The “Steelers Way” remains intact for the current roster
The growing trend among the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base is to consistently bash the organization from top-to-bottom. They haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. They have players who tend to bash the organization upon their dismissal. The grades they receive in the NFLPA Report Card are less than ideal.
For most, the “Steelers Way” has become a punch line, and not the once strong norm when talking about the black-and-gold.
But just because the fan base might be down on the organization and believe the true fundamental aspects of the organization are gone doesn’t mean it’s true. On the second day of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) DeShon Elliott spoke to the media and talked about how much he loves what the Steelers truly embody.
The Steelers Way.
“All I can do is thank God for the position that (Coach) Mike T(omlin) has given me, the opportunity to play this game. Because I’ve been to a lot of places but it’s the only place where I feel like home, so I appreciate them so much for the opportunity.”
For someone like Elliott, who has been in four different organizations since being drafted in 2018, they would know about how other organizations operate around the league. As Elliott describes, Pittsburgh is different.
“You walk in the building, and honestly, it’s hard to describe the feeling,” said Elliott. “Just knowing that when a coach talks to you, he’s not talking to you just to check a box. He’s talking to you because he actually cares.
“If I’m talking to Mike T, it’s about my family or the things I have going on at home, like my dad. They’ve reached out to try to help me with that. It feels like something different for me.
“I really love being here.”
His love for being within the Steelers organization has made an impact on how he plays on the field. Elliott talked about just how things started to slow down for him last year, his first with the Steelers.
“It slowed down a lot probably like midway through (last) season,” said Elliott. “Being able to be a Swiss Army knife, an interchangeable part where whatever they need me to play, I’ll play it.
“And coming in, knowing this is my family, knowing that they want me here, they love me here. Being able play free and be myself. That’s the biggest thing, me being able to be myself.”
Getting back to OTAs with his teammates is a way for Elliott to continue to improve himself, not just as a safety but as a leader for the defense.
“I can definitely improve my game all around,” said Elliott. “I did a pretty decent job of tackling, but I’ve got to get the ball more. I’ve got to be a bigger leader for this defense. Making sure we’re all on our Ps and Qs.”
It might not be popular to talk about how the Steelers might be doing things the right way, but, according to Elliott, the “Steelers Way” when it comes to having their players’ back seems to be alive and well.
Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they press on through OTAs and Mandatory Minicamp.
Gratifying to learn Elliott’s opinion, particularly as he was formerly a Raven, let alone a member of two other teams. I hope Pgh finds their way clear to extend his contract.
Weird that Pgh has issued #25 so much compared to #7.
Getting guys like Cam around Harmon and Watt around Highsmith and Herbig and now Sawyer are how you keep the Steelers way. It’s the Kiesels and Smtihs who mentored Hayward. Harrison mentoring watt etc. that’s how you keep the line going. Even if they aren’t one on one buddies, just seeing what those players have done, how they work, and what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler is being exemplified. I think getting rid of guys like Pickens, DJ, and claypool are also how you keep the Steelers way. I like where this team is headed.
It’s unfortunate that the offense must catch up to the defense as to mentoring less experienced players.
The Steelers kowtowing to Aaron Rodgers certainly doesn’t seem like the “Steeler Way” to me.
No, it isn’t. Noll traded away the only 1st team All- Pro Pgh had, Roy Jefferson, in the 1970 preseason, because Roy ticked Noll off so much. Times have changed, greatly. Roy was easily Pgh’s best offensive skill player from 1969.