Steelers' James Daniels Shares Heartbreaking Story About The Effects Of Practicing In The Heat

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their second day of practice on Friday in Latrobe, where temperatures were 89 degrees and felt like 99 degrees. This was significantly hotter than day one of training camp on Thursday. There were several Steelers players who could not complete the full day of practice, including Diontae Johnson, Connor Heyward, and DeMarvin Leal. Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed after practice that all players had heat-related issues which caused them to exit the team's practice. Steelers guard, James Daniels, shared a crushing and personal story of the effects practicing in high heat can have in a media scrum with 93.7 The Fan. 

Steelers' Daniels Has Crushing Story Of Practicing In The Heat

The Steelers signed Daniels during free agency of the 2022 NFL offseason, and he was the team's starting right guard during the 2022 season. Daniels had a successful first year in Pittsburgh, allowing zero sacks while playing 1,160 offensive snaps. He is expected to be a crucial part of the team's success and be a leader of the offensive line. After practice on Friday, Daniels was asked about the heat and how the team manages player's safety in high temperatures, he also shared a personal story about the importance of taking safety precautions in these situations. 

"There's just rules about if you lose a certain amount of weight, like we weigh-in pre-practice and post-practice just to make sure we are hydrating enough. My dad's best friend died of a heat stroke, Korey Stringer. That's why my dad's always been big on hydrating through camp."

The heat was undoubtedly in the back of Daniels' mind during practice on Friday. He went on to say that Korey Stringer lived just a couple houses down from him and his family, and how Stringer and his dad had a close relationship. Daniels said that his dad consistently texts him before and after practice to make sure his son is hydrated, which is understandable after having experienced a heat-related death so close to the family. Daniels shared that he doesn't just drink water, he tries to drink a lot of electrolytes as well to keep himself safe while practicing in high temperatures during training camp.

Stringer was an offensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings, which is where he was drafted in 1995. He played for the team until he unfortunately passed away from a heat stroke during one of the Vikings' training camp practices before the 2001 NFL season. On the day of the incident, the Vikings had two practices scheduled. Stringer was unable to complete the first practice of the day to the heat, but was determined to go back out and participate in the team's second practice of the day. He was able to complete the practice, but had a heat stroke afterwards. He was then taken to the hospital where he passed away. 

Stringer had made his first Pro Bowl the year prior, and was a promising player for the Vikings. After his passing, the team retired the number 77 in his memory and Stringer has since been inducted into the Minnesota Vikings Ring Of Honor. His passing brought about some change in the NFL and how teams are allowed to practice in certain weather conditions. Teams now follow a protocol for suspected exertional heatstroke. 

While it may be frustrating or worrisome to see Steelers players like Johnson, Heyward, and Leal having to exit practice due to heat-related injuries, it is a necessary precaution. As Daniels said, the organization does a great job monitoring player's physical exertion and hydration to prevent any issues. However, when players are practicing their hardest in 100 degree heat, it's difficult to avoid cramps and other heat-related injuries. Shutting the player down for the day is the best option to avoid any additional injuries or issues. 

What do you think of the story Daniels shared, Steeler Nation? Let us know in the comments below!

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