As the Steelers season starts to wrap up, it is the perfect time of the calendar to express your joy. The holidays are always a time of year to show your gratitude towards many different things. No matter if that is family, service, or even your Pittsburgh Steelers. They will be playing on Christmas Day this year, but there are plenty of players who have impacted their fan base's moods in a positive light.
Some players might have been getting on the negative side of things regarding how the fans envision them on this club. Others have been helping this team win in different aspects. It has been a season full of ups and downs. Mike Tomlin has engineered a team that will be heading into the playoffs with a quality record and is hopeful to make some noise in the postseason once and for all.
DeShon Elliott, S
He might have been the steal of the offseason for the Steelers' defense. DeShon Elliott has played so well that he has outshined his safety partner, Minkah Fitzpatrick. He has been a perfect fit and has exceeded any expectations going into the campaign. The great news is that Pittsburgh signed Elliott to an affordable two-year contract this past offseason. He has become one of their better players.
Russell Wilson, QB
Speaking of affordable contracts, there might not be a better value in the NFL than what Russell Wilson is playing for. He took a big gamble on himself this past free agency. He signed with the Steelers in hopes of rejuvenating his career, and he has done that. Wilson might not be the same player he once was, but he has given fans a vision of what a proper quarterback looks like.
READ MORE: Hiring of Bill Belichick disproves Mike Tomlin's 'not a big enough blank check' theory
T.J. Watt, EDGE
Few things give more joy to Steelers Nation than watching T.J. Watt play football. He is their best player no matter if one person is blocking him or three. He has continued to find ways to disrupt games consistently. He is lined up to win his second Defensive Player of the Year Award once this season concludes. Steelers are only as successful as Watt's health.
Zach Frazier, C
You have to throw some flowers out there to the offensive line sometimes. Zach Frazier is not spoken highly enough for what he has done as a rookie. He took over the starting duties after Nate Herbig was lost to a season-ending injury this past preseason. Frazier stepped up and has been terrific thus far. Yes, he had some growing pains, but he has gone above and beyond in his rookie year.
Cam Heyward, DT
Few athletes rival Cam Heyward when it comes to a player's effect on a community. Heyward has been terrific for Pittsburgh ever since he was drafted by the Steelers. He does a ton of charity work in the community and continues to be a champion for all. He has been a great asset to the city, and his play on the field has only gotten better with age.