Why are the Pittsburgh Steelers called the Steelers?

Denver Broncos v Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown during the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field on October 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are called the Steelers because the team started underperforming in 1939, six years after the franchise was founded and named the Pirates.

It got so bad that the team's front office acquired a new nickname to freshen things up. As was also customary at the time, they had the local newspaper promote a "name-the-team" contest. Of the many names submitted, the front office went with the "Steelers" because it honored the city's proud steel mill heritage.

Joe Santoni, a local fan who worked at Pittsburgh Steel, was one of several supporters who submitted a suggestion, with his "Steelers" name chosen as the team's new moniker. For his suggestion, Joe received a pair of season tickets which he renewed every year until his passing in 2003. This is the story of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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How did the Pittsburgh Steelers perform this season?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the most consistent coaches in the NFL, who led the franchise to a Super Bowl in 2008. However, they could have been better in the 2023 season, with the team putting up a 9-8 record. That record includes surprise victories over stronger teams on paper like the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, they ruined all playoff hopes through a putrid run of form to start the season. They only won two games out of their opening eight, which was a bad showing for a team with playoff aspirations.

The team was led in the passing department by rookie QB Kenny Pickett. He slung passes to other developing prospects like George Pickens and Chase Claypool. The squad showcased signs that they could be world-beaters but would need more time. The Pittsburgh Steelers can become one of the better NFL teams in the league if Mike Tomlin gets some time and support; he is just that good. He proved it with big Ben Roethlisberger. There's hardly a reason he can't compete with this bunch at the Steelers.

How did Pittsburgh Steelers' QB, Kenny Pickett, perform this season?

Kenny Pickett is a Pittsburgh lad through and through, as the young QB has played in Pittsburgh for the entirety of his organized football career. Pickett was selected from Pittsburgh University, where he caught nationwide attention for his unique skillset. Pickett was in a starting quarterback competition with Mitch Trubisky, which he eventually won.

Pickett had a serviceable first year in the NFL, with the first-round draft pick nearly dragging the Steelers to the postseason. The 24-year-old shot caller put up a stat line of 2,404 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions for the year. He added another 237 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground in 13 games.

Steelers Fans! Check out the latest Pittsburgh Steelers Schedule and dive into the Steelers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

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Edited by Windy Goodloe
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