The Pittsburgh Steelers are the stars of the latest season of Hard Knocks, following the AFC North teams in the season's final weeks. When the show was first announced, the Steelers were being counted out by most of the national media. The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals were expected to battle for the top spot, and the Cleveland Browns seemed to be the team most likely hoping for a Wild Card spot. But the Steelers have surprised everyone, beating all three of their rivals at least once. This puts them at 10-3 overall, and the current Kings of the North.
The Steelers are the AFC North team with arguably the biggest and most passionate fan base. Pittsburgh has also undergone exciting changes, with the addition of two new quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Still, many fans were surprised at how much more it seemed like the Steelers were featured in episodes one and two. It has raised the question of who will be the unexpected star of this season.
Every year, a player or coach rises to the top and catches the nation's attention. When the Houston Texans were on, folks adored Charles James, and their hearts broke with him when he was cut. Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell was thrust into the spotlight for his no-nonsense way of speaking. Fans wondered who would be the star in Pittsburgh.
Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward was asked about filming by his co-host Hayden Walsh on his podcast Not Just Football with Cam Heyward. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is making new fans outside of Yinzers with his motivational speeches and witty sayings. Walsh said there are a few players he believes the nation is waiting to see. Walsh said everyone loves wide receiver George Pickens, so he has to imagine that the show is determined to get him on camera.
"And we are trying very hard to keep him out of that," said Heyward.
Pickens' immature antics earn him nearly as much attention as his incredible catches. He is currently out with a hamstring injury, but the game before the Browns matchup was against the Bengals. During that game, Pickens was flagged twice for taunting and unsportsmanlike conduct. This has been his routine since he was in college playing for the University of Georgia, and it is part of why he wasn't drafted in a higher spot.
It is hard to imagine life without Pickens, who has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Unfortunately, like Tomlin said, he needs to grow up. His actions cannot continue to hurt the team.
The other side of Pickens is fun and silly. He is known to be a jokester and makes funny social media posts. His draft night post of him staring at his television went viral and became a well-used meme. Pickens has an acerbic manner of speaking, and unlike some of his predecessors, he tends to cut straight to the point, rather than holding court like Antonio Brown used to do.
Steelers' Cameron Heyward Has Suggestions On Who To Feature
Since Pickens is out, Heyward has some other suggestions. He said his first would be kicker Chris Boswell. Unfortunately, the Wizard of Boz shuns all media scrutiny, so that likely won't happen.
Since those two are out, he believes Elandon Roberts and DeShon Elliott would be funny. Heyward said they are always joking around. He also thinks it would be interesting to feature some positional rooms. He said the tight end group is funny, they have some "interesting characters." The quarterback room has a big range of personalities with Wilson, Fields and Kyle Allen.
