It was a day for cryptic Tweets from Pittsburgh Steelers players and Ben Roethlisberger sounded off on NIL and the state of college football on his podcast.
? No one is within 38 targets of Diontae Johnson on the historical leaderboard with no scoring plays in a season. After hauling in eight touchdowns last year, Johnson shockingly had zero touchdowns on 147 targets in 2022. Michael Timpson of the Chicago Bears in 1995 (109) is second on the list.
? Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan is baffled that the Steelers haven’t fired Matt Canada yet, especially since the Washington Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Scott Turner on Tuesday. “Washington just fired its offensive coordinator. Averaged 19 points per game. Steelers averaged 18 points per game. Matt Canada is still employed. Please tell me why,” Fillipponi tweeted.
? Pat Freiermuth (75.5) was the highest-graded Steelers offensive player in 2022 (minimum 400 snaps), according to Pro Football Focus. PFF had Cam Heyward (89.7) as the Steelers highest-graded defensive player.
? Ben Roethlisberger is not fond of the transfer portal and NIL (name, image and likeness) in college football. “I think what the transfer portal is doing is it’s creating a lack of competitive spirit,” Roethlisberger said on his Footbahlin podcast. “If all of a sudden they recruit a guy in your sophomore year and it’s your turn, your chance to play, and they recruit a freshman to come and he’s highly recruited, ‘Well, I’m just going to transfer, because he’s going to get the job.’ Well, what about trying to beat the dude out? What about like busting your butt to say, ‘No, that’s my job?’ Give it a chance to try and fight for your job, don’t just all of a sudden, ‘Well, I got nothing else to do, I’m just gonna transfer.’” In regards to NIL, Roethlisberger finds it mind-blowing that there are college players who are making more money than some guys in the NFL.
? Diontae Johnson cryptically tweeted on Tuesday, “Ain gone say to much… but stay tuned.” What Johnson was referring to is anyone’s guess. Kevin Dotson had one, too.
— 🌚 6iG9asty🕺🏿😈 (@kdd7696) January 10, 2023
? Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft. Johnson is projected to be a top-10 pick.
? Tyson Alualu’s son, Tyree, received his first Division 1 offer from Oregon. Tyree Alualu is a rising senior inside linebacker at North Allegheny.
? On Tuesday, the Steelers announced donations to the Homeless Children’s Education Fund and Community Kitchen as part of the organization’s social justice fund initiative to help support community efforts. Najee Harris donated $10,000 and a group of players donated another $12,933, which were both matched by the team.
? In an effort to keep the Bears downtown, the City of Chicago has released a video showcasing its proposed $2.2 billion renovation to Soldier Field.
? The Arizona Cardinals surprised J.J. Watt before his final game with a video of his family and players from around the NFL congratulating him on a Hall of Fame career. Watt instantly broke down when his brother T.J. started to speak.
The #Cardinals surprised JJ Watt before his final game with a video of his family and players from around the NFL congratulating him on a Hall of Fame career.
Watt couldn't keep it together. Get some tissues for this one.
(🎥 @NFL)pic.twitter.com/xsDmUowoAp
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 10, 2023
? Happy birthday 33rd birthday to former Steelers guard David DeCastro, born this day in Bellevue, Washington in 1990. DeCastro finished his career in 2020, having made six consecutive Pro Bowl squads.
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STEELERS SCHEDULE
? The Steelers will continue their exit interviews, locker clean-out and other break-up activities.
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