The Pittsburgh Steelers have been relying on the team's defense over the last several years as the organization has struggled to figure out the quarterback situation. That position being influx has caused the offense to be extremely inconsistent and inefficient at times, and it has been hard for the group to find points, specifically ever since the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. The defense has come up clutch to help lead the team to victory in recent seasons, while kicker Chris Boswell has been relied upon heavily as well.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and kicker Chris Boswell (9) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Boswell has become known as one of the best and most reliable kickers in the league. He signed with the Steelers back during the 2015 season, and he has been lauded ever since. It wasn't easy for the kicker when he first arrived in Pittsburgh however, as James Harrison tried to intimidate him during his first practices with the team. Harrison would stand over him as he kicked and dared him to miss. Harrison spoke about this with former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden recently on their podcast Deebo & Joe, where he claimed that he is partially responsible for Boswell's success.
"This one dude, he's like the coldest field goal kicker," Harrison said. "You got lucky. I made him the greatest kicker alive. You wanna know how I did it? I told that boy if he missed that field goal, he's gonna wash my back in the shower. I scared him to greatness. You're welcome. I don't even need no thank you, no appreciation. I don't need it. Between you and me, and everybody else in the world, we know I made you who you are."
Harrison clearly believes that his tactics played a role in what has made Boswell so great. The kicker is completely unflappable as he has come through in the final moments for Pittsburgh on multiple occasions. Head Coach Mike Tomlin even called his kicker a "serial killer" after his game-winning field goal in Week 1 against the New York Jets.
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Steelers' star kicker Chris Boswell kicks a 60-yard field goal to help Pittsburgh take down the New York Jets in Week 1 of the 2025 season.
Boswell started off his career with the Houston Texans and the New York Giants, but he did not appear in a regular season game for either team. He signed with Pittsburgh in October of the 2015 season as the Steelers were struggling at the position -- and it was one of the best acquisitions the team has made over the last decade. He is one of the best kickers in the NFL when it comes to kicking from over 50 yards, and his career accolades don't necessarily match up with just how good he has been.
The best kicker in the NFL for a long time was Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. Boswell lived in the shadow of Tucker for many years, which was unfortunate considering the two played in the same division, let alone conference. This is the primary reason that Boswell has been limited to just two Pro Bowl selections, but he did make his first All-Pro team in 2024 due to Tucker having a down year.
Steelers Have Won Multiple Games With Just Chris Boswell's Leg
There have been multiple instances where Pittsburgh's offense has failed to put up touchdowns, but the team still found a way to win the game. It happened twice during the 2024 season as Boswell made six field goals in two separate games where that was the only points the Steelers were able to score. It happened in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons where Pittsburgh won 18-10, and then again in Week 11 against Baltimore where the Steelers won 18-16.
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Steelers' Chris Boswell kicks one of six field goals in a win over the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
The kicker has also done that in the playoffs, as he did it against the Kansas City Chiefs back during the 2016 season as the Steelers were able to advance after a 18-16 victory.
What do you think about Harrison's comments on Boswell? Let us know in the comments below!
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