Advertisement Gareth Warren: A rookie OT, he'll look to make a big leap from Lindenwold University to the pros. Aiden Williams: He grew up in Alaska and started his college career as a zero-star recruit at tight end. He made the transition to tackle and will have to continue moving inside to guard due to his lack of length. Could be a practice squad project the Steelers try to bulk up. (Top photos of Broderick Jones and DK Metcalf: Justin K. Aller /Getty Images)
