I’ve at all times loved getting along with fellow Steelers followers—at coaching camp, residence video games, and particularly on the highway. We come from all walks of life. Younger and outdated. Males, girls, and everybody in between. American, German, Mexican. A really various crowd united by one factor: supporting the Black and Gold. Our ardour generally results in huge disagreements, however we’re all hoping for a similar final result—one other championship season. We see completely different paths to the identical vacation spot.
By no means Stunned Operating Into Steelers Followers
I’ve developed the behavior of carrying my Horrible Towel virtually in all places. This previous Saturday, my spouse Sue and I took a day journey to rural Virginia close to the Manassas Battlefield. We began with lunch at Sweetwater Tavern in Centreville — wonderful child again ribs that paired completely with the Loopy Jackass Ale brewed on web site.
Then we headed to Vint Hill Farms for the Chilly Struggle Museum. The place was filled with memorabilia, and we had two very enthusiastic docents — each army veterans from that period — who made the go to particular. We wrapped up the night listening to Sue’s pal from her Penn State days, Chris Fotos, acting at Cedar Run Brewery in Nokesville.
Chris sounded nice, and it was enjoyable seeing his mates end up. (Bittersweet notice: Cedar Run is closing on the finish of the month, however they nonetheless have stay music scheduled for Could 30.)
I’m by no means shocked to run into Steelers followers, regardless of the place I’m going. In only a few hours, I met 4 fellow followers who noticed my Horrible Towel. None had been carrying Steelers gear or something figuring out them as Pittsburghers.
On the Vint Hill Craft Vineyard, an worker got here proper up and began speaking about Mike McCarthy, the draft, and Aaron Rodgers. Seems he graduated from highschool in Homewood, joined the army as a result of manufacturing jobs had left the world within the ’70s and ’80s, and retired in Virginia. Nonetheless a die-hard Steelers fan in any case these years.
At Cedar Run Brewery, a man from one other desk came visiting after seeing my Pittsburgh hat and Horrible Towel. He’s from South Carolina however grew up a Steelers fan as a result of so many nice gamers from there (Donnie Shell, Bennie Cunningham, Javon Hargrave, Mason Rudolph, Rico Dowdle) have worn the Black and Gold. He even talked about using as much as video games in a yellow college bus stuffed with South Carolina Steelers followers!
Then a pair from close by known as over. They’d lived in Higher St. Clair with household in Aliquippa earlier than shifting to Virginia to be close to their daughter and grandkids. They nonetheless journey again for video games.
Frequent Theme
All three random conversations circled again to the identical subjects: the Mike McCarthy rent, how the draft went, and what’s occurring with Aaron Rodgers.
Right here’s my perspective as your common Steelers fan:
Was Mike McCarthy The Proper Rent?
We received’t actually know till 5 years from now. McCarthy was employed to maintain the Steelers aggressive and to seek out and develop the subsequent franchise quarterback. Artwork Rooney II doesn’t need the group to attend one other 20 years for a franchise quarterback, as we did between Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger. McCarthy is clearly vested within the group — you may see his emotional response at his introduction. Meaning one thing.
He doesn’t need to let the town of Pittsburgh down. I consider he’ll keep for 5 years and supply continuity as possession transitions from the third to the fourth era.
How Was The Steelers Draft This 12 months?
Too early for closing grades, however Omar Khan stuffed a number of huge gaps. Two offensive linemen with long-term potential (Gennings Dunker and first-rounder Max Iheanachor), assist in the secondary with Daylen Everette, and a run-stuffer in Gabriel Rubio. Reaching a bit for Drew Allar at QB and Kaden Wetjen as a returner reveals they’re constructing for the longer term. If seven or extra of those guys make the roster—and a pair turn into starters—it’ll be a robust class.
What’s up with Aaron Rodgers?
Every thing we’re listening to from Mike McCarthy, Omar Khan, and Artwork Rooney II is optimistic. I consider his agent is negotiating what’s doubtless his final NFL contract. As soon as that’s signed, Rodgers will likely be all-in. Sure, there are issues about his age, perspective, and potential affect on the younger quarterbacks. However his teammates persistently describe him as a consummate skilled who’s revered within the locker room. Going with Rodgers in 2026 provides us the most effective probability to win now and offers an elite mentorship 12 months for Will Howard and Drew Allar. Yet another season with a Corridor of Fame-caliber quarterback working the offense will likely be a useful immersion course for the younger guys.
Conclusion
All of us have opinions, however none of us has a crystal ball. The 2026 season and past will inform us if we’re heading in the right direction. In the course of nowhere, Virginia, I met a small, pleasant group of Steelers followers. In the event you stay exterior Pittsburgh, carry a Horrible Towel or one thing Black and Gold. Our followers actually are in all places. Rep the town proudly. Being a Yinzer is nice—simply don’t be a jagoff.
Right here We Go!
Your Tune Choice
Chris Fotos opened his set with Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talking” (the model made well-known by Nilsson). It appeared excellent — all people actually was speaking to me concerning the Steelers that day. They at all times shadow my thoughts.
If you’re in Northern Virginia, give Chris Fotos a hear someday.
