Steelers Brown AFC OPOY, Pops, Blount Responds

The Steelers offseason started with some surprises and certainly doesn’t look to be a boring one in the next few months. While the Steelers prepare for free agency and coaching moves, we’ll be busy looking around for mentions of your Black & Gold so we’ve got you covered. Here’s your Steelers Morning Huddle for Wednesday, Jan. 28^th.

Brown wins ESPN award

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown was rewarded by ESPN for being part of the “Killer B’s” that helped lead the Steelers to their first AFC North division title since 2010. Brown was voted by ESPN’s analysts as AFC North Offensive Player of the Year. Brown beat out Steelers teammates Le’Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger for the award proving that the Steelers had the most impressive offense in the AFC North, at least according to the ESPN AFC North staffers.

Brown led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards, was the co-captain of last Sunday’s Pro Bowl team and was a first-team All-Pro selection. He also had the second-most (129) receptions in an NFL season. Bell led the AFC in rushing yards and Roethlisberger led the AFC in passing yards.

Pops

There’s no denying that Steelers cornerback

Ike Taylor

has a special bond with the Rooney family, particularly Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney Sr.

As Teresa Varley explains

, Taylor was emotional in discussing Rooney’s role in his life as a mentor. Taylor spoke as part of National Mentoring Month about his strong connection with Rooney.

"“So Papa, I am glad to be asked to talk about you. You are one of my favorite…I’m getting very emotional and I am not going to let you all see me get emotional. I might. I’ve watched you over the years I’ve been here. I’ve watched how you handle people. I’ve watched the moves you make. I watch how people respect you. That changed my life. Papa, man I love you so much. I love the whole Rooney family. I told you from the beginning I am a Rooney and it’s going to always be like that.” – Ike Taylor"

Blount has the last laugh

Tuesday was Media Day down in Phoenix for Super Bowl XLIX and two Steelers were sent as correspondents to be a part of the circus. Ed Bouchette describes that Brett Keisel was there as well as Ike Taylor and both greeted former teammate and now New England Patriot LeGarrette Blount warmly.

Blount was asked directly by members of the media if he had orchestrated his release by the Steelers with the hopes that he could return to the Patriots. He responded with a “no” and a shake of the head, trying to be humble and grateful for the opportunity to play in a Super Bowl after having done one of the most jerk moves a player can do to his team.

"“It’s an honor to be back here you know. I enjoyed my time here when I was here last year, and it’s an honor to be back, just the fact that they care enough about me to bring me back here.” – LeGarrette Blount"

I wonder if he will feel that same honor and care when they drop him like a sack of potatoes after the Super Bowl?

Next: Steelers Unsigned Free Agents: Ben Tate

More from Still Curtain

Home/Steelers News