Emmanuel Acho explains why he is concerned for the Los Angeles Lakers after dropping their third straight game with a loss to the Orlando Magic.
Four reasons the Steelers should pass on Aaron Rodgers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly been in intense talks with free agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Rodgers visited the Steelers’ facilities last Friday and spoke with team officials – including head coach Mike Tomlin – for nearly six hours.
However, the former Super Bowl-winning passer left Pittsburgh without a contract. As the number of viable spots for Rodgers to play as a starting quarterback dwindles for the 2025 season, the Steelers remain one of the few teams with a visible hole on their roster: linking the two names throughout the offseason.
Does it make sense for the Steelers to do a deal with Rodgers? I don’t believe so.
Here are four reasons why Pittsburgh should pass on the idea.
Age
Age is a big factor that cannot be overlooked. The Steelers have been searching for their next franchise quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 NFL season. That search will continue regardless of whether Rodgers signs with the Steelers.
At 41 years old, Rodgers is certainly in the twilight of his career. How much longer he will play, and how healthy he will be when he does, are big question marks.
Needless to say, everyone is counting Rodgers’ career on a year-to-year basis now. Even if he were to sign with the Steelers, no one can guarantee that he will play beyond the 2025 season, leaving the Steelers to continue their quarterback search again next offseason.
Production
To expect Rodgers to come to Pittsburgh and overcome Father Time would be a feat. A devastating injury already cost him an entire season two years ago in New York. His decline since winning back-to-back league MVPs in 2021 has also been understated. Two of Rodgers’ worst-five statistical seasons have come in the last three years.
Prior, Rodgers had been lighting up scoreboards in Green Bay as a four-time NFL Most Valuable Player. A return to form looked possible in his late 30s as Rodgers led the league in passer rating in 2020 and 2021. However, Rodgers and the Packers would have a falling out that saw the star passer get traded to the New York Jets.
2023 was a lost season for Rodgers, but the bookend years of 2022 and 2024 standout as two of his worst five in the interception category, throwing 12 and 11 picks. That’s an uncharacteristic trait for a potential future Hall of Famer and the question becomes whether or not he can be an upgrade over what the Steelers have fielded over the last few seasons.
Rodgers finished 2024 completing 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. That’s better than what Mitchell Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields or Russell Wilson brought to the table, but far from Rodger’s hey day despite bringing several of his favorite targets to New York to help boost a team that would finish 5-12.
Cost
The elephant in the room is how much money it would cost the Steelers to sign Rodgers. Apparently, an offer was already on the table but neither side seems eager to budge on whatever that deal contains.
One theory is the wait for Rodgers is based on the Steelers compensatory picks for 2026, but Rodgers having been released by the Jets negates the impact of his signing affecting the team’s future draft haul. Another theory is that Rodgers may contemplate retirement and yet another is that Pittsburgh is playing the waiting game to see what April’s NFL Draft may yield.
Regardless, Rodgers would need to average $30-$40 million per year on whatever contract he signs. The going rate for NFL quarterbacks is much higher, and a $30 million per year average would place Rodgers near the bottom of the league’s earners other than quarterbacks on rookie contracts.
There’s no doubt that a former four-time MVP and Super Bowl winner has his agents working on a better deal after Sam Darnold, a still unproven journeyman commodity in the league, signed with the Seattle Seahawks for three years and $100 million. On the Steelers side, a long-term deal could handicap their salary in future seasons, even utilizing void years to offset the costs per season.
The ideal situation would be a one-year deal for Rodgers, which is the likely breaking point in their negotiations. Omar Khan would be wise to continue keeping cap space free by not committing to big, long-term deals with large risks. $30 million may not seem like much in a league where the cap continues to rise, but on the other side of the ball the GM has an eye on T.J. Watt‘s extension which now appears to be in the $40 million per year range: that’s $10 million more than Watt averages now and a three-year extension would equal an additional $30 million, the same amount that would be handed to Rodgers.
Financial terms aren’t the only cost associated with Rodgers, as his famous flare ups off of the field are noted to scorch the Earth wherever he roams. Tomlin is a master at handling big egos, but keeping Rodgers in check might be a whole other story.
Long-Term Viability
Few NFL quarterbacks have started a game beyond the age of 40, whereas Rodgers will turn 42 in December. Among those elder statesmen are a who’s who of league greats, including several Hall of Famers: George Blanda, Len Dawson, Brett Favre, Sonny Jurgensen, Warren Moon, and Johnny Unitas. Despite their status, those six combined for a 38-32 record in their 40s. Dawson and Unitas were backups by this time, and Favre’s best days were behind him.
Some other notables include Doug Flutie and Vinny Testaverde, but they were far from their prime. Aside from Moon and Favre, only two other to-be Hall of Famers have broken the 40+ mold: Drew Brees and Tom Brady.
After turning 40, Brees would fail to reach 4,000 yards passing in a season: something he had accomplished 12 consecutive times in New Orleans. He would battle injuries, playing in 23 of a possible 32 games. Brady is the oldest starting quarterback in NFL history, having played through age 45. His three seasons in Tampa were exceptional, winning a Super Bowl in his first season with the Bucs at 43.
Rodgers has a lot of history against his favor. He would have to play at a higher level, at an older age, and for longer than almost anyone else who’s done it before him – while remaining healthy doing so.
For the cost, uncertain production, short-term risk and lack of long-term solution, the thought of adding a former super star like Aaron Rodgers doesn’t feel like the proper fit for Pittsburgh. It would be a bandage at best in hopes of maintaining a certain floor. I have no doubts that Rodgers could do so, but the idea of having another quarterback, after-run or otherwise (such as a rookie) provide the same, might be as good of an option for the Steelers.
Four reasons the Steelers should pass on Aaron Rodgers appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Kirk Cousins Seeking Post-Draft Trade
After a failed attempt to be released ahead of free agency, Kirk Cousins is now in no rush to force a move out of Atlanta. He is planning to wait until after the draft before waiving his no-trade clause to facilitate a deal, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer.
The Falcons held onto Cousins long enough for $10MM of his 2025 salary to vest into a full guarantee and have signaled their willingness to keep him as an expensive backup this season. He would prefer to find a starting job elsewhere, though he’s wary of a repeat of last year’s situation in Atlanta. The Falcons signed Cousins to a four-year, $160MM deal in March and drafted Michael Penix with the eighth overall pick six weeks later. That put pressure on the 13-year veteran to live up to his contract while making it clear that he was not the team’s long-term quarterback.
When Cousins hit a patch of rough play in December, the Falcons benched him for Penix, effectively ending the 36-year-old’s tenure in Atlanta after 14 games. In 2025, he doesn’t want a highly-drafted rookie breathing down his neck. That would be a risk with his two most-likely suitors, the Browns and the Giants, who hold the second and third overall picks in April’s draft. After years of instability under center, both teams have been repeatedly linked with the draft’s top two quarterbacks, Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders.
Cousins’ willingness to wait on a trade should work for his potential suitors. The Browns and the Giants can do their due diligence on Ward, Sanders, and even Jaxson Dart and let the draft play out. The Steelers are considered a “safe bet” to land Aaron Rodgers, but if that doesn’t work out, they could inquire about Cousins, according to Breer. However, Pittsburgh may want to see if a top quarterback falls within range of a trade up from the 21st overall pick.
Cousins would only waive his no-trade clause prior to the draft if his new team commits to not using a first-round pick on quarterback, according to Breer. That condition may not be amenable to front offices in Cleveland and New York that are looking for a long-term franchise quarterback.
It’s possible that the Browns look at a talented roster besieged by injuries last year and decide that trading for Cousins and using the No. 3 pick on an impact receiver or edge rusher is enough to compete in the AFC North. That doesn’t seem likely for the Giants, who have more holes to fill on their roster. They have also signaled a desire to add another veteran and draft a quarterback in the first round, even after signing Jameis Winston.
Cousins’ approach does involve some risk. If the Browns, Giants, and Steelers all solidify their quarterback situations by the end of the draft, he may be left without any suitors headed into the summer. That would leave him stuck in Atlanta as Penix’s backup with a $27.5MM salary that could be a barrier to a trade.
The Falcons would already be absorbing $37.5MM in dead cap space ($12.5MM in 2025 and $25MM in 2026) if they moved Cousins. Eating some or all of his 2025 salary would push their costs to $90MM for just one year and 14 starts from Cousins, a position Falcons owner Arthur Blank would prefer to avoid, according to Breer.
That will, of course, impact how much draft compensation teams will give up to acquire Cousins. A trade out of Atlanta to a team with a starting job available remains his desired outcome, but it seems other dominoes will have to fall first.
Waiver wire pickups: Stephon Castle among surging rookies to add
The fantasy basketball waiver wire always has players who can help fill holes in your roster. Here are the ones to add this week.
Re-evaluation: Steelers WRs marginal, not spectacular in 2024
Steel City Underground presents a post-2024 NFL season re-evaluation of each positional group on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in this series, highlighting the standout player or players among each group.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the season with a bevy of options at wide receiver. They had a mix of familiar players and free agent additions that provided excellent depth. Unfortunately, the mix produced marginal, not spectacular, results last season for a number of reasons. We re-evaluate those players and their production on offense.
Wide Receivers: George Pickens, Calvin Austin, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, Ben Skowronek, Scotty Miller, Roman Wilson
The “starters”
The primary receivers that got the nod to start the majority of games for the Steelers were Pickens, Austin, and Jefferson. With Pickens and Austin the only Steelers returners due to the trade of Diontae Johnson. Jefferson was a free agent addition brought in to provide big-play potential opposite Pickens.
Of the three, Pickens led the team in several offensive statistics but showed he was less of a leader personality wise. Highly talented, Pickens had trouble controlling his emotions despite his 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games. He ranked sixth among all NFL receivers with a minimum of 50 receptions, but drew penalties that hurt the team. For a player that posted 15.3 yards per catch, Pickens could have settled in for a 1,000 yard plus season had he dealt with frustration over the performance of the offense in a more mature manner.
Of the starting receivers, Austin arguably had the best overall performance in 2024. Despite his 5-foot-9 height, Austin showcased his athleticism and speed in his third season by grabbing 36 catches for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Perhaps unexpectedly, he averaged 15.2 yards per catch and showed that he, too, could make big plays. His ability to play in the middle of the field was often a recipe for success. Austin doubled up by ranking seventh in the league as a punt returner with a 10.3-yard average.
Very early, it was apparent that Jefferson was not “that guy” – the threat opposite Pickens – despite being a generally reliable receiver. Starter of 12 of 17 games, mainly as the offense waxed and waned and the coaching staff looked for a spark, Jefferson finished the season with just 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns.
Related content:
- Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable
- Re-evaluation: Steelers relied heavily on running backs
- Re-evaluation: Steelers defensive backs were a mixed bag in 2024
- Re-evaluation: One Steeler stood out on defensive line
Disappointments and surprises
Due to injury issues, rookie Roman Wilson never truly contributed, but others stepped up in various roles at receiver.
Despite adding Williams to the roster – an attempt to create more splash – the veteran caught just nine passes for 132 yards and one touchdown in nine games. He didn’t show the downfield threat ability he had in previous BFL seasons and his biggest impacts were in games that Pickens was not a part of.
Miller, typically a slot receiver, rarely got opportunities, making just five receptions for 69 yards in 13 games.
The surprise was Skowronek who was added to replace Wilson in the receivers group. In ten games, Skowronek played with a bit more urgency to his game while securing five catches for 69 yards. As the Steelers’ top gunner on coverage team, Skowronek proved he was also a willing, tough blocker in the run game, marking him as the best depth player for the Steelers among the group they fielded in 2024.
Looking forward
The Steelers revamped their receivers group in 2024, but the personnel did not meet expectations. Jefferson has moved on to the Tennessee Titans, Williams back to the Los Angeles Chargers for 2025. The Steelers re-signed Miller to a one-year contract and hope to see Wilson on the field for them in the upcoming season. Skowronek, recently married, was given a two-year contract by the Steelers this spring.
The biggest news is that veteran D.K. Metcalf was signed during free agency and could be the big-bodied, playmaker the Steelers need opposite Pickens if the latter can stick with the team after the 2025 NFL Draft.
Re-evaluation: Steelers WRs marginal, not spectacular in 2024 appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Steelers A ‘Safe Bet’ To Sign Rodgers
With interest from the Giants waning, the Steelers are now considered the favorite to land Aaron Rodgers.
It is reportedly a “safe bet” that Rodgers signs in Pittsburgh, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, though the unpredictable quarterback’s timeline remains unknown. He spent six hours visiting the Steelers last week, but left the team facility without a deal.
Neither side appears to be in any rush. The majority of free agency has concluded, and there’s still a month until the draft. Until then, Rodgers remains one of the biggest stories in football, much like his 2023 move to the Jets. He certainly doesn’t shy away from the attention, which will continue until he makes a decision. Florio even speculated that Rodgers could use an upcoming Pat McAfee show in Pittsburgh as a launching pad for his tenure in black and yellow.
The Steelers, meanwhile, already signed Mason Rudolph as a veteran bridge or backup quarterback and could pursue a continue partnership with Russell Wilson. He is still a free agent and has emerged as an alternate option for Pittsburgh if they don’t sign Rodgers. In short, he is not the Steelers’ only option to start at quarterback in 2025.
The inverse, however, might be true. The Vikings are out on Rodgers, and he hasn’t been linked with the Titans or the Browns. No other team has a clear starting opportunity to offer. The NFL’s annual quarterback carousel has started to slow down, and when the music stops, Rodgers may have no choice but to accept the Steelers’ offer if he wants to start this season.
Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders Unlikely To Fall Out Of First Round; Jets, Giants, Browns, Steelers In Play
One of the more intriguing storylines in this year’s draft coverage is Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders’ stock and how long Sanders might have to wait to hear his name called after the draft opens on April 24. There has been some chatter that the scion of Colorado HC and NFL legend Deion Sanders could slip out of the first round entirely, though ESPN’s draft analysts do not expect that to happen.
In a subscribers-only roundup of the latest draft rumors, ESPN’s Jordan Reid says he does not anticipate Sanders falling past the Jets, who hold the No. 7 overall selection. New York saw its latest swing at a first-round QB prospect (Zach Wilson) fail spectacularly, a miss that undermined the fortunes of otherwise talented rosters, and precipitated the failed Aaron Rodgers experiment.
Gang Green signed Justin Fields to a two-year, $40MM contract earlier this month, and while there is still some hope that Fields can grow enough as a passer to sufficiently complement his running ability and to turn himself into a an upper crust QB1, the short-term nature of the deal illustrates his current deficiencies in that regard. Sanders may be an imperfect prospect, but his reportedly poor performance in team interviews does not undo the touch, accuracy, and pocket presence he displayed on the field. It would thus not be terribly surprising to see the Jets’ new regime, with its 2025 starter already in place, take a shot at a high-upside talent.
One player who has been something of a forgotten man in the constant QB-related chatter surrounding the Jets is 2024 fifth-rounder Jordan Travis. Travis was in the midst of a terrific final season at Florida State in 2023 when he suffered a gruesome ankle injury that torpedoed his own draft stock. New York took a flier on him last year, though he redshirted his entire rookie season while rehabbing the injury.
According to Travis’ agent, Deiric Jackson, the Jets’ since-ousted staff rushed Travis’ rehab, thereby undermining his chances of seeing game action in 2024.
“His rehab with the Jets was not the best,” Jackson said (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini). “They tried to rush him. It was too fast. There was pressure on the coaching staff and they tried to get him going sooner than the timeline really was. That caused the setback, and we had to shut him down completely.”
The nature of the setback Jackson mentioned is unclear, though Cimini says new HC Aaron Glenn and his staffers are excited to work with Travis. At the moment, the former Seminole is behind Fields and veteran Tyrod Taylor on the depth chart, and drafting a player like Sanders would immediately put Travis’ Jets future in doubt. But if the club takes a different route in the draft, Travis could get enough reps to prove himself worthy of at least a backup job down the road.
For all of the talk suggesting Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart or even Louisville’s Tyler Shough may have surpassed Sanders on draft boards around the league, Reid believes the Giants – who own the No. 3 overall pick – would be hard-pressed to pass on Sanders. With Cam Ward looking increasingly likely to go to the Titans at No. 1 overall, one AFC executive told Reid the Giants are praying the Browns take a top non-QB talent with the No. 2 pick, thus leaving Sanders available to be selected at No. 3. Just yesterday, we learned that Big Blue’s signing of Jameis Winston would not preclude the hot-seat tandem of GM Joe Schoen and HC Brian Daboll from signing a veteran passer like Rodgers or Russell Wilson and adding a QB via their top draft choice.
In the same subscribers-only piece cited above, ESPN’s Field Yates confirms Sanders has a legitimate chance to be a top-three choice and is unlikely to fall out of the top 10-15 selections (despite some sources expressing their worry about making Sanders a top-10 pick). Similarly, Yates and Reid colleague Matt Miller notes the chatter about a dramatic Sanders slide has not come from anyone employed by an NFL club.
Miller acknowledges the Browns remain a viable landing spot for Sanders, and he believes the Steelers and their No. 21 pick represent the prospect’s floor. Pittsburgh has designs on a championship run in 2025, as it recently acquired and extended WR D.K. Metcalf and is seemingly making a hard push for Rodgers. That said, HC Mike Tomlin’s famous streak of .500-or-better seasons rarely leaves the team in position to draft a premium QB prospect, and the 41-year-old Rodgers (and even the 36-year-old Wilson, if the Steelers revisit that possibility) are obviously short-term fixes. The pre-draft concerns that could lead to Sanders falling a bit could also represent a real opportunity for Pittsburgh, as was the case when its AFC North rival Ravens nabbed Lamar Jackson with the No. 32 pick in 2018.
SCU Week in Review – March 23rd
In case you missed it (or anything) the SCU Week in Review recaps all articles, videos, posts and more, shared via Steel City Underground’s various platforms throughout the week.
Did the Steelers fumble their plans at the quarterback position?
Media and fans everywhere are in a frenzy, almost a panic, believing the Pittsburgh Steelers have botched their quarterback plans for the future. However, do we really know what their plans are?
Surely, there is a plan from a calculated Omar Khan, who has been aggressive in other areas. Is that plan to roll with an expensive veteran still or to bypass blowing money by operating with a bridge quarterback to get their to eventual long-term suitor?
The hosts also discuss the criticism of not taking a quarterback while Ben Roethlisberger was under contract and how that may be unwarranted.
View the video below on YouTube or visit our podcast page to find it on all popular audio platforms.
Weekly Highlights
Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable
Was this the Steelers QB plan all along?
2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft
2024 Steelers Season Recall: Doubling down on o-line on day two of draft
Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler
Throwback Thursday: Steelers HOFer Kevin Greene turns pro wrestler
Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium
Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium
Quick Hits
SCU Week in Review – March 23rd appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Plays of the Year: Pierre pick ends Browns comeback attempt
Steel City Underground will pick an exceptional play of the game as a highlight each week of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 NFL regular season. Stay tuned as we hand-select the very best from the Black and Gold!
On Sunday, December afternoon, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense was dominant in their Week 14 game with the Cleveland Browns. As the final stretch of the 2024 NFL regular season kicked off, the Steelers were also able to take advantage of errors the Browns made on the field at Acrisure Stadium to move to 10-3 on the season, earning a 27-14 victory.
Following a fourth-quarter Cleveland touchdown, the Steelers’ offense turned the ball over to the Browns when Cordarrelle Patterson lost a fumble at midfield. Set up at the 50-yard line, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston made a critical error on the second play of the new offensive series to give the ball right back to Pittsburgh.
On 1st & 10 at the Pittsburgh 39, Winston took the snap from shotgun, operating the no-huddle offense with just 4:07 left in the game. Winston, pressured from the blind side by Alex Highsmith, let the ball go, deep, intending to hit receiver Elijah Moore. Instead, the ball sailed a bit deeper – right into the arms of cornerback James Pierre.
BALL HAWK JAMES PIERRE!
Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/Ij0yKUPZCk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2024
It was the first interception for Pierre this season, who shared snaps as a secondary defensive back in the rotation. It was just the third pick in his career.
The pick was the second of the game for the Steelers; Keeanu Benton grabbed his career-first interception on a screen play in the second quarter. The takeaway slammed the door shut on any chance of a Browns offensive comeback as Pittsburgh improved to 10-3. Little would we know, this would be their final victory of the season.
Plays of the Year: Pierre pick ends Browns comeback attempt appeared first on Steel City Underground.
Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium
Acrisure Stadium, formerly Heinz Field, is more than just a football venue—it’s a cornerstone of Pittsburgh sports culture. While its name has changed, its legacy as one of the NFL’s most iconic venues hasn’t. Home to the Steelers since 2001, this stadium has hosted countless thrilling moments.
While it lags behind the ultra-modern features of newer stadiums, its history, atmosphere, and significance to fans make it among the best. Here are four incredible facts every Steelers fan should know about their home field.
Consistently ranked among the NFL’s best venues
Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) has aged like fine wine. Since opening in 2001, it’s earned praise for blending grit with charm. Sports Illustrated ranked it the 11th-best NFL stadium, beating every venue in the AFC North.
USA Today also ranks the stadium as the 9th best in the NFL. But what’s the secret? Location, location, location. Nestled on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, it offers sweeping views of the Ohio River and easy walks to bars and restaurants. Sure, it lacks the flashy tech of modern stadiums—concourses feel dated, and luxury suites aren’t as lavish. But fans don’t care.
The energy here is electric. Tailgates bleed into the stands, creating a deafening home-field advantage. Since 2017, the Steelers have won 68% of their home games at Acrisure. While the lease runs through 2030, contract extension talks will likely begin in 2026-2027. For now, this 24-year-old gem remains a fortress of black-and-gold pride.
It is also among the safest NFL stadiums
Fan safety is a growing concern at NFL games, with incidents of altercations and disorderly conduct rising across the league. However, Acrisure Stadium ranks among the safest venues, placing 10th in a Bryant Baucom study that analyzed crime rates in and around stadiums.
This ranking is particularly noteworthy when considering national trends. A Sportsbook Review survey reveals that 4 in 10 NFL fans have witnessed or experienced crimes at or around stadiums. About 45% of women aren’t comfortable attending games alone, and 77.2% of parents won’t let their children attend without supervision.
These statistics highlight the importance of stadium safety, making Acrisure Stadium’s high safety ranking a significant point of pride. Another study suggests that Acrisure Stadium and the surrounding area experience 36.03 crimes per 1,000 residents. By contrast, Empower Field at Mile High leads the ranking as the NFL’s most unsafe stadium, with a disturbing 74.14 crimes per 1,000 residents.
That’s not to say incidents never happen. In 2022, a tragic escalator fall claimed a fan’s life—the first fatality in the stadium’s history. Similarly, in 2023, an unruly fan was ejected twice for harassing others. CBS News reports the assailant was booked for reckless trespassing and sent to the Allegheny County Jail. Still, security stays sharp. Surveillance systems, bag checks, and strict ejection policies keep risks low.
Stadium officials and local law enforcement work together to ensure a safe environment for fans. Security personnel quickly handle disruptions, as unruly attendees are ejected if necessary. Despite these measures, accidents still happen. Slips and falls, collisions in crowded areas, accidents in the parking lot, or injury caused by another fan’s actions can cause serious harm.
In such instances, particularly if someone’s negligence caused the incident, you must know your legal options. First, seek immediate medical attention. Then, consult a personal injury lawyer to understand your rights and potential legal outcomes. Whether determining liability or navigating insurance claims, professional legal support can make all the difference in handling an unfortunate situation.
However, TorHoerman Law suggests documenting the evidence, as it can strengthen your case. Ensure you collect as many photos or videos as possible and keep track of anything specific to the case. It can be the key to negotiating fair compensation.
It’s a FEMA-designated emergency hub
Beyond football, Acrisure Stadium plays a vital role in the community. The stadium is one of four NFL stadiums designated as an emergency response site by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to WBOY.com, it can be used as a shelter during extreme weather events or large-scale emergencies.
Other stadiums include New York’s MetLife Stadium, Seattle’s Lumen Field, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Raymond James Stadium.
Acrisure Stadium has undergone extensive assessments to ensure it can function effectively during disasters. Stadium facilities can be used for mass evacuations, medical response, and temporary housing. Due to its large capacity and central location, the stadium is crucial to Pittsburgh’s emergency preparedness.
The FEMA designation is reviewed annually, ensuring the venue remains ready to support the city during disasters. This recognition highlights the stadium’s significance beyond sports, reinforcing its value to the Pittsburgh community. For Pittsburghers, this means peace of mind. Whether you’re cheering a touchdown or fleeing a storm, Acrisure has your back.
It’s more than a football field
Acrisure Stadium isn’t just for Steelers football—it’s a multipurpose venue hosting concerts, international soccer matches, and major entertainment events. Over the years global superstars such as U2, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Guns N’ Roses, Beyoncé, Kenny Chesney, and The Rolling Stones have performed there.
In addition to music events, the stadium has hosted club soccer matches featuring teams such as Borussia Dortmund, S.L. Benfica, Manchester City, Liverpool, and AC Milan. Its versatile design allows for seamless transformations, accommodating various sporting and entertainment needs.
The stadium’s infrastructure is impressive, featuring 6,000 square feet of locker room space that’s shared between the Pittsburgh Steelers and The University of Pittsburgh Panthers (who each have individual locker room areas in addition to visitor’s lockers.) Even the grass is elite—Kentucky bluegrass, a surface players prefer over artificial turf.
Looking ahead, Acrisure Stadium continues to attract major events. According to WTAE-TV, AC/DC will bring their “Power Up” tour to the venue in May, returning to national touring after nearly a decade.
Final thoughts
For over two decades, Steelers Nation knew it as Heinz Field. Since the naming rights were acquired by insurance brokerage firm Acrisure in 2022 they’ve known it by a different name. While the name may be different, the stadium’s heart and soul remain the same.
Fans who are interested can take advantage of offseason guided tours. Visitors can explore the locker rooms, press box, and FedEx Great Hall. These tours give fans a behind-the-scenes look at one of the NFL’s most iconic venues, with plenty of historical memorabilia on display. If you’re there on game day, tailgating is a beloved tradition for Steelers fans. You can soak in the pregame atmosphere in designated areas surrounding the stadium.
Acrisure Stadium is more than just the Steelers’ home —it’s a beloved landmark in Pittsburgh. From its high NFL stadium rankings to its commitment to fan safety, emergency preparedness, and spectacular events, it is essential to the city’s identity. For Steelers fans, it’s home.
Next time you walk through those gates, remember that you’re stepping into a landmark as resilient and spirited as Pittsburgh. Here’s hoping for 22 more years of history.
Fan Friday: 4 amazing facts every Steelers fan should know about Acrisure Stadium appeared first on Steel City Underground.