Daily Links: Goodell Given Rooney Award, Steelers WRs 17th-Best?

Mike Clay of ESPN ranked the Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver corps of Diontae Johnson, George Pickens and Allen Robison II 17th in the league, which was right ahead of the Baltimore Ravens’ improved receiving core that includes Odell Beckham Jr. and rookie Zay Flowers, and right behind Chase Claypool and the Chicago Bears’ group.

The Cincinnati Bengals, who have an elite trio of Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, were ranked No. 1. The Cleveland Browns’ receiving corps ranked 21st.

🏈 Warren Sharp: The Steelers scored just 51 total points on the first drive of either half last year, which ranked seventh-worst in the league. The New York Jets ranked dead last (23 total points), while the Philadelphia Eagles ranked No. 1 (113 total points).

🏈 Art Rooney II and his brother Jim presented The Ireland Funds Dan Rooney Ambassador Award to NFL commissioner Rodger Goodell on Monday night. The Dan Rooney Ambassador Award is “given to an individual who reflects Rooney’s leadership, love of Pittsburgh and contribution to the community.”

I was joined by my brother, @Steelers President Art Rooney & @cfottrell presenting the @TheIrelandFunds Dan Rooney Ambassador Award to @NFL & @nflcommish. This years event was the most successful in the Funds history. Thanks to all who supported such a special night.☘️🕊️ pic.twitter.com/842iiwesDq

— Jim Rooney (@ADiffWay2Win) May 8, 2023

📅 Born on this date, May 9, 1930 in Marion, Arkansas, Willie McClung played offensive tackle for three seasons for the Steelers from 1955-57.

McClung joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M in 1955 and immediately joined the starting lineup. He played in 12 games as a rookie, making nine starts, while primarily playing defensive tackle.

McClung started all 12 games in 1956, but then moved to offensive tackle in 1957, starting seven games there. McClung was known as one of the strongest players on the team.

The Steelers traded McClung to the Cleveland Browns before the 1958 season. He played two seasons in Cleveland, two more with the Detroit Lions and one season in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats before his retirement.

After his football days ended, McClung served on Pittsburgh’s Planning Commission and founded McClung Transportation in Lawrenceville, which operated a fleet of school buses. He and his wife, Joan, had three children. McClung died in 2002 at the age of 72.

Steelers OT Willie McClung

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt softball coach Jodi Hermanek is out after five losing seasons.

West Virginia Sports Now: Bob Huggins is in hot water after using an anti-gay slur in a radio interview on Monday.

Nittany Sports Now: Pitt WR Zion Fowler takes a shot at Penn State not scheduling the Panthers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It’s pick No. 14 for the Penguins in the 2023 NHL Draft.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Stopper: Mitch Keller’s complete game shutout, Bucs’ first since 2018, stopped the Pirates‘ seven-game slide.

Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Ahead of his team’s U.S. Open Cup tie on Tuesday, Riverhounds coach Bob Lilley talked about the time he almost work for the New England Revolution.