The Pittsburgh Steelers' final season with legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ended with a postseason defeat. The Steelers were blown out by the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 42-21. It was not the ideal way for Roethlisberger to end his iconic career in Pittsburgh. However, the journey to the Wild Card game was thrilling.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger warming up prior to a game.
In the regular season finale, the Steelers faced the Baltimore Ravens. As usual, it was a close and hard-fought game. A Steelers win would keep their arch-rivals, the Ravens, out of the playoffs and give Pittsburgh a chance to make it to the postseason, with some additional help.
The Steelers triumphed 16-13, thanks to kicker Chris Boswell's game-winning field goal in overtime. The Steelers finished the season 9-7-1 and swept the Ravens for the second straight year. Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz relived the thrilling moment on his new podcast, detailing what goes through his mind when he has to deliver a perfect snap in such a tense situation.
“My rookie year, we were in Baltimore and we needed a field goal in a late rain game to make the playoffs. Two things happened and it was like a 36-yarder, but we want that kick. Not just for yourself, but for the whole team and everything. You want that ball.”
It was Kuntz's first season with the Steelers, and he described how he was ready for the moment. Kuntz actually craves those high-pressure situations where he can play a part in executing a big win. Of course, Steelers fans would prefer the game not come down to such tense moments.
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Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz looks on during a game.
Lately, the Steelers have been winning ugly. Kuntz has witnessed a lot as the long snapper on crucial field goal attempts. He is always prepared and eager for those big moments when the Steelers need him and the special teams unit to come through.
“Like I said, you know it is going to be, we have done it so many times you know, it is going to be the same ball. It is going to be the same kick and it is going to be the same hold and you just trust it. I want those snaps. It is like a resume builder.”
Kuntz believes he is not alone in craving those tense moments. He highlighted how, in the NFL, many players get released from teams and need a strong body of work to stay competitive. Those high-pressure situations provide players with a chance to build up their resume. When they need to be picked up by another team, they have a proven track record to demonstrate their worth.
“For me, I feel like you want those kicks and I would say 99% of the guys in the league are saying the same thing.”
For Kuntz, he isn't the one kicking the ball; he's the one ensuring the ball arrives safely for a successful kick.
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Steelers' Christian Kuntz looks on before a game.
Football is a game of inches, and while many fans may not fully appreciate the value of a long snapper, their role is crucial to the operation of a successful special teams unit. This is why teams dedicate a roster spot to a long snapper.
Steelers' Special Teams Unit Got Better This Offseason
Kuntz never shies away from the Steelers being in a close game. He always believes his team will come out on top because of the trust the unit has in each other. The Steelers special teams unit made some big upgrades this offseason. Steelers fans are excited to see how their new look special teams unit looks in the 2024 season.
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