Fans came expecting a typical August warm-up, but instead were treated to a high-octane offensive display that had the crowd roaring. The closing moments delivered a thrilling finish, capped by a decisive strike that sealed the win.
The man at the center of it all was a newcomer to Pittsburgh, a quarterback determined to write a new chapter in his NFL journey. For him, every throw felt like a statement, every drive an opportunity to change perceptions.
"It’s only one game, and I still have so much to prove — but if I can keep bringing this kind of energy every snap, I know I can help Pittsburgh win a lot of football games," Skylar John Thompson told reporters postgame.
In his Steelers debut, Thompson completed 20 of 28 passes for 233 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, posting a passer rating of 132.0. Each score showcased poise and precision, none bigger than the 26-yard game-winner to Ke’Shawn Williams.
Earlier, he connected with Max Hurleman on a 3-yard strike and found Trey Sermon on an 11-yard screen that perfectly dissected Jacksonville’s defense. Social media lit up with praise, even sparking regret among Dolphins fans who once cheered him.
At training camp in Saint Vincent College, Thompson has seamlessly blended into the quarterback room alongside Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Coaches Tom Arth and Matt Baker have lauded his accuracy, quick processing, and leadership presence.
The 28-year-old said he chose Pittsburgh because the organization’s values matched his own. Long feeling underrated in his career, Thompson now carries a chip on his shoulder — and, judging by Friday’s performance, the Steelers might just benefit from it.
