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A Thanksgiving tribute to the black and gold
Thanksgiving has come at a perfect time for Steelers fans. It’s been a week of negativity and doubt, and a lot of us, myself included, could find some room for graciousness and appreciation. Today reminds me that this season has been a blast so far, and no matter how far we go into the post-season, it will soon be another Steelers memory. So, I want to appreciate this season while it’s still here. This is what I’m thankful for as a Steelers fan this year.
Mike Tomlin
I’m most thankful to have Mike Tomlin as the head coach of my favorite football team. His wisdom has applications beyond sports and his leadership style could be taught in textbooks. Somehow his achievement of no losing seasons has become a cliche or punchline when it’s remarkable. I’m obviously thankful for his two Super Bowl appearances and one victory. I’m just as gracious to watch meaningful football every December and January for 18 years and counting. He connects with players in ways that make them want to play in Pittsburgh. As recently as this past off-season, Russell Wilson, Patrick Queen, and DeShon Elliott each said he was a factor in their decision to become Steelers. He’s admired by every person with whom he comes in contact, from Smokey Robinson to GloRila. When so many of the people we put on pedestals fall short, Tomlin’s leadership is inspiring not just to his players but also to his fans and admirers. His time as head coach will end one day, so I want to appreciate him during Pittsburgh’s best season in four years.
Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt
I’m thankful to watch two future Hall of Famers and their chase for greatness. As the iconic defenses of 2007-2011 become further a part of the past, I want to live in the moment now and appreciate the latest generation of the Steel Curtain tradition. Watt is on pace to become the Steelers’ statistically greatest defender of all time. He’s only missing the playoff success. Heyward is the most beloved member of the team, and he’s still underappreciated. Very few Heyward jerseys are visible in the crowd on game day. When he wanted an extension, some said make him prove it. Now he’s proven it by not just meeting the challenge but exceeding it.
Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, and Payton Wilson
In the seven years since Ryan Shazier played his last game in the black and gold, the inside linebackers have not measured up to the athletes of the position’s past. For the first time since then, the room is a strength, with each person contributing in specific and significant ways.
Dan Moore Jr.
I’m thankful for this fourth-round pick who was thrown into the fire as a rookie, tasked with protecting an aging quarterback, who has quietly amassed 60 NFL starts and counting, plus three post-season starts. Many fans have been down on Moore his entire career, but when Troy Fautanu got hurt and Broderick Jones took a step back, he has been a constant veteran source of stability. In October, PFF said he might be a candidate for the most improved player of the year.
Najee Harris
Najee Harris had every reason to phone it in this season. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option, putting his future in Pittsburgh in doubt. He lost his status as captain a year ago. Some fans and critics wanted to see less of him in the huddle and more of Jaylen Warren. Members of the media say he’s not easy to talk to. He could have easily become a low-effort distraction. Instead, he’s on pace to become the first Steelers rusher to start his career with four 1,000-yard seasons. He’s 363 yards away from becoming fifth on Pittsburgh’s all-time rushing list. He also has more total yards in his first four seasons than any Steelers running back besides Le’Veon Bell. And I’m most thankful that he’s been available every single game of his career.
Donte Jackson
I’m a big believer in Omar Khan, but when he traded Diontae Johnson for Donte Jackson, I was the biggest skeptic. Despite the narratives that Johnson was a bad teammate and the straight-up fan fiction that he had too many drops or frequently ran backward, he was a top ten all-time Steelers receiver in yards, and top five all-time in receptions and targets. However, Jackson has proved to be a very reliable addition to the defense. His four interceptions already match his single-season best. His 53.2 completion percentage allowed this season is a career-best, as is his 53.1 pass rating allowed. Pittsburgh now has its strongest starting secondary since arguably 2011.
What you thankful for this year as a Steelers fan?