Pittsburgh Steelers' Offensive Weapons Gather In Florida To Train Together

Heading into the 2022 NFL season, the forecast was cloudy for the Pittsburgh Steelers. For the first time in 18 years, Ben Roethlisberger would no longer be spearheading the offense. Roethlisberger left behind one of the youngest NFL offenses in the hands of either Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph. In addition to a new quarterback, the entire offensive unit was full of new faces.

Steelers Former GM Kevin Colbert Went Out With A Bang

Kevin Colbert, former Steelers’ general manager of 21 years, set the team up for success prior to his retirement. Colbert, as well as team owner Dan Rooney, are given significant credit for assembling two Super Bowl winning teams. Colbert’s 2022 NFL Draft class is headlined by former University of Pittsburgh quarterback, Pickett, and former standout receiver from University of Georgia, George Pickens. In addition to the dynamic duo, noteworthy draft picks included defensive end DeMarvin Leal, receiver Calvin Austin III and tight end Connor Heyward. 

The black and gold were able to overcome a 2-6 start and bounce back in a big way following the Week 9 bye. Led by Pickett, the Steelers finished the season 9-8 and ended on a high note with four straight wins. Yinzers were devastated as the Steelers were knocked out of playoff contention right as they were gaining momentum. Following the season, runningback Najee Harris spoke on the future of the team:

"We're young, but we're also really talented, and I think that for us to come together through all that adversity that we had early on in the year, for us to finish out the season the way we did, man, that should be motivation for us. We should be hungry for next year."

Weeks into the offseason, Pickett and company have taken to Florida to begin training for the upcoming season. Pickett, along with offensive players Diontae Johnson, Steven Sims Jr., Austin III, Heyward and Pickens haven't been shy on social media regarding the Florida reunion. Pickett is joined by quarterback coach Tony Racioppi and fellow Pittsburgh quarterback, Mitch Trubisky. Racioppi took to Twitter to showcase drills that the group is working on.

Johnson's 2022 season was not nearly as productive as expected or hoped, as he set the NFL record for most targets without a touchdown. Johnson began his career with a Hall of Fame caliber quarterback in Roethlisberger and immediately became one of his favorite targets. It's safe to say that transitioning from Roethlisberger wasn't easy for Johnson. Rumors of a feud between Trubisky and Johnson flooded the internet all season long. Pittsburgh receivers appeared overjoyed when Pickett took over for Trubisky during a Week 4 contest against the New York Jets. Johnson has praised Pickett in interviews and on social media, calling him QB1 and stating "that's my quarterback."

In addition to Johnson is Pickens, who is widely viewed as the potential new WR1 in Pittsburgh after an immediate connection with Pickett. Pickens came in hot his rookie season with 52 receptions for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns. The two look to build on that connection heading into the 2023 season.

Outside of training, the players are continuing to bond and build comradery. The future is bright in Pittsburgh, and Steeler Nation, the future is now.

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