Steelers Daily Links: Reaction to Tomlin Speech, Long MVP Drought

Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Alex Highsmith believes the Steelers could have the best defense in the NFL. Highsmith said he feels the defense “started playing our best ball at the end of the year” in 2022 and that the additions of players like veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, linebacker Elandon Roberts, safety Keanu Neal, linebacker Cole Holcomb, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr. can take them to the next level.

“I know 100 percent we can be the best defense in the NFL, especially if we all stay healthy,” Highsmith said, via the team’s website. “I am excited about the guys that we have. We have depth at almost every position. It’s been good seeing guys come together and get better and better every day. The sky is the limit for us. I am excited to see how we continue to grow.”

🏈 FanDuel took a look at every team’s last MVP. The Steelers haven’t had a League MVP since 1978, quarterback Terry Bradshaw.

Who was your favorite team's last MVP? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/psLvyrGsmU

— FanDuel (@FanDuel) June 16, 2023

🏈 The “Good Morning Football” crew reacted to Mike Tomlin’s message to Steelers players as they broke minicamp, saying  “You need to continue to be a guy on the rise.” Free-agent running back Leonard Fournette said every word that Tomlin said was true because you cannot stay the same in this league.

In a message to Steelers players HC Mike Tomlin says "You need to continue to be a guy on the rise…"

The crew comments on holding NFL veterans accountable pic.twitter.com/sgntjaS07T

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) June 16, 2023

🎂 Happy Birthday to former Steelers center and Hall of Famer Dermontti Dawson, born on June 17, 1965 in Lexington, Kentucky. Dawson was second-round pick by the Steelers out of Kentucky in the 1988 NFL Draft. Dawson would go on to play 184 games for the Black and Gold from 1988-2000, earning six first-team All-Pro nominations and seven Pro Bowls. He was named to the NFL’s 1990s All-Decade Team and is a member of the Steelers’ All-Time Team and the Steelers’ Hall of Honor.

🎥 Kenny Pickett chugged a beer on stage with country music singer Hardy at Stage AE on Thursday night. Pickett also shotgunned a beer on stage with Luke Combs at Acrisure Stadium back in April.

When ya go to the @HardyMusic concert in the Burgh and ya walk past Kenny Pickett tap his arm and say oh hey Kenny and two min later he’s on stage with Hardy … no one’s gonna believe you @steelers @stageaepittsbur #picoritdidnthappen 🤷‍♀️ pic.twitter.com/gxxuS4uUAy

— shannon c (@pghcountrygirl) June 16, 2023

AROUND THE NETWORK

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: New Penguins president Kyle Dubas has to do more than just re-build the roster.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Pirates bullpen couldn’t hold onto another lead, and the Bucs left Chicago after being swept by the Cubs.

Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt has moved all the way up to No. 8 in the Class of 2024 recruiting rankings after the commitment of Aliquippa LB Cameron Lindsey.

West Virginia Sports Now: Four-star 2024 defensive end commit Obinna Onwuka says he’s “all in” on West Virginia despite rumors to the contrary.

Nittany Sports Now: Three-star offensive lineman Deryc Plazz has de-committed from Penn State.

Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Takeaways and player grades from the Riverhounds win over Charleston.