Former Steelers DB Patrick Peterson Reflects On Team's Lack Of Basic Facility Resources: "I Used To Go To The [Hotel Downtown]"

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been to a Super Bowl in 14 years, and a big reason for that is due to the franchise's inability to adapt and evolve to the game of football. Today's NFL, in 2025, is much more different now than it ever has been before. When the Steelers once dominated the league and were commonly in championship runs, it was easier to get away with relying on a strong defense. In this era, having a dynamic offense that can put up points is vital with all of the star-power roaming around the league, especially at quarterback. Not only have the Steelers done a poor job in evolving their formula to win football games, but they also haven't done well at improving their facilities. 

The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) recently released their annual report cards for every organization, and while some improvements were made, Pittsburgh's grades are still disappointing. Players haven't been too pleased with the lack of updates being made within their facilities, although, some were made recently. In fact, the Steelers once weren't even able to provide their players a hot, relieving sauna, according to a former cornerback. 

Patrick Peterson spoke with Steelers insider and 93.7 The Fan radio host Andrew Filliponi on Friday, and revealed shocking details that he would have to go elsewhere to enjoy a sauna, because the Steelers' facility didn't include one. 

"I used to go to the - what's that hotel downtown where all the baseball teams stayed," Peterson told Filliponi on their podcast. "I used to go to the Fairmont and use their sauna every single day. I promise. 'Cause I had to have it. I had to have a sauna."

Peterson spent the 2023 season as the team's number two cornerback behind Joey Porter Jr. Peterson picked off two passes in a Steelers uniform, as well as making over 40 tackles. Peterson was not brought back by the team due to his lack of speed and inability to maintain coverage -- along with his tackling struggles. Peterson did not take a snap for a team in 2024, but was ready if the Steelers needed him. 

The Steelers just recently finally made some upgrades and added a new sauna within their facility, according to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show. 

It's pretty surprising to hear that the Steelers are just now upgrading the sauna room, considering that's a place where lots of professional athletes like to take care of their bodies. The issue that remains seems to be the lack of space within Pittsburgh's facility. 

The Steelers have to continue making improvements around their building moving forward. These things go unnoticed by fans, but it's very important for a team's focus and well-being. Obviously, the Steelers haven't been losing in the playoffs just because they haven't had a sauna, but the little things add up and can severely affect a group's performance. Giving your players the best technology possible to recover their bodies and improve as football players is the first step to getting back to the Steeler way. 

Steelers' Art Rooney II Gets Horrible Ownership Grade In NFLPA Report Card

The Steelers' owner and president, Art Rooney II was given a "D" and ranked 28 out of all 32 teams for his ownership grade. According to the report card, Rooney's average rating for perceived willingness to invest in the facilities is 6.00 out of 10 from the Steelers players, a ranking of 30 out of 32 owners in the league. Rooney hasn't been willing to spend money on the coaching staff or the team's facilities, and it needs to change. 

What do you think about Peterson being forced to go to a local hotel to use a sauna? What needs to happen for Rooney and the Steelers to start investing in the team more? Let us know in the comments below. 

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