The Steelers have no shortage of players in the national spotlight. Russell Wilson, an eight-time Pro Bowl quarterback, revived his NFL career in Pittsburgh this year while 2023 Walter Payton Man of the Year Cam Heyward is having a phenomenal season. Of course, everyone knows about 2021 Defensive Player of the Year and future Hall of Famer, T.J. Watt.
But what about the players who are not continually praised for their low-key contributions on the field?
Recently, I had the privilege of sitting down for an interview with Steelers safety Miles Killebrew. The All-Pro special teams player explained his partnership with My Cause My Cleats to support Cafe Momentum -- an award-winning restaurant and culinary training facility aiming to transform young lives by equipping Pittsburgh’s justice-involved youth with tools to succeed.
In addition to sharing his cause, Killebrew discussed future goals and talked about what it's like to try to defend a player like Darnell Washington. The special teams ace even revealed his most underrated player on the Steelers roster this year.
To no surprise, Killebrew chose a special teamer to praise. The Steelers safety named third-year tight end Connor Heyward as the most underrated player on the team this year.
"I'm always impressed by offensive players who can tackle in open space," Killebrew explained. "Although Cam [Heyward] gets a lot of accolades, his brother, Connor, excels in that ability that he can run down on kickoff, defeat a block, and tackle a very elusive runner and these kick returners on kickoffs. And he does it consistently. That is not an easy task."
Killebrew is most impressed by Heyward's tackling ability as an offensive player by trade.
"I don't know if people have seen a lot of receivers and tight end types try to tackle. Usually, it looks hilarious. Usually, it looks like a toddler trying to throw left-handed... [Connor Heyward] excels at it."
Miles Killebrew praises underrated Steelers special teamers
In addition to Connor Heyward's special teams ability, the versatile chess piece helps the offense as both a receiver and blocker -- serving as a Swiss Army knife in an H-back-type role. But he wasn't the only player Killebrew wanted to highlight.
Not wanting to leave any deserving player out, Killebrew gave shoutouts to fellow special teamers Ben Skowronek, Tyler Matakevich, and James Pierre. Pittsburgh's special teams coverage unit has been remarkable this season, and these players have a lot do to with that.
After I asked Killebrew what it was like to earn All-Pro honors and to be the Steelers' nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, he joked that he didn't want to be overrated after earning recognition from his teammates.
Killebrew was voted as a team captain for three straight seasons and clearly has the respect of the players on the team.
You can check out my full interview with Miles Killebrew here or on our Still Curtain YouTube channel.