Steelers' Nate Herbig Arrived To Camp Wearing A Shirt That Appalled Ramon Foster

Pittsburgh Steelers players and coaches have arrived in Latrobe, Pennsylvania at St. Vincent College for the start of training camp. The check-in process that happens the day before the actual camp begins feels a little like Christmas morning. It gives the media and fans their first real access to players as they check into their dorm rooms and signals the official start of a new season. 

Every NFL team does training camp a bit differently. Some teams just work out at their facilities like the Cincinnati Bengals and some teams go to entirely different states like the Dallas Cowboys who travel to California. The Steelers have been using the St. Vincent campus for 57 years, first beginning in 1966, except for 2020 and 2021 when COVID required them to be at Heinz Field. 

While there are always some offseason interviews and podcasts with players, training camp provides the first organized access to the players. As players began to arrive, social media was flooded with photos and videos. We saw everything from unloading their vehicles, talking about who had the biggest TV, and who brings the best snacks (I hear Alex Highsmith likes Skinny Pop). There was a bit of drama trying to get a massage chair into the building for the specialists and an Uber driver had the best fare of his life getting Broderick Jones safely to camp. 

It wasn't all fun and games though. There was also talk about the upcoming season and issues that impact the players. Running back Najee Harris spoke in defense of other backs in the league and said while he is happy in Pittsburgh, he is concerned about the way running backs are undervalued. Quarterback Kenny Pickett was asked about how much input he is allowed to give the most despised man in Pittsburgh, offensive coordinator Matt Canada. And, of course, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about positional battles.       

While serious topics do come up, it is, for the most part, a day of levity. Players are eager and excited about the new season. The media and fans are just glad football is back. The photos and videos that are sent out mostly just to reinforce those elated emotions. However, there was one person checking in that wore a shirt that struck a former player the wrong way. 

Former Steelers OG Ramon Foster Not Too Happy With Nate Herbig's Shirt

One of the players reporting at St. Vincent was Nate Herbig. Herbig was acquired during the offseason after spending a year with the New York Jets. Herbig, who is a guard, is entering his fifth year in the NFL and his first in Pittsburgh. He was an undrafted free agent as a rookie, signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Since his first day in the Steel City, Herbig has shown a lighthearted exuberance that immediately won fans over. He became a bit of a hero when he announced at his first press conference that he would play punter, he'd play anywhere the team needed him. Herbig has a tremendous personality and an even bigger presence, both were on display during check-in. 

But what really bothered former player Ramon Foster was Herbig's shirt. Foster, who also played offensive guard, now co-hosts a podcast called The Ramon Foster Show with reporter Dejan Kovacevic. The show, which airs on DK Pittsburgh Sports, is very popular and the two discuss a variety of Steelers and football-related topics.  

The shirt in question said, "Happy To Be Here." Photos of Herbig in his shirt went a bit viral with most people finding it endearing. The sentiment from most seemed to be that we are happy to have him and he is happy to be here - a match made in heaven. But Foster wouldn't have worn that shirt if it was the last shirt on earth.   

"I will say this about the older Herbig, Nate. Nate has that shirt on, just to give you a little insight on how Coach T or coaches operate too, I'd never wear that shirt to camp."

While it might be true and it might be a nice idea, Foster thinks the shirt sends the wrong message. While everyone is thrilled football is back, the players are there to do a job. No matter what else happens you can't forget football is a business. 

"That happy to be here? I'd never wear that. All you need is one, maybe two bad practices or a bad game and some coach or some p**ck, somebody in the building, at a moment will be like, 'This is what happens when you're just happy to be here.' And I'd lose it, DK. I'd never wear that, that's the end of that shirt."

It brings up an interesting point, it does on the outside seem like a fun and harmless thing to wear. But it also sounds exactly like something Coach Tomlin would recall at a later date to use to poke at a player. 

What do you think about the shirt? Do you think Foster is right or is he overreacting? Despite the fact that it seems to accurately portray Herbig's larger-than-life personality, does it also send the message that he isn't serious? Click to comment below. 

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