Steelers' Van Jefferson Trying To Recreate The Work Habits Of The Great Antonio Brown

The Pittsburgh Steelers boasted one of the league's most potent offenses when wide receiver Antonio Brown was in his prime. Brown enjoyed one of the greatest runs ever by a wide receiver in Pittsburgh, finishing his NFL career with 928 receptions for 12,291 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns in 146 games. The bulk of his impressive production came during his time with the Steelers.

Brown's journey to greatness was unexpected, as he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. However, he emerged as one of the greatest receivers in Steelers history and was on track to be one of the best to ever play. Unfortunately, Brown's tenure with the Steelers ended on a sour note, tarnishing his legacy somewhat. Despite this, his exceptional talent and work ethic remain a significant part of Pittsburgh's football culture.

Now, Steelers' new wide receiver Van Jefferson is tasked with helping to fill the void left by Diontae Johnson's trade. Jefferson arrives in Pittsburgh with a significant opportunity, and he's determined to make the most of it. After a training camp session on Saturday, Jefferson spoke with Steelers reporter Mike DeFabo, revealing that he's drawing inspiration from a secret he learned from Brown to improve his game.

It's well known that to improve, you need to put in extra reps, and Brown was never afraid to do just that. His former teammates and coaches consistently praised his work ethic. Much of Brown's drive came from being overlooked in the draft; he was determined to prove his doubters wrong.

Jefferson's drive and dedication are evident as he works to elevate his performance and secure a crucial role in the Steelers' offense. Learning from one of the best in Brown, even if indirectly, provides Jefferson with valuable insights and techniques that could propel him to new heights. 

As he steps into a more prominent position, Jefferson hopes to bring some of Brown's brilliance back to the field, helping to reignite the Steelers' offensive spark. Fans are eager to see how Jefferson's potential unfolds. Hearing that Jefferson is using a method of Brown's shows how serious he is about making an impact in 2024.

The Steelers' wide receiver room has been a major topic of concern this offseason, but some close to the team feel these worries are overstated. They have confidence in George Pickens, a standout talent known for his big-play ability. Pickens is expected to be a major weapon for the Steelers' offense.

Steelers Have A Lot Of Depth At Wide Receiver

In addition to Pickens, Pittsburgh has brought in a group of speedy, under-the-radar wide receivers, all vying for an opportunity to shine. It's a competitive group, and while some doubt the depth of the Steelers' receiving corps, Jefferson believes he has the potential to surprise fans and be a significant contributor in 2024. 

The Steelers certainly have options at wide receiver, but the question remains: Can a few players beyond Pickens step up and exceed expectations in the upcoming season? The team's success may hinge on these receivers rising to the occasion and proving their worth on the field.

Jefferson joined the Steelers after a challenging season with the Los Angeles Rams, which led to his trade to the Atlanta Falcons in the middle of the 2023 season. In his time with the Falcons, Jefferson started only five of the 12 games he played. 

He was targeted 28 times, making 12 receptions for 101 yards and no touchdowns. His best season came in 2021, when he recorded 802 receiving yards on 50 catches, along with six touchdowns. Jefferson hopes to surpass his 2021 performance in his first year with Pittsburgh, aiming to make a significant impact on the Steelers' offense.

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