The Pittsburgh Steelers have the biggest game of their season coming up as they will be taking on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Games between these two teams are always intense, but there is some added fuel to the fire in 2024 because of how well both teams have played. Pittsburgh currently leads the AFC North with a 7-2 record, while Baltimore is right behind them at 7-3. Add in all of the players that have switched sides of the rivalry, and things will likely be getting pretty chippy on Sunday.
One player that has switched sides of the rivalry is safety DeShon Elliott. Elliott spent four seasons with Baltimore at the start of his career, but had two other stops before coming to Pittsburgh. He signed a two-year deal with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason, and he has been playing at an All-Pro level so far. The safety went on Marlon Humphrey's podcast on Wednesday, The Punch Line Podcast With Marlon Humphrey, and he shared some aspirations he has for his career in Pittsburgh.
"Every away game we've had, they [the fans] are there," Elliott said. "It's 60/40 every away game we've been to. It's crazy, I've never seen it before, so the fans are wild, you know. Honestly, in God's name, hopefully I'm here until I retire. I would love to play here. So, hey, you had your chance. If at the end of your career you ever decide to come over."
Elliott had jokes for his former teammate, even trying to recruit him to Pittsburgh four days before the two play against one another. The safety wants to spend the rest of his career in Pittsburgh, and he also let Baltimore know they had their chance to get him. He spent four seasons there and they let him walk after the 2021 season, and now they are probably regretting that decision.
Elliott signed a two-year deal, so he is currently under contract in Pittsburgh through the 2025 season. However, the safety does have the option to renegotiate his deal following the 2024 season, which he spoke about during his appearance on the podcast. This is something the safety will certainly do based on how good he has been playing for the Steelers.
The veteran was one of the best offseason signings throughout the entire league, especially when it is taken into consideration that the Steelers are only paying him $6 million. Elliott is currently leading the Steelers in tackles with 64, and he has made multiple splash plays since joining the Black and Gold.
Steelers' DeShon Elliott Loves The Culture In Pittsburgh
Something that is always spoken highly of in Pittsburgh is the culture that Head Coach Mike Tomlin has cultivated. It is all about winning, which is something he has done for the last 17 seasons. Elliott spoke about his love for the culture in Pittsburgh and his love for the fanbase.
"I do love Pittsburgh," Elliott said. "I love the mentality, I love when I first got here and I got out of that tunnel and you see the yellow bridges everywhere, and then as you go over that bridge, you see the stadium. You get to the facility and it's a winning culture, it reminds me a lot of Baltimore. This championship DNA, working hard, gritty, very detailed."
Elliott is clearly happy with where he is, and he will get the chance to take down the team that refused to sign him after his rookie contract expired on Sunday.
He will have his hands full trying to slow down Baltimore's offense, but if he plays at the level he has all season long, he will be able to make some crucial plays.
