Steelers Daily Links: JuJu Trolls Philly, A.J. Green Retires

Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster did what he does best, getting people riled up over his food opinions at the Super Bowl media day, while former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and Steelers nemesis A.J. Green has decided to hang up his cleats.

JuJu Smith-Schuster made a statement at Super Bowl media night that won’t go over well with Eagles fans. “Honestly, the best Philly Cheesesteaks are not in Philly!” Smith-Schuster also raved about Kansas City barbecue.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders said he’s used to winning because of his Pittsburgh roots. “I grew up as a Steelers fan. I am from Pittsburgh so I am used to all the winning and the championships going on,”  Sanders said at Super Bowl media night in Phoenix. Sanders went to Woodland Hills High School and played collegiately at Penn State.

Scott Kacsmar: First-team All-Pro quarterbacks are on an 0-8 Super Bowl streak since 2001. Kurt Warner of the 1999 St. Louis Rams is the last first-team All-Pro quarterback to win a Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes will try to end the drought on Sunday.

ESPNs: At a combined age of 51 years and 337 days old on Super Bowl Sunday, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will form the youngest Super Bowl starting quarterback matchup of all-time.

ESPN: Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green announced his retirement on Instagram Monday. Green was a seven-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro selection, and finished with 10,514 career receiving yards. Green in his prime was one of the best. According to Pro Football Focus, from 2011-2017, Green had the fourth-best receiver grade (92.5) — behind only Calvin Johnson (92.8), Julio Jones (93.6) and Antonio Brown (94.7).

According to CBS colleague Boomer Esiason, a team reached out to Bill Cowher during this year’s head coach hiring cycle. Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is from Pittsburgh and used to be a minority owner with the Steelers, so Carolina could have possibly been it.

Fox News Digital: T.J. Watt reflected on playing with and against his brothers in a recent interview. “I think it’s awesome. It’s something that you only dream about growing up in the same house,” the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year said. “That’s what gave me the confidence to be in the NFL – J.J. did it, Derek did it, why can’t I do it? And to be able to play against them is incredible. To be on the same team as Derek, especially these last two years… I don’t know if I’ll truly be able to understand how special it is until I’m retired and sitting down having a drink and be like, ‘Holy cow, that was really cool.’” Watt spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Invisalign as the two enter another year of being partners.

NFL Network: The Detroit Lions are hiring Scottie Montgomery as their assistant head coach. He’ll also coach the running backs. Montgomery, who most recently was the Indianapolis Colts running backs coach, is a strong and respected veteran addition to Detroit’s staff who multiple teams have had interest in. Montgomery replaces former Steelers running back Duce Staley, who is expected to reunite with Frank Reich on the Panthers staff. Montgomery was the Steelers wide receivers coach from 2010-2012. 

Baltimore Ravens: Pro Football Hall of Famer Rod Woodson stopped by The Lounge to share some exclusive stories from ESPN’s “Bullies of Baltimore” 30 for 30 documentary. The former Steelers cornerback played free safety on the legendary 2000 Ravens defense that led Baltimore to their first Super Bowl title.

It sounds like former Steelers wide receiver Sammie Coates is making a comeback. “I have decided to put the cleats back on for one more ride!” Coates tweeted. The Steelers third-round pick from 2015 hasn’t played in the NFL since 2019. His most recent stint was in 2021 with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League.

Steelers.com: Left guard Kevin Dotson sat down with Dale Lolley of Steelers.com to discuss the improvement of the offensive line and his relationship with O-line coach Pat Meyer.

The Steelers Hall of Honor Museum Artifact of the Week is Jack Butler’s playbook from the 1955 season.

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STEELERS/NFL SCHEDULE

6 p.m: Super Bowl opening night media interviews with Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs players and caches, Phoenix..

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Sports Now: With signing day in the rear view mirror, the WPIAL Class of 2024 is on deck, and it’s a good one.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: After the All-Star Break, the Penguins got back to work — with a lineup that looks very similar to what they had.

West Virginia Sports Now: WVU women’s basketball coach Mike Carey will be inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame.

Nittany Sports Now: Two coaches with Penn State ties are in the running to be the Ravens offensive coordinator.