Just about anyone that was born in the 412 has heard of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Maybe they aren’t all fans, but the ones that are stay loyal and look forward to every NFL Season.
As the 2025-2026 season begins, the roster has changed drastically. Many favorite players were traded to other teams in an attempt to improve the team. One fan favorite, George Pickens, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Many fans were upset about this decision as Pickens was a talented and breakout wide receiver for the NFL.
Although fans may be upset, many feel it was the right choice as Pickens caused many problems on and off the field. He received many unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, costing the Steelers much field yardage, and painting a negative image of the team. In December 2024, the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin publicly stated that Pickens “has got to grow up” after the receiver was flagged for multiple costly penalties in a game, eventually leading them to stop the problem altogether.
Sophomore and Steelers fan Peter Mugabo noted, “I’ll definitely miss George Pickens. He wasn’t sportsmanlike, so I can see why we traded him, but he is a great player so I hate to see him go.”
Fans are also curious as to how Quarterback Aaron Rodgers will affect the team during his last year in the NFL. Known for his time on the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was picked up by the Jets for two seasons. Now, for his final season, he begins his debut as a Pittsburgh Steeler. Fans are torn between accepting him due to his experience and being upset due to his age and receding abilities over the years.
Junior Jonah Bieranoski is excited: “Aaron Rodgers will definitely improve our passing game. He has the experience we’ve been looking for ever since Big Ben.”
A controversial topic regarding the team this year is the contract given to TJ Watt. After being on the team for eight seasons, Watt counts up to 108 sacks in his career. Holding the record for most sacks in one NFL season of 22.5, Watt is a beloved Steeler and has benefited the team his whole career. This past summer, the Steelers signed Watt for three more years with an annual salary of $41 million. Adding up to $123 million for the three years, fans are in shock as to the amount of money he is receiving. Although the Steelers general manager, Omar Khan, was in disagreement with the amount of money Watt wanted, he eventually changed his mind after realizing the impact he has on the team.
Math teacher Mr. Koroly stated, “I really don’t think it’s too much money. He’s one of the best defensive players in the league. Honestly, everyone in the NFL is overpaid anyway.”
Yet another offseason controversy was the pressure on Tomlin to retire. Despite having many impressive accomplishments with the team, such as holding the record for consecutive non-losing seasons and two Super Bowl rings, the state of the team in recent years has come into question, with many calling for his retirement.
Bieranoski says “Firing Tomlin right now wouldn’t be a smart move. While the offense has become stale, he is still a solid coach. However, if the team doesn’t improve within two or so years then Tomlin should be looking for a new team or even retirement.”
As of September 25, the Steelers record is 2-1. With a win to the Jets and Patriots and a loss to the Seahawks, the fans are still not sure how far the team will go this season.
