Latest news with #Steelers'
USA Today
2 hours ago
- General
- USA Today
Steelers' Miles Killebrew responds to President Trump rally backlash: 'I'm not apologetic'
Steelers' Miles Killebrew responds to President Trump rally backlash: 'I'm not apologetic' Steelers fans have taken aim at Miles Killebrew and others over their attendance at President Donald Trump's rally in Pittsburgh — and he recently responded to the backlash. Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette caught up with Killebrew at OTAs and asked what he'd say to anyone bothered by his appearance at the rally. Here was Killebrew's response: "Me and my friends growing up, we either wanted to be president or get a chance to meet him,' Killebrew said. '[Friday] I got the chance to meet the sitting U.S. president. I'm not apologetic about that. 'I'll be able to sit down with my kids when they're learning about the president and say, 'Hey, Dad met that guy.' For anybody who thinks that's a bad thing, to be honest, I couldn't care less.' Mason Rudolph also downplayed Steelers fan backlash over his attendance at Trump's rally — claiming that everyone is entitled to their opinion because "speech is free." The Steelers organization attempted to appease angry fans by email — reassuring them that the views of current and former players do not reflect the views of the team. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kirk Cousins to Pittsburgh? 4x time Pro Bowler linked to Steelers as 'Plan B'
Aaron Rodgers abruptly retiring may not be the end of the Steelers' QB pursuit — as a prominent insider reported that there is another veteran signal caller in mind. Appearing on a recent episode of ESPN's SportsCenter, insider Jeremy Fowler explained that while the Steelers will wait "a little while longer," they do have a backup plan in place: Advertisement "So, Rodgers is Plan A — Kirk Cousins could be a viable Plan B. After making some calls today, I do think he's been on [the Steelers'] radar. If something were to fall through with Rodgers, certainly, they could reconvene, call with Atlanta — see if they could shake something out." From Russell Wilson to Rodgers or Cousins, the Steelers seemingly can't get enough of 35+ year-old QBs. The situation Pittsburgh finds itself in has been building since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement — with blame falling squarely on the Steelers' inability to develop young quarterbacks. If Rodgers doesn't sign, will Cousins be enough to keep the Steelers afloat in 2025 — or is Mike Tomlin's first losing season on the horizon? This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Report: Steelers to target Kirk Cousins if Aaron Rodgers doesn't sign
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Steelers legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger clears the air on 2018 Mason Rudolph comments
Steelers legendary QB Ben Roethlisberger clears the air on 2018 Mason Rudolph comments Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger wants everyone to know: he has no problems with Mason Rudolph. It was long rumored that Roethlisberger and Rudolph were bitter rivals behind the scenes in the Steelers' QB room — a notion Big Ben attempted to clarify on the most recent episode of his podcast. After complimenting Browns QB Joe Flacco for his recent anti-mentor rhetoric, Big Ben turned the conversation back to his 2018 comments on Rudolph: "It's the same thing when they drafted Mason [Rudolph], you know? I made comments like — and I don't remember my comments — but it was like, 'Why did we draft Mason?' It wasn't a shot at Mason. I didn't have a problem with Mason. They could have drafted Patrick Mahomes — whoever. It wasn't a shot at the person. It was, 'How are we making our team better by drafting a guy in the third round that's going to be a backup quarterback?'" Big Ben concluded his clarification with a positive message directed at his former teammate: "I am rooting for them — for Mason." If the entire situation was truly a big misunderstanding, then perhaps a Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast episode featuring Rudolph as a guest isn't too much to ask for. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
11 hours ago
- Business
- USA Today
Steelers' blockbuster Jonnu Smith trade seems inevitable after season-ending OTAs injury
Steelers' blockbuster Jonnu Smith trade seems inevitable after season-ending OTAs injury Our hearts go out to Steelers TE Donald Parham Jr., who suffered a torn Achilles at OTAs on Tuesday. Parham, who spent four years with the Los Angeles Chargers before signing with Pittsburgh this offseason, was expected to push TE Darnell Washington for reps behind TE Pat Freiermuth. As a result, the argument against Pittsburgh acquiring Dolphins Pro Bowl TE Jonnu Smith — who has been heavily linked to the Steelers over the past few days — is almost nonexistent, with the offense now in need of another reliable pass-catching tight end after Parham's heartbreaking injury. Freiermuth and Washington are extremely underrated pieces of the Steelers' offense — but depending on Miami's asking price, acquiring Smith would be the move to make. If the Steelers did trade for the Dolphins Pro Bowler, extending Smith would be the next order of business — which could complicate other financial decisions Pittsburgh has yet to make. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Steelers TE Donald Parham Jr. reportedly tears Achilles in OTAs, likely out for season
Donald Parham's first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers is likely over before it begins. Parham tore his Achilles during OTAs on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Specifics of the injury aren't known, but he's now likely to miss all of the 2025 campaign. Parham signed a one-year, $1.17 million deal with the Steelers this offseason. He got his start with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he played sparingly over the past four seasons after going undrafted out of Stetson. Advertisement The 27-year-old is coming off a career campaign, however, and would have likely played a decent role in the Steelers' offense this fall. Parham had 285 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 27 catches last season in Los Angeles. The news came shortly after reports that the Steelers had renewed conversations with Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith, who is seeking a new contract. The possibility for a trade between the two organizations is now still alive, according to Schefter, which makes sense if Parham is out. Smith had a career-high 884 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 88 catches last season in Miami while picking up his first Pro Bowl nod. While the tight end situation is in flux — the Steelers still have last year's starter Pat Freiermuth available, too — it's far from the biggest piece missing from the Steelers' offense. The team is still waiting on free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make his decision, which feels like it's down to them or retirement at this point. There is no timetable for Rodgers' decision, either. If Rodgers doesn't move to Pittsburgh, the team is likely looking at Mason Rudolph leading their offense. The Steelers went 10-7 last year, though they lost in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight time. They'll open the season against the Jets, Rodgers' former team, on Sept. 7.
