Steelers Now
The Steelers first day of practice was filled with heat–both from the Latrobe weather and the competitive environment.
Since 1966, the Pittsburgh Steelers have called Saint Vincent College their training camp home. The tradition of the camp is truly unique. This season, head coach Mike Tomlin decided to turn up the heat for his team. Not only in competition, but also in their scheduling. Today, the heat ignited that competition.
Tomlin and Steelers players addressed the media after practice. The good news from the practice was that there were no major injuries.
“Normal bumps and bruises associated with the first day, nothing of any significance worth mentioning. A couple of heat-related illnesses and so forth,” Tomlin said. The heat could be felt in Latrobe as the temperatures rose to 90, with a feel-like index of 97. “I’d imagine guys will bounce back and continue on tomorrow.”
The 1:55 PM afternoon practice for the Steelers was intentional. Tomlin wanted his guys to feel the heat of the sun and the heat of competition.
“I think everybody that’s a real competitor appreciates it, because they realize you can’t run from it. You’ve got to run to it,” Tomlin said of the hot Thursday afternoon. “When you have a good mindset, it’s an asset to you when you get in hot environments.”
For new Steelers like quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the heat is a little different. Not only did he feel the sun beating down, but he also got to see a Steelers defense turn up the heat in competition.
On the first play of the team periods, linebacker Patrick Queen welcomed Rodgers to Latrobe with an interception. “So, there’s going to be picks, for sure. I’m going to try to fit certain things in,” The Steelers quarterback said.
Rodgers admitted he wants to test things during this time with the Steelers offense. However, he also mentioned the challenge he felt that day. “It’s going to be a good challenge for me to throw in this heat every single day. I look forward to [it].” Rodgers told reporters.
They may not be practicing in the parking lot like the 70s Steelers had done before. However, the environment in Latrobe is bringing the heat all around this team.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Heat of Latrobe Ignites Training Camp Competition For the Steelers
