The Pittsburgh Steelers tend to do things their own way as an organization, regardless of how the rest of the NFL is operating. One of the unique aspects about the Steelers is that they have a longstanding tradition of traveling to St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania for training camp every season. Players sleep in dorm rooms, while some other teams in the league hold their training camps at their usual facilities. This is a tradition the Steelers have done since 1966, aside from 2020 and 2021 when they were forced to do training camp in Pittsburgh.
Traditions are important, and Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich understands that. He has a unique perspective, as he spent significant time with the Steelers and then went to play for the Buffalo Bills, but has returned to the black and gold for the 2024 season. He made a name for himself on special teams, and was a fan favorite before leaving for Buffalo. He spoke to the media before practice on Sunday, and was asked if he has a newfound appreciation for Latrobe.
"Yes, absolutely, you know, Latrobe is a special place. In Buffalo they go to St. John Fisher so they go away as well, but it's just a different feel being back up here in Latrobe. I mean shoot, I'm so excited to be back."
Matakevich is pretty experienced in Latrobe. This will be his fifth training camp with Pittsburgh as he enters his ninth season in the NFL. His first time around in Pittsburgh, he was a quality special teams ace who had the ability to fill in at linebacker on occasion. His services likely won't be needed defensively, but he can join Miles Killebrew as a lock-down special teams player.
Matakevich signed a two-year deal when he left Pittsburgh and joined Buffalo, and then signed two separate extensions with the Bills. He was a mainstay for them, and was a captain for three seasons. He mainly only played special teams in Buffalo, and his defensive role was much larger when he began his career in Pittsburgh.
Upon the news breaking about Matakevich coming back re-joining the Steelers, some were questioning whether or not it was a move based on the recovery of Cole Holcomb. Holcomb suffered a gruesome knee injury in 2023, and is still trying to work his way back on the field. Matakevich was not signed due to any setbacks in Holcomb's recovery, and is strictly being brought back for his role on special teams.
The familiarity with the organization likely drew the Steelers and Matakevich back together. He went a long time without being signed in free agency, as he and the Steelers didn't put pen to paper until about a week before training camp. Matakevich signed just a one-year deal worth just over $1.2 million.
Steelers May Not Give Matakevich A Final Roster Spot
Matakevich came back to Pittsburgh, but there is no guarantee he will make the final roster. He has plenty of advantages on his side, though. He and Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith have a pre-existing relationship, which could lead to Smith giving Matakevich the edge when it comes to securing a spot on the roster.
It's extremely likely both Mark Robinson and Matakevich won't make the final roster. Robinson has played a large role on special teams, but he could get that role taken from him in training camp. Robinson hasn't been impressive enough on the defensive side of the ball, and at times is a serious liability. If Matakevich can outplay him on special teams, it likely means the end of Robinson's time with Pittsburgh.
Matakevich first stint in Pittsburgh was a success, and he found himself becoming a fan favorite. That will likely resume if he can crack the final 53, and he and Killebrew will make a solid defensive core on special teams.
