Steelers' Ben Skowronek Sees Insult When Opponents Single Cover Him: "View It As Disrespect"

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Ben Skowronek at the end of August, just before the 2024 regular season began. As a seventh-round pick from 2021 who was now on his third team, he wasn’t getting much attention. That was especially true because the fan base was still praying the team was planning to bring a more elite receiver in to be the number two behind George Pickens. While Skowronek might not be that guy, he is making an impact and getting the attention of other teams, and that’s just how he likes it.  

Recently, Skowronek joined his teammate, long snapper Christian Kuntz, on his show, The Christian Kuntz Podcast. The fourth-year player told Kuntz that he always knew he wanted to be a professional athlete, but didn’t fully understand where he wanted to play until he got to the pros. 

While he has taken some snaps in Pittsburgh as a receiver, it’s only been about 15%. Skowronek is primarily known for his work on special teams, playing 55% of snaps. He said his job has evolved since he's been in the league. While he played some special teams in college, he said the way the unit works between college and the pros is very different. He mainly played scout personal protector with the Los Angeles Rams. But their coach switched him to gunner for his third season. Skowronek said most fans don’t realize how challenging that position is, but he loves it. 

“During that training camp, I learned it, and it’s like an art, just learning the rushes,” explained Skowronek. “That’s what you study all day. That’s my prep. My preparation is a lot different when I’m at gunner. When I’m at gunner, I don’t care about the interior. I know I’m gonna get doubled most of the time, and I watch like how they play the doubles. When I get a single, I almost view it as disrespect. I like to be doubled. It just shows me they’re looking at me.”

Skowronek said that his former special teams coach used to tell him if you are getting single blocks, then you are no good, and that message has stuck with him. He said he doesn’t mind having to beat double blocks because 90% of playing successfully on special teams is your mindset. There are techniques and skills you learn along the way, but they are different from offense or defense. 

He said many people don’t realize how hard it is to play on the front lines on special teams. That is one of the most challenging blocking positions in the game, as the opponent is literally trying to run through you. Skowronek doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. He has played in 10 games in the Steel City and has seven total tackles, four of them solo, and has recovered two fumbles. He has had five receptions for 69 yards as a receiver, but he has also shown he is willing to block for his teammates. 

Steelers Staff Put Ben Skowronek’s Mind At Ease

Skowronek was anxious when he arrived in Pittsburgh. He didn’t see the cut from the Houston Texans coming, making him question and doubt his abilities. 

He felt like he was just beginning to prove himself when he broke his shoulder in Week 2, just one day after being elevated. Skowronek was concerned the team would just release him when the MRI results were revealed. Instead, General Manager Omar Khan came to see him to let him know they planned to sign him to the 53-man roster and place him on injured reserve. His agent cautioned him they could still release him when he got healthy, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin put those fears to rest. He told Skowronek, "We’re gonna need you this year, don’t blink."

Are you surprised that Skowronek loves dominating on special teams so much? Click to comment below. 

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