The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted tight end Heath Miller in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Coming from Richlands, Virginia, and having played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers, Miller found himself in an exciting situation when he entered Pittsburgh.
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Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Heath Miller talk during a home game in Pittsburgh.
Miller was thrilled to join the Steelers because Pittsburgh reminded him of his hometown. Additionally, he was excited about the opportunity to play with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had been drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft. The two developed incredible chemistry, forming a dynamic duo in Pittsburgh. Over his 11-season career with the Steelers, Miller recorded 592 receptions for 6,569 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns.
Miller attributes much of his success in Pittsburgh to Roethlisberger. He recently appeared on the Green Light podcast to share stories from his time with the Steelers, emphasizing how perfect the situation was for him when he was drafted by Pittsburgh.
"In my part of Virginia, when I was growing up, it was big coal country," said Miller. "My family did not, but a lot of people in the area worked in the coal mines. That's how they made their living. It's very blue-collar. You're known for your reputation. Everybody knows everybody, so your reputation means a lot in those small towns.”
Miller explained how his hometown was similar to Pittsburgh, although it lacked the big-city atmosphere that Pittsburgh offers. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to perform for the passionate Steelers fans throughout his career.
"So when I went to Pittsburgh, it was honestly the perfect fit. Pittsburgh, I've always called it a small town with the big-city amenities. The whole city rallies around their sports teams. They value guys who come to work and work hard. It's obviously a steel-mill town, so those values are a part of Pittsburgh's core. So for me, I couldn't think of a better place for me to play football.”
Steelers fans are known as some of the best in all of sports. The city passionately supports its beloved teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and of course, the Steelers. Playing for the Steelers is a special opportunity that many players would love to have. Staying in Pittsburgh for an entire career, as Miller did, is even more remarkable.
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A plethora of Steelers fans wave the famous Terrible Towel during a home football game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Miller was named to two Pro Bowl teams and helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls. Many fans fondly remember Roethlisberger throwing touchdown passes to Miller and the crowd chanting his name. Miller was beloved during his time in Pittsburgh; whenever he caught a football, even for negative yardage, the fans would chant his name. This created a unique bond between Miller and the Steelers faithful.
Steelers Tight End Pat Freiermuth Is Expected To Have A Big 2024 Season
Even after Miller retired, Steelers fans continued to chant his name, much to his amusement, although he felt a bit bad for the tight end who made the catch. Now, the Steelers have young tight end Pat Freiermuth, who hears his name chanted when he makes a grab.
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Former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (#8) throws to Pat Freiermuth (#88) in the middle of the field in Cincinnati, OH.
Freiermuth was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He was fortunate enough to catch passes from Roethlisberger in his rookie season, scoring seven touchdowns. In the following two seasons, Freiermuth battled injuries and inconsistent quarterback play, scoring just four touchdowns combined in 2022 and 2023.
As the Steelers look forward to the 2024 season, they hope Freiermuth will have the breakout season many are expecting with improved quarterback play and a new system. While no one can replace Miller, Freiermuth aims to make his mark in 2024.
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