For the first time in three years, fans are descending on Saint Vincent College to watch the Steelers conduct a training camp practice.
The Steelers returned Tuesday to the Unity campus for the first time since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The first workout will be held Wednesday from 1:55 to 4 p.m. on Chuck Noll Field.
The first phase of training camp is a heat acclimation period in which players will not don shoulder pads and no hitting will be permitted. The first padded, contact practice will take place Monday.
Fans will get their first look at veteran quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who worked with the first-team offense in offseason workouts, and rookie first-rounder Kenny Pickett, the Heisman Trophy finalist from Pitt.
Other new faces on the team include center Mason Cole, right guard James Daniels, inside linebacker Myles Jack, cornerback Levi Wallace, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and rookie wide receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III.
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For nearly 70 of the players on the roster, the experience will be their first at Saint Vincent, the site of Steelers training camp since 1966 until the pandemic forced the team to practice at the former Heinz Field on the North Shore.
With the exception of those two seasons, head coach Mike Tomlin has brought his team to Saint Vincent every summer since he was hired in 2007. Tomlin embraces the campus atmosphere and the chance for team bonding. He also was ready to turn the page on a new season when he and his players reported Tuesday.
“Man, I had that mindset in 1979 when I was putting my mouthpiece in the boiling water getting ready to play youth football,” he said. “I just love it. I always have. Since I was 7 years old, I’ve been a part of a football team, and this time of the year means something. Those of us that have been in this thing in any capacity, in any role, we like that feeling. We understand what that feeling is.
“When I lack that excitement, man, that’s probably when it’s time for me to move on to something else. I didn’t boil a mouthpiece today, but I’m ready nonetheless.”
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