Steelers' Heath Miller Inspired A Super Bowl MVP To Step Up His Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers made major changes over the offseason in an effort to improve the team and reach their ultimate goal: winning a seventh Lombardi Trophy. They brought in new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, and improved the offensive line. So far, their efforts are paying off as the team stands at 4-2.

The six Super Bowls the Steelers have won in the past mean that the franchise knows exactly how much hard work goes into that kind of success. One former player, wide receiver Santonio Holmes, recently joined another former Steelers player, linebacker Arthur Moats, on his podcast The Arthur Moats Experience. Moats asked Holmes about the current number one receiver in the Steel City, George Pickens.

Holmes said that Pickens has incredible talent, and no one can deny that, but more than just God-given ability makes him so good. It is also thanks to his hard work. That allows him to replicate what he does in games. Holmes said that it was familiar to him. He often tells the story of his famous Super Bowl catch, the one that helped earn him MVP honors, and how he and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger practiced that end zone toe-tap catch over and over in practice. He also told Moats that while he was always dedicated, he learned to hone the art of hard work from his teammate, tight end Heath Miller. 

He witnessed Miller running back and forth from the huddle during every play. It didn't matter if it was only practice. That led Holmes to ask him why he does that, why he doesn't take his time like the other guys. Miller told him he had to get ready for the next play. What if he had to block a guy? He needed to be ready in his correct place. 

"I played with a guy by the name of Heath Miller. Heath set the bar so high for tight ends and even for myself. I started thinking about how successful he had become because of his attitude at practice, and it showed on game day. So, I adopted that mentality. I adopted that understanding. I started running and jogging every day after practice, and during practice. Heath was down the field on every block, on every long play, every deep play because that guy did not care about his body. He wanted to sacrifice for the team, but he did that every day in practice, so when it showed up on the game field, this is what teamwork looks like. This is what hard work looks like. That's how you build a championship team."

Holmes said that Miller taught him that what you do consistently, shows up on the field on game day. He saw how Miller hustled -- even in practice. He never reduced the intensity, making him one of the best in the world.  

Miller was legendary for his humility and hard work. He helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls, was selected for two Pro Bowls, and was the team's MVP in 2012. He wasn't as flashy as Rob Gronkowski, so he doesn't always get the credit he deserves outside of Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Subject Of Constant Comparison

It was inevitable that when Pittsburgh drafted Pat Freiermuth, he would spend a large part of his career being compared to Miller. Even their cheers from the fans sound similar: "Heeeeath" and "Muuuuth." However, like most comparisons, it is an unfair one. 

They are about the same size, 6'5" and about 258 pounds each, but the way they play is less so. Miller was the master of doing it all, blocking and catching. But Freiermuth is still working on his blocking skills. The two have one thing in common, however: their heart and determination. Freiermuth has repeatedly shown that he is determined to improve his game.

The Steelers recently let Freiermuth know just how much they appreciate his efforts by signing him to a four-year $48.4 million contract extension. 

Are you surprised to hear that Miller inspired Holmes? Click to comment below. 

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