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USA Today
14-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 55: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 55 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 55 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 55 wearer: LB Cole Holcomb One of the most underrated inside linebackers in the NFL — Cole Holcomb is the current Steelers wearer of No. 55. He signed with Pittsburgh back in 2023 on a three-year, $18 million contract and showed real promise during his first season as a Steeler. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 9 of the 2023 season and hasn't played since. Holcomb is ready to compete in 2025, however, and figures to pick up where he left off in a revamped Steelers linebacker room. Last five Steelers to wear No. 55: Best No. 55 in Steelers history: LB Joey Porter Sr. Joey Porter Sr. is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 55. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 73rd overall pick in the third round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Porter became one of the most feared linebackers in the league. Playing in 122 games for Pittsburgh from 1999 to 2006, he produced 60 sacks — the seventh most all-time by a Steeler. A key piece of the Steelers' Super Bowl XL championship defense, Porter earned three Pro Bowl selections with Pittsburgh and one more with Miami — as well as being named First-Team All-Pro in 2002. For his accomplishments, he was named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team — making Porter an easy selection as the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 55. Honorable mention: OT Jon Kolb — who played in 177 games as a Steeler and won four Super Bowls. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mike Tomlin shuts down Arthur Smith's bold plan to use Cam Heyward on offense
Cam Heyward revealed the story about Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin (Image credits: IG/X) Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reportedly shut down an innovative offensive idea from Arthur Smith before it could take shape. Smith, the team's new offensive coordinator, proposed using veteran defensive tackle Cam Heyward in short-yardage offensive packages during the 2025 season. But Tomlin wasted no time rejecting the suggestion, according to Heyward himself. The surprising behind-the-scenes detail was revealed on the latest episode of Heyward's own podcast, "Not Just Football." Cam Heyward's hilarious revelation gives fans rare behind-the-scenes glimpse In a lighthearted but revealing segment of his show, Heyward detailed the exchange between Smith and Tomlin. 'Arthur Smith was around me and was like, 'Hey, we need to sneak you in on offense,'' Heyward said. 'And Mike was like, 'We ain't doing that. That's not happening.' He really did.' The defensive captain laughed as he shared the story, but it also hinted at Tomlin's tight grip over team decisions—even creative ones. The podcast, which often offers fans a rare inside look at locker room dynamics, has become a platform where Heyward shares team anecdotes and NFL insights. In this episode, the playful tone underscored a serious truth: even bold ideas from respected coordinators like Smith don't make it past Tomlin's approval unless they align with his disciplined approach. The quick veto emphasizes the head coach's firm belief in structure, tradition, and defined roles. Jeffrey Dean Morgan Breaks Down Controversial SuperBowl XL | Not Just Football Arthur Smith, who previously served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is known for imaginative play designs and unpredictability in tight formations. His idea to use Heyward in goal-line sets wasn't far-fetched—other teams have done it with success. But in Pittsburgh, where the culture values identity and order, even entertaining the idea was short-lived. Tomlin's leadership style clearly leaves little room for experiments that stray too far from the norm. Steelers stick to their core: discipline over gimmicks Cam Heyward, a six-time Pro Bowler and respected leader in the Steelers locker room, didn't take offense—but fans may be left wondering what could have been. In an era where NFL offenses are becoming more flexible and flashy, Pittsburgh appears firm on staying within its identity. Tomlin's rejection reflects a bigger truth: the Steelers value consistency more than novelty. Also read: NFL Camp on Hold: Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins lands in jail over domestic violence charge As the Steelers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, one thing is certain—any creative spark will need to pass through Mike Tomlin's filter. And if it doesn't fit the culture, it's out before it even hits the whiteboard. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 66: a history of the number and who wore it best
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we're at 66 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we're taking a look at the history of No. 66 and the players who wore it best. Current Steelers No. 66 wearer: OG Mason McCormick McCormick was drafted with the 119th pick in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft — and was arguably the biggest surprise of the rookie class. In Week 4 of the 2024 season, then-starting RG James Daniels suffered a torn Achilles, forcing McCormick into a starting role — but he didn't flinch at the opportunity. McCormick would allow just two sacks all season — both of which occurred in the same contest against the Ravens in Week 16. The healthy Steelers offensive line is projected to take a major step forward in 2025 — and a lot of it has to do with McCormick, who's looking to improve upon an already impressive rookie season last year. Last five Steelers to wear No. 66: Best No. 66 in Steelers history: OG Alan Faneca The best Steeler to ever wear No. 66 is without a doubt Alan Faneca. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft, Faneca anchored the Steelers' offensive line for a decade — starting 153 games for the Black and Gold from 1998 to 2007. Faneca was dominant in both the pass and run game — and helped pave the way for the Steelers' Super Bowl XL championship. One of the most prolific guards of his era, Faneca was named six-time First-team All-Pro, two-time Second-team All-Pro, and earned nine consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2001 to 2009. He was also named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Steelers Hall of Honor, and the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021 and remains one of the greatest offensive linemen in team history. There's no debating Faneca was the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 66. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
USA Today
03-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Seahawks all-time record vs AFC North: updated for 2025
For the past two years, we at Seahawks Wire have been tracking the Seattle Seahawks' all-time records against every team in the NFL. It is important, we feel, to keep an updated log of Seattle's history and how they stack up with other squads in the league. We are resuming this ongoing series with updated records headed into the 2025 season. We are nearing completion in this series. We have covered all NFC divisions - West, East, South and North - and have taken care of both the AFC South and the AFC East. Now we turn our attention towards the AFC North, a division the Seahawks were most recently paired against during the 2023 season. Baltimore Ravens All-time record: Baltimore leads the series 4-3 Longest win streak: the Seahawks won three-straight games from December 2007 to December 2015. These are the only three wins against the Ravens franchise. Most recent outcome: November 5th, 2023 - this was not a 5th of November to remember for the Seahawks, as they were blown out of the water 37-3 by the Ravens in Baltimore. Cincinnati Bengals All-time record: Cincinnati leads the series 12-10 Longest win streak: both teams have won three-straight against each other, but Cincinnati has done it twice.. The Bengals won the first three meetings between September 1977 and December 1982, then again between November 1986 and December 1988. Meanwhile the Seahawks won their three-in-a-row between December 1989 and October 1991. Most recent outcome: October 15th, 2023 - the Bengals outlast the Seahawks 17-13 at home. Seattle's final four drives of the game ended in: an interception, a punt, and back-to-back turnover on downs within Cincinnati's 10-yard line. Cleveland Browns All-time record: Seattle leads the series 14-6 Longest win streak: the Seahawks won four-straight games between October 1983 and October 1988 Most recent outcome: October 29th, 2023 - the Seahawks survive an upset bid from the Browns at Lumen Field with a 24-20 victory. Seattle had built a 17-7 lead in the first quarter, but found themselves trailing 20-17 late. Geno Smith orchestrated a game-winning drive with only 0:38 seconds left in the contest. Pittsburgh Steelers All-time record: Pittsburgh leads the series 11-10 Longest win streak: Pittsburgh won three-straight from February 2006 to September 2011. This miserable stretch included the Super Bowl XL travesty and two shutout road losses. Most recent outcome: December 31st, 2023 - Seattle's playoff hopes were effectively ripped away from them as the Steelers escaped Lumen Field with a 30-23 road win. Pittsburgh racked up 202 rushing yards as the Seahawks could not slow their offense down.
USA Today
30-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jerome Bettis discusses Chiefs TE Travis Kelce's return, reflects on Super Bowl XL
This week, Chiefs Wire's Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and Pittsburgh Steelers legend Jerome Bettis about his participation in this year's American Century Championship, which will take place July 9-13 at Edgewood Tahoe, his thoughts on Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce's return and his farewell game in Super Bowl XL. "I feel my game is trending right now, so I gotta as good a chance as any to have a better, better showing than last year," said Bettis regarding his training to compete in the American Century Championship. "My goal every year is to try to beat my best finish. I think some years ago, I finished 15th. So, that's my goal: to beat 15th. I've had a productive week, and I'm excited to go out there, spend some time with guys you don't normally get a chance to see, golf with them, and create some new friendships. I'm looking forward to it." Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce ended speculation at the start of the offseason regarding his future after mulling retirement. He is focused on potentially one more Super Bowl run, and Bettis agrees, but it doesn't require him to put up Pro Bowl numbers. "So yes, maybe (Travis) Kelce is on his farewell tour, if you call it that. But I promise you, even if he wasn't there, they would still be a quality football team," said Bettis, "Kelce doesn't have to catch eight passes for them to be really good. If he doesn't play well, he'll find other ways to beat you." Bettis utilized his wisdom and leadership skills over statistics during his final season in the league and carried them through the journey to Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit. "Yeah. It was different for me because I had never been there before, so I knew it was my last game, but this is why I came back. This is why I stayed. This is why I played the game I played to have an opportunity to win a championship," said Bettis, "The Super Bowl is in my hometown. It's everything I ever wanted. So, it wasn't like a big pressure on my back. It was more of the excitement of the moment. I've been waiting for this my whole career, and it's coming down to this moment. So I was excited about the opportunity." The Steelers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 21-10, securing Bettis' only Super Bowl title in his Hall of Fame career. He detailed his mindset throughout the moment and encouraged teammates to achieve the ultimate goal. "So I thought, let's go out, leave it all out here, and see what happens, and if we lose, I could tip my cap to those guys over there and say, hey, great job, and I can lead knowing that I did the best that I could do, and my whole goal when I got to Pittsburgh was to help lead this franchise back to another championship" said Bettis, "So, win, lose, or draw, I would have fulfilled. I thought my obligation as a player, as a leader on this team, is to help get this team back to a championship because that's the standard, and that's, I think, what every player on that team right now should be saying themselves. I helped get us there, and now we gotta go out there and win it so we'll have that moment we're all cherished for a lifetime." The annual tournament awards $750,000 in prize money, much of which the celebrity players donate to local and national charities. Over the years, nearly $8 million has been donated to non-profit causes. Network television exposure on NBC and a first-place prize of $150,000 make the celebrity tournament one of the most prestigious in the golf world. Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.
