Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Gets Private Call Letting Him Know Legends In Pittsburgh Are Born In Playoff Games

The Pittsburgh Steelers are getting ready to host the Houston Texans in the Wild Card matchup of the playoffs at Acrisure Stadium. During the 2025 offseason, the Steelers made several moves to bring veteran talent onto the roster, signaling a shift toward a win-now mentality. Many pundits were unsure what the team’s true direction was or how this group would come together, but those doubts slowly faded as Pittsburgh battled through the season, finishing 10-7 and capturing the AFC North crown.

One of the most impactful veteran additions has been Jalen Ramsey, who has brought his personality, swagger, and elite talent to the Steel City defense. From day one, Ramsey’s presence has been felt both on the field and in the locker room, giving the secondary a new edge and confidence. His leadership and competitive fire have helped set the tone for a unit that has consistently delivered big plays in crucial moments throughout the season.

As the Steelers prepare for their postseason clash with the Texans, it was made known that Ramsey received a phone call from former Steelers safety Ryan Clark. Clark explained on First Take that he reached out to Ramsey to share a message about what playoff football in Pittsburgh truly means, emphasizing that legends in the city are forged in January moments. The conversation served as both motivation and a reminder of the legacy Ramsey is now a part of and the opportunity in front of him to build his own.

"Tonight is what builds legends," Clark said while speaking on First Take Monday morning ahead of the Steelers-Texans Wild Card matchup. "I actually texted Jalen Ramsey during the week and I said, 'No matter how the season went, all the people who go into the Hall of Honor are the people who showed up in the biggest moments in the playoffs.'"

Clark is very familiar with what those defining moments can look like in the playoffs. He played in several meaningful games while wearing the black and gold and even won a Super Bowl with the team, while also experiencing the disappointment of losing one. 

That perspective makes him the perfect source of motivation for a player like Ramsey, who has had a tremendous NFL career but, at 31 years old, is now trying to leave his mark in Pittsburgh.

"There’s no better city to have a playoff game than Pittsburgh," Clark said.

Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Looking To Redeem Himself Against The Texans

In the Steelers’ must-win Week 18 regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens, Ramsey had an opportunity to make a play that could have helped secure the victory. Instead, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with tight end Isaiah Likely to move Baltimore into field goal range. Fortunately for the Steelers and Ramsey, Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal, allowing Pittsburgh to escape with the win.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger later revealed on his podcast that he was surprised Ramsey did not make the play, but added that he was glad Ramsey now has a chance for redemption. 

Now, Ramsey will have that opportunity on Monday night against the Texans, with a chance to define his early legacy in Pittsburgh and help the franchise end its playoff drought. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, and on Monday they will look to finally bring that drought to an end. All eyes will be on Acrisure Stadium Monday night, where opportunity meets urgency. If the Steelers want to change the narrative, this is the moment to seize.

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