Robert Woods taking on leadership role during Steelers training camp

Although the Pittsburgh Steelers might not depend on Robert Woods to be on the field for most plays this fall, he is one of the team’s veteran leaders, particularly for the team’s relatively young group of wide receivers.

Before the Steelers moved practice inside, Tuesday was supposed to be the first day players wore pads. Woods believed it would have been a good day to evaluate the team’s status.

“(We’ll be) playing full football,” Woods said. “(Before, we were) playing in shorts and T-shirts, and so now we’re actually getting the game going, just another stepping stone in our training camp, getting ready for Week 1.”

To a veteran WR like the Steelers’ Robert Woods, pads coming on for practice doesn’t make all that much of a difference pic.twitter.com/ELXoUIQ04P

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 29, 2025

Players have received the 33-year-old wideout’s advice well while practicing at Saint Vincent. Woods sees improving the team’s receivers as critical to his 2025 ambitions.

“Don’t be soft,” Woods said. “The main thing I would say (is), ‘Go out there and be physical.’ Obviously, the defense is gonna be hyped if they feel like they’re doing something.”

Woods is happy with how the offense has looked so far. The Southern Cal graduate believes quarterback Aaron Rodgers, himself and other offseason additions have meshed well with the team’s offense.

“(It’s) a little bit of everything. I like how, obviously, (offensive coordinator Arthur Smith) is calling the plays and how it’s schemed up right now and trying to (exploit) the defense and finding gaps to make guys make decisions,” Woods said. “We have a quarterback who is pulling the trigger and making guys make decisions.”

The Buffalo Bills selected Woods in the second round of the 2013 draft, and he also played for the Rams, Titans and Texans. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Rams in 2018 and ’19 but has not eclipsed 600 yards since the 2020 season.

Despite playing many years in the NFL and being on several teams, Woods still appreciates what coaches have to say to him to tweak his game. If Woods can gain tips to help him, he will take them.

“I like his approach to business. He’s a professional. His resume speaks for itself,” coach Mike Tomlin said. “He’s a hard worker, a diligent worker. I’m excited to see him, seeing about what he brings.”

Woods is working on adjusting his route running, becoming more unpredictable with his movements, changing his depth and leverage against defenders to add to his career marks of 683 receptions, 8,233 yards and 38 touchdowns.

“He’s quick, fast, good with his hands,” cornerback Cory Trice Jr. said. “I’m trying to get my hands on him because they are all little guys. I’m trying to slow them down and run with him. He also can track the ball really well.”

Although the Gardena, Calif., native may appear to be merely a veteran voice, Woods wants to prove he should not be an afterthought in his 13th NFL season. With about two weeks left in camp and three preseason games upcoming, Woods still has time to fine-tune his skills to be at his best once the regular season starts.

“(I’m doing the) same thing I’ve been doing these past few days, just trying to get open and then get the ball in my hands,” Woods said. “But like, nothing changes for me. I was just playing physical, using my hands, but the pads don’t change anything. (I’m) really trying to get the ball.”