The Pittsburgh Steelers fan base has grown pretty restless as the organization hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. All around the national media, Steelers fans have heard about the greatness of Mike Tomlin, but he hasn’t won a playoff game in almost a decade. Tomlin experienced a lot of early success and has had tremendous regular season success, with an impressive streak of never having a losing season in 18 years. Yet, this regular season success alone isn’t enough to satisfy a fan base used to competing for Super Bowl trophies.
Christian Kuntz was speaking on his podcast Thursday, where he got real about the playoff failures that have plagued the team in recent years. He acknowledged the frustration from the fan base, pointing out how harsh and critical they can be in response to the lack of playoff success. It’s been a tough stretch for Steelers fans who are accustomed to a higher standard of performance, and the long drought has only amplified the criticism.
However, Kuntz assured fans that the players care way more than them about breaking the playoff drought. He emphasized that the players are deeply bothered by the team's lack of success in the postseason and are motivated to change that. While the fans' frustration is understandable, Kuntz made it clear that the team is just as driven to succeed and end the playoff struggles once and for all.
"We get a ton of backlash about not winning a playoff game or whatever it is," Kuntz said. "You don’t think we wanna win a playoff game? We wanna win way more than any fan wants us to win. You know, that is our livelihoods, so it sucks to get the backlash, but we are in this business, and we chose this business, and we love it."
The Steelers fan base is renowned for its passion and unwavering loyalty, but they're also accustomed to success. With six Super Bowl titles to their name, the franchise has a rich history of dominance.
However, recent years have seen a lack of meaningful success, and the pressure is mounting. Kuntz understands the weight of expectation, but is determined to put an end to the drought and restore the team to its former glory.
"You are gonna stand in the kitchen, and you will get warm a little bit," Kuntz said. "It’s who can withstand it."
Pat Freiermuth joined him on the episode and shared the same sentiments. Steelers players are fully aware of the frustrations from the fan base, and they’ve made it clear they are even more determined to be part of the solution. As the 2025 season draws nearer, the team is still waiting to find out who their starting quarterback will be.
Steelers Still Waiting On Aaron Rodgers To Make His Choice
All signs continue to point to 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers for the 2025 season, but he has yet to make a final decision, leaving Steelers fans on edge. The anticipation surrounding Rodgers' potential arrival has created a sense of urgency within the organization, but the longer he waits, the more it fuels questions and concerns.
If Rodgers decides to join, it would bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the quarterback position, elevating the team’s chances for success. However, if he chooses to go elsewhere or retire, the Steelers' front office is already preparing for alternative scenarios.
In that case, the Steelers will turn their attention to the upcoming draft, where they could pursue a quarterback of the future. This decision could shape the Steelers’ future for years to come, and with the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, there’s a lot of intrigue about which direction the team will take.
Whether they land Rodgers or draft a young QB, one thing is clear—the Steelers are determined to find the right solution at quarterback, and the remainder of the offseason will be critical in shaping the team's future. For now, Mason Rudolph is back on the roster and set to start until Rodgers makes his choice.
