Steelers' Zach Gentry Takes Hilarious Turn On GMFB And Roasts Social Media Team And TE1 Pat Freiermuth

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Zach Gentry in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Michigan. Gentry worked his way into the starting lineup in 2021 and 2022 as the second tight end in the Steelers’ offense. Omar Khan elected to re-sign Gentry this offseason to a one-year contract for $1.4 million dollars to return to the black and gold as a tight end and a budding social media star.

Gentry and Pat Freiermuth have demonstrated their gift for comedy with the Grillin' N' Chillin' podcasts that started to gain popularity during training camp last summer. Gentry is the Lou Costello to Freiermuth’s Bud Abbot and his comfort in front of the camera has not gone unnoticed by the Steelers social media team. They tapped Gentry to star in the team’s schedule release video for 2023.

Good Morning Football on the NFL Network also took notice of Gentry and the Steelers’ creative video. It might not have been as funny as the Tennessee Titans’ viral effort, but it earned him an appearance on the popular morning program on Friday. Jamie Erdahl, the host of the show, asked the Steelers tight end how he became involved in the video.

“It was the social media team here,” Gentry confirmed. "They want to have something exciting and fun for the people to watch. They didn’t meet all of my requirements. I wanted just one color of M and M’s and wanted a couple of different specific things. 

It was a tough work environment, I’m actually kind of impressed with how it turned out, despite all of the hardships I personally had to go through.”

Those who are not familiar with Gentry’s deadpan style should not be alarmed. He is prone to roasting his guests and a sealed package of hot dogs on a fake grill during his screen time. Gentry did not have any packages of hot dogs on hand, but it didn’t slow him down. Jason McCourty, one of the co-hosts and a former longtime New England Patriots defensive back, asked him if he had any previous acting experience that he could draw on.

“No previous acting experience,” Gentry smirked. “Which is not really a surprise to very many people. I was kind of approached about the Grillin' N' Chillin' and all that stuff. I think basically just because I’m a goofballer in the facility. I take things pretty lightly; I like to have fun around the staff and the people here.”

Kyle Brandt, who is predicting a return to the playoffs for the 2023 Steelers team, complimented the social media departments across the NFL and then theorized there was a Nick Saban-esque feeling about how they all were going to top themselves. Brandt asked who else in the Steelers organization might be willing to show up and be silly for next year’s version.

“Who is the most likely,” Brandt queried. “And who would be least likely and why is it, Mike Tomlin?”

Gentry chuckled at the leading question. He is only under contract for one more season in Pittsburgh and with the arrival of Darnell Washington, he is likely to drop to the third tight end sooner rather than later. After a brief moment of thought, the Steelers veteran replied with his tongue firmly in his cheek.

“Most likely, oh gosh, I don’t know if I could give you one,” Gentry concluded. “I’d consider making a cameo in the next one. I can tell you for sure, least likely, Pat Freiermuth had a cameo in this one, but that guy, he contributes nothing to our show at all. I love that guy to death, he’s my best friend, but I mean that guy is just stale, and he sits there and expects a lot from me. He gets half the credit, but it’s fine. 

Mike Tomlin will not be in the video; I’ve been trying to get him on Grillin' N' Chillin' and I think that is going to happen this year.”  

Gentry made full use of the opportunity to subtly plead his case to remain in Pittsburgh long-term. Volunteering for the social media team projects is a little unconventional as a method to stick with the team, but after enduring a position change from quarterback to tight end in college, it just might be an effective tool to keep donning a black and gold uniform in the fall.

Steelers Tight End Zach Gentry Steals The Show In Grillin' N' Chillin' Interview

The Steelers tight end drew rave reviews from the Good Morning Football crew and demonstrated to a national audience that he has a future in front of the camera. If football or broadcasting does not work out, stand-up comedy might be a viable alternative. Gentry will have to be content with his current job for now, blocking for Najee Harris and catching Kenny Pickett’s passes this fall.

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you find Gentry funny and did you enjoy the Steelers schedule release video? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.