With temperatures and humidity levels climbing – and the threat of stormy weather on the horizon — the Pittsburgh Steelers finished their second day of training camp workouts early Friday at Chuck Noll Field in Latrobe.
Anticipated by many since last season came to a crashing halt with the playoff loss to the Ravens, the start of training camp is the moment Steeler Nation has been awaiting.
Thirteen practice sessions open to the public remain scattered over the next few weeks. Thursday was the first of four practices in helmets as defined by the powers that be in the NFL, otherwise known as acclimation day.
After Day 4, there is a mandatory day off and the real work begins in full pads Tuesday, July 29.
For many in attendance this is the only chance to view their beloved Steelers up close and personal, as a ticket to Acrisure Stadium is beyond their financial scope. On the turf the past two days, the black and gold did not disappoint.
Here are some notables from peeking around the lens of the camera on Days 1 and 2.
**DAY 1**
As in years past Steelers alumni made it a habit of swinging by camp to check on their former team, and some were even scheduled to interact with fans in the Fan Zone located above Noll Field.
Super Bowl champions Brett Keisel and Larry Brown interacted with everyone in the Fan Zone, as they had a photo station setup to grab an image with fans and share stories of their playing days.
Super heroes Ben Roethlisberger and teammate Troy Polamalu were seen on the field exchanging pleasantries with coaches and players.
Even though it was just the first day, emphasis was put on Aaron Rodgers as this was the moment the public viewed the former Super Bowl champion and multiple MVP Award winner.
At times he showed flashes of past brilliance with his quick release and uncanny knack for seeing the entire field. At other times he seemed to resemble an average run of the mill aging quarterback.
Like the opening play of the 11-on-11 drill session as Rodgers took the snap and looked to make a sharp quick throw to newcomer DK Metcalf on a seemingly routine play.
However, linebacker Patrick Queen, in his second year with the club, had another idea. Queen cut off Metcalf’s route and promptly intercepted Rodgers’ first pass of training camp to the horror of those in attendance.
Relax folks, that’s what happens when you have two veteran NFLers playing together for the first year. Remember, it’s only Day 1 and there is much work to be accomplished.
When asked about his performance, especially his first pass attempt on Day 1 Rodgers responded with a loud laugh and said, “I’m going to throw some picks, but I’m going to throw some touchdowns too.”
T.J. Watt appeared to be his normal self after inking his historic contract and was all business during every drill, coming into camp in remarkable shape. Running back Kaleb Johnson, who is on everyone’s camp watch list and is expected to pay huge dividends, had an amazing first day. Johnson stood head and shoulders above the running back crowd, displaying dazzling runs with his quick burst of speed through tight defensive holes.
On one play, Johnson burst through a hole and went untouched for a 40-yard gain. A gifted runner with impressive acceleration and speed that builds, Johnson appears to be the power back the offense has been lacking for so many years.
Mike Tomlin said he liked what he saw, saying, “He is highly conditioned and that helps development.
“When you’re in really good shape, you can take additional reps, and reps equals getting better. So he has handled the first leg of it. He’s come in here in really good shape. He’s really engaged and obviously he’s got some talent. You saw that today.”
It has been said that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Sometimes in the world of sports a good first impression is meaningless.
However, first-round pick defensive lineman Derrick Harmon did just that, leaving a last good first impression on Day 1.
In the team run drill the newcomer had a minimum of four tackles for loss and one pass deflection, looking very impressive by all accounts. Harmon was all over the field and seemed very comfortable in attacking portions of the drill, which seems to be his best attribute. Easy to say with full pads on; however, the coaching staff had to like what they saw.
Another newcomer to the Steeler fold is Jalen Ramsey, who showed his versatility by playing three different positions during assorted drills. Ramsey played safety, nickel and outside cornerback. Tomlin noted at his arrival day press conference the defense would play a lot more man coverage this year. This rings true as Ramsey was all over the field traveling with other players regardless of the formation.
Speaking about Ramsey, Tomlin said, “Get your cameras ready. You’re going to see him in a lot of places.”
The marquee Day 1 matchup was Joey Porter Jr. lining up in coverage against Metcalf. Perhaps that cover scheme was planned to see how well Porter responded. In Porter’s rookie season Metcalf gave him fits when they were on opposing teams. Retribution time, you might say.
Lastly it appears as if Payton Wilson arrived at camp with a bit of a grudge and a severe chip on his shoulder. Wilson proclaimed himself one of the best coverage linebackers in football. Pretty bold statement from a virtually unproven member of the defense.
As far as Day 1 injuries are concerned, Tomlin said there were only normal bumps and bruises associated with the first day, and nothing of any significance worth mentioning.
**DAY 2**
The three major notables from the second day of training camp: the trade, the weather and the play of Rodgers, the ageless wonder.
The Steelers signed former Ravens safety Chuck Clark and waived defensive tackle Domenique Davis. Clark will wear No. 21.
Originally drafted in the sixth round in 2017 by the Ravens, Clark is used to playing in the AFC North. He wore Ravens colors through 2022 before being traded to the New York Jets in 2023. A torn ACL caused him to miss that entire season, but he started 12 games in 2024, giving him 75 career NFL starts.
After a lackluster first day in a Steelers uniform under the public eye, Rodgers showed off a younger version of his quarterback abilities, throwing darts to receivers who scampered to get open.
Rodgers’ biggest toss of the day was a 30-yard strike to receiver Calvin Austin III, who ripped up the right side of the field past Porter to haul in the throw.
The second practice day was cut short as it was called around 35 minutes early due to storms as thunder rumbled through Unity Township in Westmoreland County.
Tomlin said he wanted to get the team back on the field and finish Friday’s session, but a closer look at the Doppler radar prompted team officials to call it a day.
Photos by Mike Longo Jr.
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