Say it isn't so: Steelers fans boo 'Renegade' in 4th quarter of loss to Bills
Steeler Nation has turned its back on “Renegade.”
At least that was the appearance given when the popular Styx anthem was booed lustily by fans at Acrisure Stadium in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
The Steelers had just turned the ball over on downs following a failed fourth-and-2 run from the Buffalo 7 with 10 minutes, 11 seconds left and the home team trailing by 16 points.
The scoreboard screen went black, queuing up the song that is played to pump up the defense. The song usually is greeted by wild cheers from Steelers fans.
Not this time. With the team en route to its fifth loss in seven games, the fans began booing. Later in the game, “Fire Tomlin” chants became audible throughout the half-empty stadium.
“That was a boo-worthy performance,” quarterback Aaron Rodgers said. “I understand the frustration.”
So did coach Mike Tomlin.
“I know how restless and frustrated I was,” Tomlin said, “so I assume they were in the same state we were in.”
The Styx song also didn’t have its desired impact on the defense. The Bills went on a 14-play, 72-yard drive that ended with a field goal to establish the final margin.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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