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4 Steelers most likely to emerge as fan favorites in Pittsburgh

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 1 yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 02: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 1 yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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With All-Pros Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell no longer with the Steelers, here are the top four candidates to emerge as the fan favorites in Pittsburgh.

If you had gone to any NFL Pro shop, local mall, or western Pennsylvania Walmart from over the past four to six years, I’m sure you have noticed which Steelers jerseys dominated the shelf.

Everywhere you went, you could find an Antonio Brown or Le’Veon bell jersey with, of course, some Ben Roethlisberger sprinkled in. Despite their ‘me-first’ attitudes, Brown and Bell have boasted the most popular jerseys in Pittsburgh. But with their decision to walk away from the Steel City, this leaves their countless apparel to hit the clearance rank.

Because of this, their are new names in Pittsburgh who are about to become the fan favorites. Here are the top 5 candidates to do so, and to see their jerseys hit the shelves all over the state:

1. JuJu Smith-Schuster

For some reason or another, everyone loves a good wide receiver jersey. Personally, I’ve always preferred players on the defensive side of the ball. This is nothing against JuJu, as he is well on his way to becoming on of the best in the game.

JuJu was a 1,400 yard receiver as a 22-year old last season, and is already developing into a fan favorite in Pittsburgh. His jersey will likely be the first we see when we walk into the store.

2. T.J. Watt

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Watt is emerging as a star player, and is already aided in popularity from his older brother being one of the best and most popular defensive players in the league.

Watt managed 13.0 sacks last season. After missing on 1st round picks in recent years, Watt gives Steelers fans hope and provides a cornerstone to their once shaky defense. If you haven’t already, expect to see his name hit the shelves soon.

3. James Conner

How could we not find James Conner jerseys plastered all over Pittsburgh? The 2nd year running back filled in for Le’Veon Bell (who decided to hold out the entire 2018 season), and went on to rush for nearly 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 13 games.

Conner made the Pro Bowl last season, and after an awe inspiring story about facing adversity and defeating cancer, he has undoubtedly emerged as a fan favorite in Pittsburgh.

4. Devin Bush

There has been a lot of hype surrounding Devin Bush this offsesaon, and rightfully so. The Big Ten Player of the Year was one of the best prospects the Steelers have landed since taking David DeCastro in 2012.

Bush stands to be a high-impact player on defense from the gate. His excited play style in college will translate to the pros, and will have Steelers fans on their heals. The 5’11” linebacker will be one of the fastest in the game, and packs a punch on impact. Much like Shazier, Bush will have a chance to emerge as a fan favorite right away.

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There are other players who could be in the mix for emerging fan favorites. Vance McDonald is a player fans have come to love, and Diontae Johnson could potentially be another guy that fits the mold. As for the upcoming season, however, I think these four players will have their jerseys hit the shelves as they become fan favorites in Pittsburgh.

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