There are plenty of reasons players enjoy putting on a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, but the support they receive from the fanbase is something that continues to separate the organization from other teams around the NFL. Whether the Steelers are playing at Acrisure Stadium or traveling across the country, their fans have a reputation for showing up in large numbers and making their presence felt.
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Steelers fans cheer during a regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland in 2025.
That reputation is not lost on the players who get to experience it firsthand. Linebacker Elandon Roberts recently offered some high praise for Steeler Nation during an appearance on Terron Armstead's The Set podcast, making it clear just how much the fanbase means.
“It's no stadium and no fanbase better than the Pittsburgh Steelers... them [Terrible Towels] stay until the end they feel like we in it and you appreciate it... That Pittsburgh fanbase make you feel like you one of them,” Roberts said.
Roberts' comments are especially meaningful because he has experienced different football environments throughout his NFL career. Before and after arriving in Pittsburgh, he played for the New England Patriots in the midst of their dynasty, Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders. He has been around multiple organizations and fanbases, giving him a unique perspective on what makes the Steelers' atmosphere stand out. His appreciation for the fanbase also comes down to something that players notice every Sunday, the Terrible Towel.
The tradition has become one of the most recognizable parts of the Steelers' identity. Fans wave their towels throughout games, creating an atmosphere that follows the team whether it is playing at home or on the road. For Roberts, the important part is that the support does not disappear when things become difficult. His observation that the towels stay waving until the end says a lot about what players appreciate. Fans are not only celebrating when Pittsburgh is winning comfortably. They remain engaged when the team is facing adversity, and that kind of support can mean a great deal to players fighting through a tough game.
The Terrible Towel has been part of Pittsburgh's identity since Myron Cope introduced it in 1975. What started as a simple idea for fans to bring towels to a playoff game eventually became one of the most recognizable traditions in professional sports. It has followed the Steelers through generations of players, coaches and memorable moments.
Shauna Clinton / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers fans waving their Terrible Towels at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland during the Steelers' 24-21 win over the Minnesota Vikings on September 28, 2025.
Roberts has also experienced what it means to play in front of Steelers fans on the road. Pittsburgh supporters routinely travel well, often filling sections of opposing stadiums with black and gold. That level of support can make an away game feel much different than what visiting players typically experience elsewhere.
Steelers' Fanbase Continues To Make An Impact on Players
Roberts' comments are another reminder that the connection between the Steelers and their supporters goes beyond what happens on the field. Pittsburgh has one of the most recognizable fanbases in professional football, and its players understand how much the organization means to the people who follow it. His statement that the fanbase makes players feel like they are part of the community is particularly telling. Playing for Pittsburgh comes with expectations, but it also means becoming part of a tradition that supporters take seriously. The fans want to see their team succeed, and they make sure the players know they are behind them.
That connection can be difficult to explain to someone who has never experienced a game in Pittsburgh. The Terrible Towels, the noise inside the stadium and the number of fans who travel to support the team all contribute to an atmosphere that players clearly appreciate. Roberts has become part of that tradition since joining the Steelers, and his comments show that he recognizes what makes the experience different. Pittsburgh's fanbase has supported the organization through championship seasons and difficult stretches. That loyalty is a major part of the team's identity.
The Steelers have built a reputation that extends well beyond the players wearing the uniform. As Roberts pointed out, the fans are a major part of what makes representing Pittsburgh special, and their support is something that does not go unnoticed inside the locker room.
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