New Steelers DL Dean Lowry Opens Up About His Most Intense Moment In Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers lived in headlines throughout the entire 2024 offseason. Whether it was signing a top free agent like Patrick Queen, adding two exciting quarterbacks in Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, or trading away Diontae Johnson - the countless moves didn't go unnoticed. One more move that did fly under the radar was bringing in Dean Lowry, who is a veteran defensive lineman that was a consistent starter in the league for about six seasons.

Lowry is now on his third team, having begun his career with a long stint with the Green Bay Packers, and then a one-year stop with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. He's been around the league a bit, and has seen many different practices under three different head coaches. He spoke to the media after practice on Wednesday about returning to full health and what practices have been like with the Steelers.

"I’ll say this: the [night] practice at Latrobe Memorial Stadium was probably the most intense practice I’ve ever seen firsthand. I haven't been part of a team that’s tackled live, I don't think, my whole career in the NFL — unless it’s a developmental period with young guys. I was blown away by that atmosphere."

Lowry of course is referring to the Steelers annual Friday Night Lights practice. The practice is a spectacle for fans, and it really shows off the community that the Steelers have built for themselves in Western Pennsylvania. The stadium is usually overfilled with fans, and the practice is one of the most intense ones of training camp. These sessions are usually very physical, and focus on pure competition. There's an increased amount of team periods, while one-on-ones and backs on backers usually invite some aggressiveness. 

During Lowry's first Friday Night Lights experience, he saw a clash between the running backs and linebackers. Things got chippy between the top two players the Steelers have at each position. Queen and Elandon Roberts got in a shoving match with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, which eventually had to get broken up by others. 

Lowry wasn't practicing yet, as he was still on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) list - which delayed his start to training camp. He didn't get on the field until the last week, which shouldn't be too concerning as long as he is fully healthy. He is a veteran going into his ninth season and knows how to make sure he is properly prepared for a new league year. 

The lineman adds some experienced depth to the defensive line. Both Cam Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi have had some injuries within the last year, and he is currently sitting behind them. Lowry is no superstar, but has been able to produce. He should be described as more of a run stopper, as he has recorded over 260 tackles in 84 career starts.

Steelers Are Expecting Big Things From The Defensive Line In 2024

Steelers have made a few moves on the defensive side of the ball since the end of the 2023 season. Queen made the biggest splash at linebacker, and then Donte Jackson and DeShon Elliott were both added in the secondary. The defensive line looks the same for the most part, aside from some depth like Lowry and second-year player Keeanu Benton stepping into a larger role. 

Benton was exceptional during his rookie season and Heyward has looked impressive so far in camp. Ogunjobi just needs to put together a fully successful season without worrying about any injuries. The unit has a chance to be one of the best in the league, especially when you pair them with the pass-rushing duo they have on the outside. The Pittsburgh defense should be stifling in 2024, but it all starts with the big men up front.

What do you think about Lowry's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!

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