Say what you want about how things ended between Justin Fields and the Pittsburgh Steelers, but one thing’s certain—Pittsburgh knows how to pick ‘em.
Even when the partnership fizzles out, the players they scout still carry that signature Steel City toughness. And nowhere was that more evident than on Day Two of New York Jets training camp, when Fields trotted back onto the field less than 24 hours after dislocating his toe.
That’s grit and heart. The kind of stuff coaches lose sleep wishing for in a quarterback.
Fields, now the face of the Jets’ offense, didn’t have to be out there. Most players in his position would have taken a week off, maybe more.
Instead, Fields tightened his cleats and made an appearance on Day 2. Not just for show, but because he knows leadership means being present.
It means showing up—especially when it hurts.
Steelers fans might wince seeing Fields put in that kind of effort for another squad. After all, this was the guy who gave Pittsburgh a glimmer of promise last season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers may regret letting Justin Fields walk after his training camp debut
In just six starts, he led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, threw for 1,106 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. Those aren’t just decent numbers—they’re winning numbers. And yet, somehow, the organization didn’t buy in for the long haul.
You could sense that Fields wanted more responsibility, trust, and control in the offense.
Maybe Mike Tomlin and the front office weren’t ready to hand over the keys. Maybe they didn’t believe he was “the guy.” So, the Steelers moved on.
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But they might regret it sooner than expected.
Week 1 of the 2025 season is already circled in bold red ink. The Steelers will face off against the New York Jets, against Fields. You better believe the former Pittsburgh signal-caller is hungry for revenge.
And if his training camp return is any indication, he’s not just healthy—he’s motivated, focused, and out to prove he was worth it all along.
So yes, the Steelers know how to pick their players. Even when they don’t stick around. And as Fields guts it out in New York, he’s still carrying that Pittsburgh edge—whether they kept him or not.