Latest news with #BrianBatko
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Steelers welcome legendary band Linkin Park to practice
The Pittsburgh Steelers had some special guests at practice on Tuesday — none other than the legendary band Linkin Park. One of the greatest rock bands of their generation, Linkin Park had a front-row seat to intense action at practice — with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Brian Batko reporting that Aaron Rodgers played a role in their attendance. Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Joe Hahn, David Farrell, Colin Brittain, Alex Feder, and Emily Armstrong — the new co-vocalist following the late-great Chester Bennington's passing in 2017 — had a show later that night at the Pittsburgh Penguins' PPG Paints Arena, part of their From Zero World Tour. Their next stop is Nashville, Tennessee, at the Bridgestone Arena on August 21, but the Steelers won't forget the surprise appearance of the iconic Linkin Park. The Pittsburgh Steelers will need to shake off the starstruck nerves in a hurry, as they travel to take on the Carolina Panthers in their preseason finale on Thursday, August 21, at 7:00 PM EST — which you can learn more about here. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Steelers Insider Questions Pickens' Happiness in Dallas
Steelers Insider Questions Pickens' Happiness in Dallas originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Receiver George Pickens ran out of time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Between penalties, plays off, and a volatile off-field presence, the acquisition of DK Metcalf gave Pittsburgh all the leeway it needed to trade Pickens. Advertisement The deal was made shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, sending Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round selection and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap. Now, Pickens is set for a contract year with an even brighter spotlight attached. With better quarterback play, his production should improve. Behind CeeDee Lamb on the depth chart, though, there's room for things to go poorly. Steelers insider Brian Batko recently questioned whether Pickens will truly be happy with the Cowboys. "I don't think that there was an epiphany," Batko told talkSPORT in a recent interview. "I think there is a legitimate refreshing change of pace for him, just because of the weight of all this – most of them self-inflicted headaches that he caused in Pittsburgh, or headaches that he had to deal with in Pittsburgh. And that naturally engendered a lot of negativity from the fan base, as well.' Advertisement There's every chance that Pickens' change of scenery proves fruitful. He might be embraced differently by head coach Brian Schottenheimer than Mike Tomlin (although the latter is widely known as a player's coach). Dak Prescott's presence should keep him sane, too. Dallas is also in a competitive window, and if things go right, Pickens could find himself playing meaningful January football. "You're playing in beautiful Jerry World instead of gritty and grimy Acrisure Stadium in half of your games,' Batko said. 'You're in a more pass-happy offense. So, yeah, I think he will be happier." Pickens isn't just playing to make a good first impression. He's hoping to land the extension that he couldn't in Pittsburgh or set himself up for success as a high-level receiver on the open market. Advertisement While that's a reason to be on his best behavior, it's possible that pressure mounts with adversity late in the year. "The question I have about George Pickens is will that happiness remain when you are getting closer to becoming an unrestricted free agent, if your numbers aren't where you want them to be?" Batko asked. Neither Cowboys fans or the Steelers faithful know how Pickens will perform, on or off the field, in 2025. The two fanbases likely have contrasting ideas on the issue. Regardless, everything Pickens does this season will be under more scrutiny than ever before. It's on him to redefine himself and his reputation ahead of free agency. Related: One Position Defines Steelers Trading Pickens Related: How Well Does Kaleb Johnson Fit Steelers Offense? This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on May 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
