Steelers/NFL category, Page 299

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed one of their three remaining exclusive rights free agents Monday when they retained center J.C. Hassenauer on a one-year contract. Hassenauer made his NFL debut with the Steelers in 2020 and played in 15 games, starting three at center and one at left guard. His deal...

PHILADELPHIA — A federal judge on Monday dismissed a lawsuit that challenged “race-norming” in dementia tests for retired NFL players, a practice that some say makes it harder for Black athletes to show injury and qualify for awards. A hearing had been set for Thursday. The judge instead ordered the...

Since the turn of the century — which I counted down on the Y2J clock — the Steelers have given a significant second contract to just two receivers: Hines Ward and Antonio Brown. The former is a Super Bowl MVP and not-quite Hall-of-Famer, the latter a generational talent. It very...

There seems to be a misguided sense from Steelers fans that Ben Roethlisberger’s new contract is going to be key in helping the Steelers to make another playoff run. This after the franchise flamed out following an 11-0 start in 2020. In this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast, Mark Madden is...

Monday’s “First Call” features a few interesting twists along the way toward JuJu Smith-Schuster’s free agency. The New York Islanders stay red-hot atop the Eastern Division. Robert Morris’ women’s hockey team takes a unique route to the NCAA tournament. And Duquesne’s spring football season opener turns back the clock when...

Steelers fans are predisposed to dislike anything the Baltimore Ravens want to do. In the case of Baltimore’s new overtime proposal, though, our inherent anti-Ravens bias doesn’t even have to come into play. It’s a useless plan, and the NFL shouldn’t bother looking at it. Yet the idea is gaining...

Former Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Ryan Switzer says his 9-month-old son Christian is stable and out of surgery to control bleeding. Christian is finally out of surgery. The GI specialist found several sites of bleeding. He took samples that were sent off to biopsy to see what could be causing it,...

Friday’s “First Call” is stacked with news about JuJu Smith-Schuster, J.J. Watt, Larry Fitzgerald and Baker Mayfield. Also, UFOs and ice baths. I’ll let you guess the order. My turn! Now that Ben Roethlisberger’s contract is done, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster wants the Steelers to turn their attention to someone...

Let’s get the working of mechanics ironed out as we talk about Ben Roethlisberger’s new Pittsburgh Steelers contract. Then we’ll get to what all of this means. Because the words we use — and how we chose them — to describe Big Ben’s big decision are important to properly frame...

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to a contract Thursday that includes a pay cut for the two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback and provides some much-needed salary cap relief for the organization. The contract is for one year and $14 million, according to national reports, and is $5 million less...

Thursday’s “First Call” shows us a feisty Steeler. Bud Dupree is optimistic about his health. And T.J. McConnell sets an NBA record. Also, another Robert Morris hockey player is up for a national award. And a former Pirate had a big hit against the Buccos in spring training. Haden not...

So long as we have Steelers quarterback angst, “U mad, bro?” will always have content. However, this week I was getting concerned. We were overrun with positive responses to the “Breakfast With Benz” columns of late about the “Miracle on Ice,” Robert Morris hockey player Chace Sperling, and the Penguins-Whalers...

Fans wishing to make the short drive from Pittsburgh to Canton, Ohio, for the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement of the class of 2021 can begin purchasing tickets at 10 a.m. Friday. The eight-member 2021 class includes former Pittsburgh Steelers guard Alan Faneca and late scout and personnel man...

Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has an interesting new training partner. One of his ex-teammates has a new job. Perhaps some PR spin after J.J. Watt signed in Arizona. And the Cleveland Browns may swap out tight ends. It’s an all-NFL “First Call” for Wednesday morning. Watt do we think of...

Tuesday’s “First Call” has an interesting admission from Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson. We also get a peek at what a 17-game NFL schedule may look like. People may be overrating J.J. Watt’s impact on the Cardinals. Gamblers have faith in Ke’Bryan Hayes but are losing trust in the Penguins....

“Teeth not included.” That is the final line in the description for Lot. No. 590 of the Lelands Spring Classic collection, and it pertains to perhaps the most unusual item the famed auction house ever has put on the block. It is the container that once held Jack Lambert’s teeth....

A few Steelers post on social media about free agency. The franchise appears to have an interest in a blazer at wide receiver in the upcoming draft. A goalie fight, a goalie goal and a Golden Knights goalie bet. All that in Monday’s “First Call.” Banner’s self-ban Steelers free agent...

Whether we’re talking about the Steelers — or any NFL team — debates about the importance of running backs are a trigger point for me. I think people conflate analysis of how you get a good one with the importance of having a good one at all. Sure, high-priced, high-pedigree...

We’re talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers. We’re talking about future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. We’re talking about a $41 million cap hit. So it’s no wonder the dialogue about Roethlisberger’s future in Pittsburgh has soaked up so much attention. There’s not much more to boil down beyond that...

The only sound emanating from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis next month will be basketballs bouncing off a hardwood surface. There will be no clicking of stopwatches as scouts time players running the 40-yard dash. No barbells clanging from 300-pound linemen trying to eke out another rep in the bench...

Two days after releasing a statement that he and his team’s longtime quarterback are in agreement about Ben Roethlisberger playing in 2021, Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II reiterated that the organization believes Roethlisberger, even at age 39, remains a high-level NFL starter. “We think Ben played at a high...

Four months since he had surgery to repair a torn ACL, Devin Bush is optimistic he is on track for a healthy return next season. The 22-year-old inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers provided an update on his recovery Thursday during a 15-minute question and answer session with fans. “Rehab...

Thursday’s “First Call” finds JuJu Smith-Schuster beaming with hope about staying with the Steelers. A few destinations are emerging for J.J. Watt, and Pittsburgh isn’t on the list. An AFC playoff suitor is mentioned for Alejandro Villanueva’s services. The Flyers are back on track. And it seems like big money...

This week’s “U mad, bro?” turns ugly for Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and owner Art Rooney II. Penguins fans take a little slap. We get a 2021 Pirates reality check. There’s a thorough examination of Cold War-era Europe. And I call out one of my TribLive...

Ben Roethlisberger’s agent, Ryan Tollner, says his client will play for the Steelers in 2021. But owner Art Rooney II didn’t exactly confirm that. Given how the situation has lingered in limbo after optimistic proclamations three weeks ago, it would be good if he did. Rooney says he wants Roethlisberger...