2026 Opponents + Active Players Who Could Be HOF - Bound | SNR Drive (May.12) | Pittsburgh Steelers

0:00 You're tuned to the drive on your 247 home of the black and gold.

0:04 Steelers Nation Radio.

0:18 Good afternoon, Steeler Nation.

0:19 It's the drive on the Steelers Audio Network.

0:21 Wes Schuler and Matt Williamson with you here

0:23 for the next two hours on this Tuesday.

0:26 And Matt, we have to address something major.

0:29 Right.

0:29 Right off the jump here for those in our uh die hard listening audience,

0:37 okay, you might want to watch this episode on YouTube.

0:38 I mean, listen, you always want to see our pretty faces.

0:40 You always want to see the cool graphics and everything that TV puts together.

0:44 But today was headshot day here in our iHeart Media Pittsburgh cluster.

0:50 And uh Matt and I, if you're watching on YouTube,

0:52 we probably look better than we ever have before

0:54 because some lovely ladies doing the head shots uh

0:57 before we went on air today and they fixed

1:00 our hair up and put a little makeup on us.

1:02 I feel like Rob King sitting in this chair right now.

1:05 So, you were before me.

1:06 Um they didn't touch my mop of a of hair, which is fine,

1:12 but they did pretty me up with a lot of makeup and whatnot.

1:15 Even trim my eyebrows, as you might have noticed.

1:17 have not been to the uh

1:19 I get my when you get old you get your eyebrows

1:21 trimmed when you go to when you go to the barber so

1:23 they were a little shaggy which I was perfect I haven't

1:26 been there in a long time been letting the hair grow out

1:27 I was going to say your hair actually does look good

1:29 my mom's asked me for a million years like hey grow your hair

1:32 out again so I I haven't got a haircut in like six months feathered and lethal

1:38 however I scrubbed all the makeup off the second before we

1:41 I got out of there it bothers me I don't know

1:44 why I I kind of just have a little bit

1:46 of a a fetish ish is the wrong word, but like phobia.

1:50 Phobia.

1:50 Yeah.

1:50 Like I don't even like like when women wear too much makeup

1:52 and it's I don't I feel like clown paint on my face.

1:55 I'm just as soon as I was out of there, I was just in the bathroom.

1:59 Yeah.

1:59 So,

2:00 all right.

2:00 Well, at least one of us today then.

2:02 Is I got pretty pretty brows.

2:04 Doing our doing our You do.

2:05 You look good.

2:06 You look real good.

2:07 I mean, the hair is nice and shaggy and lethal and layered and everything,

2:11 but you look pretty.

2:12 It Thank you.

2:13 It reminded me like Rob, our buddy Rob King, who we, you know,

2:16 we give him grief sometimes because he he'll sit in the corner and do

2:19 his powder powdering of his face before we have our videos and things.

2:23 We do those like Thursday videos during the season and Dale and I would just

2:27 always sit down and he's over there pretty

2:29 himself up and you know like a professional.

2:31 Rob King was made to talk about sports on TV.

2:34 Matt Williamson was made to talk about sports on the radio.

2:37 On the radio.

2:37 Face for radio.

2:39 This is one of those peel back the curtain for you real quick.

2:41 funny story.

2:42 We've had, you know,

2:43 a couple people that have tweeted us and we'll do this at some point.

2:46 We've got it in our offseason uh segment list of, you know,

2:49 just kind of share the story of how you got to this point in your career.

2:53 Yeah, it's a long one, but yeah,

2:54 it's a long one.

2:55 A real quick for me though, my first wasn't full-time,

2:58 but my first job in the industry after graduation,

3:02 I was doing a million things trying to get a full-time broadcasting job.

3:07 Okay.

3:07 I was working part-time up here in Pittsburgh for a radio network calling

3:11 high school and football high school football

3:13 and basketball and hockey and baseball games.

3:16 I was working at a family friend's restaurant, you know,

3:19 back in my hometown a couple days a week to make a little extra money.

3:22 Oh, okay.

3:22 Yeah.

3:22 Yeah.

3:22 And on weekends, I worked at a TV station in Clarksburg,

3:25 West Virginia, a CBS TV station.

3:27 So, I was working a bunch of different odd jobs

3:29 trying to find that first full-time broadcasting gig after college.

3:33 I'm sure most do.

3:34 There was still part of me that thought maybe I was still kind of torn.

3:38 Like I I wanted to be a play-by-play broadcaster

3:41 at that point in my life, 22 years old.

3:43 I assume hockey would have been your and that's what I was and that's what

3:46 I ended up getting about a year after graduation.

3:48 I got a full-time job with the Youngstown Phantoms where, you know,

3:51 I was the broadcaster and director of PR and sold tickets and, you know,

3:56 seven different hats that I had to wear like you

3:57 do when I did all of our social media website.

4:00 That's exactly right.

4:01 Uh there were actually a couple times where I had to There

4:04 was one time where our coaching staff got wiped out with flu

4:07 and I actually did have to dress up for a practice

4:09 and just help pass pucks and be kind of an extra set.

4:13 So I literally did a lot when I was with the Youngstown Phantoms.

4:16 I want to hear the end of your story,

4:17 but the year I donated with the uh Dukane Dukes,

4:21 if the linebacker coach didn't show up, I coached the linebackers.

4:23 If someone wasn't there to film practice, I filmed practice.

4:26 You know, whatever.

4:27 Our head coach one day was like, "Our equipment manager,

4:29 our two assistants are down with the flu.

4:31 I need somebody to help me run practice.

4:33 I just need you to pass pucks and, you know,

4:34 do that kind of stuff." And I was like,

4:36 "All right, let's do it." It's a fun fun day out of the office.

4:38 I go down to the rink for a couple hours.

4:40 I think I got paid two t-shirts, a sweatshirt,

4:42 and a pair of pants with Dukane Duke.

4:46 I got I got a little more I got a brand

4:47 new head to toe out minus skates uh outfit of hockey equipment,

4:51 which is a few thousand.

4:52 You also gave you some dollars.

4:53 Well, they did.

4:54 There was no dollars involved.

4:55 It was not a high amount, but I was on I was on salary,

4:58 but in that I keep interrupting you.

4:59 Sorry.

5:00 Jim Sweeney was our offensive line coach cuz

5:02 Greg Gatuso was This is kind of funny.

5:04 So, I'm sorry.

5:05 We'll get back to you in a minute.

5:06 Listen, it's the offseason.

5:07 We got story time.

5:08 Greg Gatuso was a very successful Dukane head coach

5:10 and he was a nose tackle at Penn State.

5:13 Okay.

5:14 And his best friend was Jim Sweeney

5:16 who people probably remember who happened to be

5:18 a center at Pit when Pit Penn State 80 81 82 the biggest rivalries ever.

5:24 So they battled it out, but I think they were like high school best friends.

5:28 So Sweeney came and coached our O line.

5:30 That's pretty cool.

5:31 And the the pay for assistant coaches was $1,000.

5:35 He took the check and just ripped it up and threw

5:38 like I'll be all right.

5:39 He's like Duke Kane needs a sport.

5:40 Get it right.

5:42 That's a great story.

5:43 So in my kind of I think it was eight

5:45 or nine months that I was working all those odd jobs,

5:47 you know, trying to nail down a full-time position after graduation.

5:51 And it took me not very long,

5:54 just a few weekend shifts at the TV station for me to go,

5:56 "Oh yeah, I have no desire to do TV long term

6:00 because every time we'd go to commercial break,

6:03 one of our fabulous assistants in the studio would be fixing my tie

6:07 or would be redoing my hair or we'd be putting makeup on my zits,

6:11 something like that." And so

6:12 there's a little powder or whatever.

6:13 After eight months of working as a TV reporter was eight months too many for me.

6:18 Maybe seven maybe after a month.

6:20 The last seven months I was like,

6:22 "All right, the sooner I could get the sooner

6:24 I could get out of here, the the better." I bet you get used to it.

6:27 I'm sure.

6:28 You know, if that's just what you do every day, you know, but I'm not at all.

6:32 I'm I am not either.

6:33 It's It's enough for you and I to uh you know,

6:35 to remember to wear our Steelers polos and gear and all that in here.

6:39 But yeah, we got some fancy head shots taken today.

6:42 fun start to the day and we are off.

6:44 What are they going to use those for, by the way?

6:46 It's a good question.

6:46 I mean, I thought you and I thought we were

6:47 just going to be right on the homepage of Steelers.com,

6:50 you know what I mean?

6:50 And I thought uh you know the the home opener this season,

6:53 they'll put our pictures up on the jumbotron and

6:55 but I mean there was a lot of people getting

6:57 them today like Mark Madden and all these other people, right?

7:00 It wasn't just Steeler.

7:01 It was the whole iHeart Cluster here.

7:02 Yeah.

7:03 I don't know what they're going to use.

7:04 All the Kiss and DVE and and and the X people and all that.

7:07 So, yeah.

7:07 Who knows?

7:08 Maybe they're maybe they'll start uh you know they'll use those when they uh

7:11 when they sell some commercial inventory for our shows and and things like that.

7:16 Um but with that uh a fun fun day that we have planned today.

7:20 Hour number two, Matt and I are going to have a huge

7:22 conversation about NFL Hall of Famers in the league right now.

7:26 Which guys are locks?

7:27 Active players.

7:28 Active players.

7:29 Which guys are locks?

7:30 Which guys are on the right path?

7:31 Just need to do it for a couple more years.

7:33 which guys are still very young but have

7:35 started out their career uh on the right trajectory.

7:38 We'll do that in hour number two.

7:40 But hour number one,

7:41 I guarantee we'll forget people.

7:42 So, I'm expecting tweets to come overnight to tell us,

7:45 well, what about this guy?

7:46 How did you forget this person?

7:47 And I'm I bet this will extend into tomorrow.

7:49 I

7:49 I think it will.

7:50 And maybe even tomorrow we can kind of expand and talk about coaches

7:53 and owners and contributors and and that kind of thing as well too.

7:56 Radio hosts of a certain network, you know.

7:59 Um, but I figured we'd spend hour number one.

8:02 Some more information about the NFL schedule continues.

8:06 They they tease you.

8:07 They tease you here a little bit.

8:08 I'm not making fun of it because we do a show

8:11 Thursday Night Live and I urge everyone to hop on DV.

8:15 I think it's going to be Pursuda and Rob and I.

8:17 We did it last year.

8:18 Dale used to contribute to that as well.

8:20 8:00 I believe.

8:21 But boy does the NFL get a lot of mileage out of schedule release.

8:25 It's a it's a low time.

8:27 This never used to be a thing.

8:28 10 years ago it was not aunt talk about it for a week.

8:32 Did it come out earlier in the process too?

8:34 Don't even know.

8:35 I mean, it wasn't like a thing.

8:36 You know that you and I have have talked about

8:39 this before and we have some college football conversation on this show.

8:42 Mhm.

8:42 The thing that I love about college football is the schedule

8:44 for next year comes out before the season even ends.

8:48 Oh, right.

8:48 I've known that I've known WVU's schedule since December.

8:51 Yeah.

8:51 Since like Christmas time.

8:52 you want to make travel plans, you don't have to wait till Thursday night

8:56 and then call the airlines immediately, you know.

8:59 But what sucks about that is they don't give

9:01 you the time of the game until 2 weeks beforehand.

9:06 Oh.

9:05 So you'll know that makes traveling.

9:07 You'll know W and Pit are playing on October 21st, but it could be at noon,

9:11 it could be at 3:30, it could be at 7:00 at night.

9:14 So college football,

9:15 they said that wouldn't be as bad.

9:16 I mean, but the ones that are like two two hours away, like,

9:20 do I want to get a hotel the night before or the night

9:22 after the night after a noon game or a 7 o'clock?

9:25 Am I just doing a day trip and turning around and coming home?

9:27 I'd like to know this stuff, you know?

9:29 Right.

9:29 So, so it's nice for college football,

9:31 you get to schedule so far in advance that you can really plan it out,

9:35 but you don't know what time kickoff's going to be.

9:37 Oh, we're going to Norman, Oklahoma or whatever.

9:39 Yeah.

9:40 The NFL, you get it all so late in the process,

9:42 but at least you get the kickoff time with it.

9:44 Yeah.

9:45 So it's kind of except for once in a while they change it on you at the end

9:47 and they do that in college a little bit too but you know it's

9:50 usually a good problem.

9:51 It is a Yes.

9:52 Exactly right.

9:53 But with that we know some more details about this schedule.

9:56 U first Monday night football game September 14th will

9:59 be the Denver Broncos versus the Kansas City Chiefs.

10:02 So I heard some feedback on this which I think adds up

10:05 is I think first of all the these people are really smart.

10:10 I can't Can you imagine putting a schedule together?

10:13 That's got to be insanely difficult.

10:15 Yeah.

10:15 Bruce Springsteen's here.

10:16 I can't do it there.

10:17 The Pirates are absolutely right.

10:20 And you're the Steelers and you've got

10:21 a college football team that uses the facility too.

10:24 All the things I can't have a game this day this day.

10:26 And but anyway,

10:28 I've always thought like the Madison Square Gardens of the world.

10:32 Yeah.

10:31 They've got an NBA team.

10:32 They've got an NHL team.

10:34 Concerts whatever events and Yeah.

10:37 truck and tractor a WNBA team, right?

10:40 It's insane.

10:41 Insane.

10:42 That's a good point.

10:42 Like how do you just book Madison WWE?

10:45 I mean, like so many things that come around.

10:46 Right.

10:46 Right.

10:47 Right.

10:48 Um but anyways, oh last year it was like

10:52 Rogers versus the Jets and you know like there's

10:54 there's always underlying reasons but them the Chiefs being

10:59 on Monday night really implies that Mahomes going to play.

11:03 Yeah, I that's a great call.

11:05 I don't think they'd put that Monday night week

11:06 one if they thought Mahomes wasn't going to play till

11:08 they must feel real confident about that.

11:10 That's a very good call.

11:12 A very good call.

11:13 The uh which if it's going to be in Denver or Kansas

11:16 City has not been released yet because obviously I guess division game.

11:18 Yeah, they'll they'll play each other home and home.

11:21 But we do know that will be the first Monday night game.

11:24 Uh you know, we talked about yesterday uh first

11:26 Sunday night game being the Cowboys and the Giants.

11:30 We also know I'm betting Taylor's going to be there too.

11:32 I bet it's in Kansas City.

11:34 Oh, and oh no, this isn't the last year of Arrowhead Stadium.

11:38 I think that will be next year.

11:40 But we are we are getting to the final years of Arrowhead Stadium um as well.

11:46 Speaking of new stadiums, stadium uh things to keep an eye on here.

11:50 The Buffalo Bills opening up.

11:52 Oh, they open.

11:53 Yeah.

11:53 New stadium this season.

11:54 This is kind of weird to me, Matt.

11:55 And again, maybe it's just because of the logistics

11:57 of when they can get it ready.

11:59 Mhm.

11:59 The Bills will uh unveil their new High Mark Stadium Thursday night.

12:05 Week two will be Buffalo's first home game at their new grounds, which Okay.

12:09 Short week and Yeah.

12:10 Yeah.

12:11 Just I don't know.

12:12 Hey, it's cool.

12:13 It's Thursday night.

12:13 They're playing the Lions.

12:14 That'll be a big game.

12:15 Huge game.

12:16 Yeah.

12:16 It's Buffalo.

12:17 They're going to show out and go crazy

12:18 and all that, but to me that's kind of like,

12:21 shouldn't that be Sunday afternoon where people could tailgate

12:24 the whole day and it's not a week one?

12:26 Shouldn't it be week one at home?

12:28 But again, who knows?

12:29 Maybe they need the extra 10 days to get it ready.

12:31 Yeah.

12:31 Or something.

12:32 They have to do a test run.

12:33 Like, don't they like flush all the toilets at once?

12:36 Have you ever heard that?

12:38 At new stadiums, they do that.

12:39 Or at least they used to like because they make sure the water system

12:43 make sure that it can handle.

12:44 What happens if every toilet in the whole place flushes at once?

12:47 Does a place implode or does, you know, does it blow up?

12:49 So, they like bring in like all these like movie extras.

12:52 One, two, three, flush.

12:55 That's I'm pretty sure that happens.

12:56 It wouldn't surprise.

12:57 I mean, that's the kind of stuff you got

12:58 you have to think about, right?

12:59 Like, never thought they would all happen at once, but it easily could.

13:03 That's insane.

13:03 Nathan Nathan's given us the thumbs up.

13:05 And so, that is something that they do.

13:07 I think it is.

13:07 It's one of the tests.

13:08 And so, I'm sure they'll have a preseason game there,

13:10 but then maybe that's kind of like that'll give

13:12 us a couple weeks to here's what went well.

13:14 Here's still what we need.

13:15 Checklist of things that went wrong.

13:16 Yeah.

13:17 But I almost kind of wish for their sake that was just

13:18 a Sunday afternoon game and not in the middle of the week.

13:21 But Buffalo will host the Lions,

13:23 their first game at the new Highark Stadium Thursday night, week two.

13:26 That will be September 17th.

13:29 And then the last thing that kind of leaked out in the last 24 hours,

13:32 Matt, we know one of the Thanksgiving Day games, of course.

13:36 Okay.

13:36 Lions are going to host.

13:37 Lions are going to host.

13:38 Cowboys are going to host.

13:39 And the Cowboys will be hosting the Philadelphia Eagles for the 4:30.

13:44 So, the mid kind of midday game, there'll be the noon game,

13:47 there'll be the 4:30 game, and then the night game.

13:49 So, kind of the midday game there will be

13:51 a NFC East clash between the Cowboys and the Eagles.

13:53 Which is the most viewed of the three's time slots on Thanksgiving?

13:57 That's a really good question.

13:58 I would think some of it depends upon the game because there's

14:01 But at the same time, you know how

14:03 where they put the best game.

14:05 The middle slot.

14:05 I feel like it's usually the middle slot.

14:06 I would think the middle slot.

14:07 I mean, even though Detroit's always the I

14:09 feel like Detroit's always the noon game.

14:11 They seem like they're always

14:11 They seem like they're always the noon game.

14:13 Yeah.

14:13 And lately that's been a good game for a long time.

14:16 It was a

14:17 Everyone falls asleep on the last one.

14:18 Yeah.

14:18 That tripped the fan.

14:19 But the last one it's been like Bengals and Ravens.

14:22 There's there's been some they've done a good

14:24 job of making them all good games the last

14:26 they're way better than they were 10 15 years ago.

14:28 They used to be junko lions are good.

14:31 Lions used to be terrible.

14:33 Absolutely right.

14:34 So we do know those are a couple of the other things

14:35 that we've learned here in the last 24 hours or so will continue

14:39 if any of those and I'm talking like I'm not talking random

14:42 people on Twitter who say Jacksonville is going to host Houston week one.

14:46 I'm I'm talking reports from the league official Adam Sheffir.

14:50 People like that.

14:51 Yeah.

14:51 this is what's going to happen what we know uh so far to this point.

14:55 So that's kind of a general overview.

14:58 When we return, I want to take a look at the Steelers

15:00 schedule because we do know the home and away splits,

15:03 what that's going to look like.

15:03 We'll give you a little primer there.

15:05 There's also an interesting uh NFL PA story that was reported today

15:09 that I want to run past Matt here in the first hour as well.

15:12 You know where to get at us if you want to get involved today.

15:14 We'll get to your questions, comments, concerns,

15:16 reactions in hour number two here on this Tuesday edition of the drive.

15:20 Westuler Matt Williamson.

15:22 Steelers Nation radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

15:33 According to our expert researchers, our, you know,

15:36 our crack team of producers here,

15:37 as we've, as we've said before, they, you know, Matt and I, uh,

15:41 the show has become so big time, we've gone from having no producers,

15:45 just me doing it, to two producers, and of course, Nate Dog and Mr.

15:49 TV and they answered a question for us.

15:52 The late afternoon NFL Thanksgiving game,

15:54 typically right there at 4:30, sometimes it's 4:25,

15:57 whatever the case may be,

15:58 is the most viewed time slot of the Thanksgiving games.

16:02 The highest one

16:03 totally adds up.

16:03 Highest one, 2025, Cowboys Chiefs averaged over 57 million viewers.

16:09 Big number.

16:10 Wow, that's crazy.

16:11 Yeah, it is crazy.

16:12 Um, as you and I have kind of uh said,

16:14 if you look at content for everything around the holidays,

16:17 it drops except for live sporting events,

16:21 you know, like because people aren't listening to the same shows at the gym

16:24 or in their office cubicle or things like that, but everybody's got the game on

16:28 while they are uh sitting around with their family

16:30 at Thanksgiving or Christmas or whatever the case may be.

16:33 All right, good stuff, Matt.

16:34 17 games on the schedule of course for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

16:38 Uh, and we know what the home and away splits are going to look like.

16:42 Of course, everyone knows the divisional opponents

16:44 that are the same and don't change every year.

16:46 The Steelers will have home and homes with the Ravens,

16:48 the Bengals, and the Browns in the AFC North.

16:51 Let's start there, though.

16:53 Yeah.

16:52 So, I kind of want to gear this segment towards like what are you rooting for?

16:57 Like, if you know Miamiy's on the schedule,

16:59 you don't want to go there the first game of the year.

17:01 You want to go there late.

17:03 Um, Denver, Denver, Denver wins like 80% of their home games

17:08 in week one and two because no one's in great shape.

17:11 I mean, that's you go to the light air, you lose in week one because remember,

17:16 no one plays a full game in the preseason, right?

17:19 So,

17:20 there is definitely a revving up period

17:22 for these guys that no one plays 60 snaps, you know, going in, you know, a game.

17:27 So, I would think in the division usually they're going to be later.

17:33 I'm hoping for not a Thursday short week in Cleveland.

17:36 That has hasn't gone well.

17:38 That has not gone well.

17:39 And you got to think the Steelers are probably a better team than the Browns.

17:43 I would hope that you don't have to go

17:46 there in particular super late because I think weather

17:50 equ you know makes it makes it a more level playing field.

17:53 You know what I mean?

17:54 The other ones I'm not real concerned about.

17:56 The weather ones that stand out to me are some of these teams like the Falcons,

18:00 like the Carolina Panthers.

18:01 I think you'd like to have them come to Pittsburgh in November or December.

18:05 Yeah.

18:05 Yeah.

18:05 It can't hurt.

18:06 It's not like those players are home.

18:08 Team, warm weather team, and Yeah.

18:10 Not every one of those guys

18:11 they didn't grow up in Atlanta or whatever.

18:13 But still, they didn't have a lot of those games

18:17 recently, right?

18:18 You know, you you you got that with the Miami Dolphins last year where,

18:20 you know, there was a big snowstorm when Miami came to town.

18:23 So, Carolina and Atlanta are coming here.

18:25 Coming here.

18:26 And then when you look at it the other way around, places you have to go,

18:29 man, as you kind of put it,

18:31 that that Florida, like Miami is the ultimate example,

18:34 right?

18:34 But I still wouldn't want to go to Tampa week one.

18:36 I wouldn't want to go to Tampa or Jacksonville

18:38 in the first four weeks of the season.

18:40 Jacksonville's nasty.

18:41 Yeah, it's going to be hot.

18:42 It's going to be humid.

18:43 It's going to be September.

18:45 So, I'm glad you actually wanted started it that way.

18:48 Jacksonville and Tampa Bay, both road trips for the Steelers.

18:51 The Steelers will play away in Florida twice.

18:55 You'd hope you'd hope that those are October or on.

18:59 Yeah.

18:59 In fact, like I'd take both of those in December

19:01 and that way the later the better.

19:02 That way we could escape the cold weather for a little bit

19:04 and it'll be nice and you know 60s some degrees and sunny down there.

19:08 You wouldn't think New Orleans matters.

19:10 But

19:11 I would think I'd rather go later just because

19:14 you know it's going to be nuts and you know everyone's going to be it's gonna be

19:17 Marty Gro and everyone's gonna be partying like crazy.

19:20 But their season could be garbage by the end of the year.

19:24 You know, like everyone has high hopes,

19:25 but some of these bad teams, you'd rather play late, too,

19:29 cuz they might be right now working on their draft boards, right?

19:32 Like Saints think they're going to go 17-0 and we're going to win

19:35 the win the South and Shucks awesome and Tyson and blah blah blah.

19:40 But by about Thanksgiving, it might be like and we're not going to win the

19:45 And I'm not saying they're going to have a bad year, but they easily could.

19:48 Great call.

19:48 you know, great Titans fit into that too when you go on the road to Tennessee.

19:53 Yeah.

19:53 Yeah.

19:53 Yeah.

19:53 Yeah.

19:54 Young quarterback and a first round receiver just like the Saints, you know.

19:58 Another thing I kind of look at too,

20:00 and I don't know if there's any merit to it or any numbers that back it up,

20:03 but I think teams with a lot of turnover and especially firsttime head coaches,

20:11 I would want to play early.

20:13 Like I wouldn't mind I wouldn't mind playing the Ravens

20:17 week one.

20:18 Mhm.

20:18 You know, get Mentor's first game ever walking the sidelines early.

20:24 Yeah.

20:24 Ravens, I just think are more of a challenge.

20:26 You know what I mean?

20:26 Of course.

20:27 Yeah.

20:27 Yeah.

20:27 You mean these guys that have never done it

20:30 looking around for, you know, timeouts and the scoreboards and stuff like that.

20:36 People are screaming and yelling, right?

20:37 I'd love to play the Ravens week one.

20:39 It's a great call.

20:41 Yeah.

20:40 That hasn't happened since I was in college.

20:42 I think was the last time the Steelers and the Ravens.

20:45 It's funny our you know Dan Quinnland and I our loyal

20:47 listeners have heard us reference him a little bit more.

20:49 He's the director of promotions and marketing here in our building,

20:52 but he's our executive producer for the Steelers

20:55 radio broadcast and has been for like

20:57 he's in the booth with you guys in the booth up with you guys

21:00 for like 16 years I think.

21:02 He's been doing it for a long time.

21:04 Um and uh and that's you know something kind of that we always just discuss

21:09 and keep an eye on with him and and he was uh he always jokes

21:14 it seems like we always go to Baltimore in late November or December

21:18 feels that way and he always says he's like you know

21:20 that one and we stay in the Inner Harbor typically

21:23 which is a beautiful area of downtown Baltimore right

21:25 on the water but obviously in November and December you're

21:28 more beautiful in September

21:29 and Dan always says he's like man that one time we came here in September it

21:33 was a lot of on walking around the inner harbor on not freezing and bundled up.

21:38 I'd love to come back weather.

21:40 Yeah.

21:40 Not in my big winter coat cuz that wind's whipping off the the water.

21:44 Heck with Baltimore.

21:45 But I'm sure it's beautiful right about now.

21:47 Yes.

21:47 Yeah.

21:47 But but November and December it's frigid right on the water there

21:51 and uh you're not wanting to spend too much time outside.

21:54 Certainly that's the case.

21:55 Yeah.

21:56 So that's that's a good call by you.

21:57 Those are some that would would fit like I might look at

22:00 maybe even like a new quarterback or rookie quarterback, things like that.

22:03 That's what we really started to break

22:04 down like in the schedule release show too.

22:06 It's like,

22:07 you know, boy, you're getting them off a buy or you know

22:09 what about Steelers host the co Steelers host.

22:12 I'm so excited.

22:13 I can't get the words out.

22:14 Steelers host the Colts this year.

22:16 Oh, I don't know if Daniel Jones.

22:18 You want that?

22:18 If that comes in the first three weeks of the season,

22:20 I'd take that in week one.

22:21 Absolutely.

22:22 Because even if he's back, he's going to be rusty.

22:24 I mean, we we mentioned Mahomes.

22:26 I mean, he's not going to play in the preseason.

22:28 I doubt Daniel Jones plays.

22:30 If you're Denver, you're probably like, "Hey, yeah,

22:32 give us one of those games against Mahomes week one." Like,

22:34 they're at least maybe he'll be rusty and not quite back.

22:38 Hasn't played for a while and maybe he's not 100%.

22:40 Maybe when we see him in week 14, he torches us,

22:43 but maybe in week one we catch him not quite himself yet.

22:45 I mean, even if Mahomes plays week one, I doubt he plays the preseason.

22:49 I would think the same is likely true for Daniel Jones.

22:52 That's a great call with some

22:53 of those quarterbacks and whatnot coming back from injury.

22:57 So, yeah.

22:57 So, uh the three division opponents at home in addition to the Atlanta Falcons,

23:01 Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Indianapolis Colts.

23:05 You love you're not going to Denver.

23:07 You absolutely do.

23:09 Um

23:08 although I do think Colorado is a lovely place to visit for the weekend.

23:11 It is.

23:12 I just don't want to go there early in the year.

23:14 Um you said Houston and

23:16 Houston and Indianapolis.

23:18 I guess he'd won Indie early,

23:19 but the other ones to me aren't that consequential when you get them.

23:24 And then on the road,

23:24 obviously the divisional opponents as well as Jacksonville,

23:27 New England, New Orleans, Philly, Tampa, and Tennessee.

23:31 Would you not want New England like week 17, 18?

23:35 Yeah, because I don't want to have to go to New England

23:38 in December when there's going to be seven feet of snow on thinking.

23:41 Right.

23:42 Right.

23:42 Right.

23:43 Yes.

23:43 I mean, I don't know if that favors the Patriots more than the Steelers,

23:46 but it would be an equalizer and it'd be bad for your travel life.

23:49 Would certainly be an equalizer.

23:50 I'd love to go to uh New Orleans

23:52 on a weekend where LSU had a home Saturday night game.

23:55 Now you're talking and then maybe me and Quinnland and some people can sneak

23:58 over to Baton Rouge and check out check out Death Valley there in Louisiana.

24:03 Who are the other road trips you mentioned?

24:04 New England, New Orleans,

24:06 Philly, Tampa, Tennessee, and then the the three divisional opponents of course.

24:09 Philly, Tampa, Tennessee.

24:10 Again, I think you just don't want Tampa in September.

24:13 Don't want Tampa early.

24:14 Don't want Jacksonville early.

24:17 Mhm.

24:17 Um the other ones.

24:19 Yeah.

24:19 Yeah.

24:19 So be it.

24:20 So be it.

24:21 Chips where they fall.

24:22 But yeah, if you could give me like New

24:23 England and Philly in the front half of the schedule,

24:25 give us Jacksonville and Tampa in the back half of the schedule.

24:29 Slot Tennessee in there sometime when some big

24:31 music stars play in Nashville on Saturday night.

24:34 And Okay.

24:34 We'll have a good old Yeah.

24:36 Yeah.

24:36 Yeah.

24:37 You look at this for different reasons than I do, right?

24:39 you know, and you know this, Mike Pursuda,

24:41 obviously he no longer travels with us on the road cuz he

24:44 he was a master of finding things to do in other towns.

24:47 The schedule would come out and like a day or two

24:49 later he would text Quinnland and I and be like,

24:52 "When we're in Atlanta, the Braves are home on Saturday night.

24:55 When we're in Boston,

24:56 there's a college hockey game between Providence

24:58 and Boston College." He would send us this.

25:00 when we're in I'm at the combine

25:02 when we're when we're in San Francisco,

25:04 Oregon and Stanford are playing in college football

25:07 the night before like we're at the combine.

25:09 He's like

25:10 he's like Purdue's got a basketball game, Indiana's got a Yeah.

25:13 He tried a couple years ago when the uh

25:16 when we were in Philadelphia, I think it was two or three because there

25:19 was those backto-back years when the Steelers went to Philly.

25:22 One of those years Pursuda was texting us.

25:24 He was like, "The Flyers have a home game Saturday night." I said, "Pursudo,

25:27 you could pay me $200 and I still wouldn't go to a Flyers game." Okay.

25:32 I'd rather do anything else than go to a Flyers game.

25:35 Throw up that goddy orange everywhere.

25:38 Um, so yeah, it is it is funny how we kind of loop

25:40 that into the uh into the conversation as well as as you absolutely should,

25:45 especially for listen, when it's a 1:00 road game,

25:47 we're in bed Saturday night and it's an early day.

25:49 When it's a 4:30 or a night game, you got a little little time to frolic around.

25:54 And I knew Dale was on on top of this too,

25:56 but like there were he his favorite watering holes in Cleveland,

26:00 Cincinnati, Baltimore.

26:01 I mean, especially places you go regular, you know?

26:03 I'm sure you guys go the same spots a lot, you know?

26:05 Right.

26:06 First two years that I was on the road, I don't think I ever because we'd just

26:09 land somewhere in Pursuit and Dale would be like,

26:11 "Meet in the lobby in 15 minutes.

26:12 We're going here." And I'd be like I'd be like, "All right, guys.

26:15 Bring me along." Yeah.

26:16 Awesome.

26:16 Dale took me one time,

26:17 one of my first my first ever year,

26:19 the first preseason game was in Jacksonville.

26:22 I remember that.

26:22 So, my first ever

26:24 first road trip with the team

26:25 road trip with the team was preseason game in Jacksonville.

26:28 But early in that season,

26:30 one of the first couple games the Steelers played at Buffalo.

26:33 This just sticks out to me.

26:35 Uh we we land, everyone gets on buses,

26:38 we get to the hotels, we all grab our room keys,

26:40 and then there's kind of a a long queue for the elevator, as people can imagine.

26:44 They kind of hotel security blocks off the elevator so

26:47 all the players and everybody can get up the elevators.

26:49 It takes 10, 15 minutes with all those people.

26:52 getting on elevators and Dale is like,

26:55 "There's a Dukane bar right around the corner.

26:57 We're going there in 15 minutes." And we're like,

26:59 "What?" And he's like, "Kind of." He's like,

27:02 "The guy who owns it went to Dukane and he's got a big

27:04 Dukes thing behind the bar." So they so they they call it like

27:07 it can't be geared just for Dukane.

27:09 No.

27:09 No.

27:09 But but you walk in, it's great.

27:11 And right behind the bar there's like Dukane signage, you know,

27:13 like the the old school Dukane logo and it says Dukane University,

27:17 which is cool.

27:18 Which is cool.

27:19 Dale's like that's where we go every that's where me

27:21 and Labs always used to go you know so it is

27:24 with all respect to our Dukane listeners

27:25 it wouldn't be the best business model to I don't think so

27:28 in Buffalo to hey come here for all the Dukane games you know

27:32 you might get you might get a couple people but I think I think that's about it.

27:36 Um so that's kind of the primer the home opponents the road teams

27:39 some things to look for though on Thursday night.

27:41 Absolutely.

27:41 And again, I'm sure by the time Matt and I are on air Thursday,

27:44 we might even get a Hey, Steelers could be playing on Thanksgiving.

27:47 Steelers could be playing this on Monday Night Football.

27:50 Steelers could be Christmas weekend's going to be huge for the NFL this year.

27:54 I bet we'll have no one game.

27:55 I bet you we by the time Thursday starts.

27:58 Yes.

27:58 Thursday drive.

27:59 So, we will continue.

28:00 We will not be doing a drive Friday to respond to these things.

28:03 It's a what are we calling those?

28:04 Maintenance days.

28:05 Maintenance day.

28:06 Yeah.

28:06 Yeah.

28:06 Yeah.

28:06 Yeah.

28:07 Your boy Your boys got some stuff going on on Friday.

28:09 Um, and so and and but you are doing a a scheduled show uh

28:14 Thursday night that'll be on that'll be on DVE and Simo Cast on SNR.

28:19 I'm sure

28:20 we're going to react live as soon as it comes out

28:22 for those who who do want to get

28:23 all the the instant thoughts and reactions and everything.

28:25 And then I think actually it sounds like uh Tom

28:28 and Adamsky are going to be filling in for us on Friday.

28:31 Okay.

28:31 I believe shot in the big league.

28:32 That's how Call them up.

28:34 Call them up.

28:35 See if they can handle the the big leagues.

28:37 see if they can hit a a major league curveball.

28:41 See if they can work to see if they can work to count,

28:42 find a way to get on base.

28:44 Um so that's kind of the primer.

28:45 That's kind of uh what we know about the Steelers

28:47 schedule and some NFL uh atlarge um stuff as we're

28:51 getting close to as as you kind of alluded to what

28:54 has now become a big day on the NFL calendar.

28:56 It's amazing how much they promote it and how

28:58 much you know stuff you get out of it.

29:01 It's really a whole week of coverage

29:03 because nothing else really happens this week.

29:05 No.

29:05 And then we'll talk about where the byweeks fall and the rest

29:07 advantages and who's here on a Thursday and who gets

29:09 well we'll definitely Monday I'm sure Sharp

29:10 will have all his rest advantage stuff

29:12 by then and we'll definitely you know I know it's a little late but we'll

29:15 dig into the schedule heavy and man Ravens are coming off a week's rest

29:20 and that's not great or you know that kind of stuff too you know

29:24 be uh be a lot of fun here uh coming down

29:25 the pipeline let's take our last break of the first hour

29:28 we'll wrap up this conversation on the other side Matt Williamson

29:31 it is the drive Steelers Nation radio on the Steelers audio Network.

29:48 So, Matt, I want to take a look at some lingering offseason questions

29:52 across the NFL with you here as we close down this first hour.

29:55 But first,

29:58 I don't know if uh you remember me talking to you about this.

30:01 I mentioned this a few months ago.

30:03 Maybe it was back owners meeting time.

30:05 The whole offseason blurs together and I

30:07 can't believe we're halfway through May already.

30:09 We're going to be in Latro next week.

30:11 Like we blink.

30:12 We're gonna be in Latro.

30:13 Been an insane off season so far.

30:15 Um, I remember mentioning to you when we had had some NFL PA stuff about

30:22 how remember massive uh event in the United

30:25 States and Canada and Mexico this summer, the World Cup of course

30:29 and I remember telling you that for the World Cup part of the agreement was

30:35 all the fields that are artificial turf have to be replaced with real GL grass.

30:39 I

30:39 remember this conversation.

30:40 Yeah.

30:40 Yeah.

30:40 Yeah.

30:40 Because I was shocked by that.

30:42 Yeah.

30:42 FIFA in the World Cup, they will not play on turf.

30:46 Okay?

30:46 Like that's a big thing for soccer players.

30:48 Like they hate playing on turf,

30:51 the injuries, the wear on your knees and ankles and that kind of thing.

30:54 I respected the heck out of that when you told me

30:56 that and and really thought I know that they're getting better about it.

31:00 The NFL could take a page from that too

31:01 in terms of field conditions in Brazil and things like that.

31:05 Yeah, I think I remember I told you that the plan was like so say Metife, right?

31:08 Metife is where obviously they're doing group

31:11 stage games for the World Cup there.

31:12 That's also where the World Cup final will be.

31:14 Is it is it is it Metife?

31:16 So, I'm sure that feels going to be beautiful.

31:18 It's turf, but they ripped it up.

31:20 They're ripping it up just for that reason.

31:22 But their plan is to go back to turf

31:24 after like when they originally made this announcement,

31:26 we're going to go to natural grass for the World

31:27 Cup and then we'll go back to turf.

31:29 Okay.

31:29 So, football will be played on turf.

31:31 Yes.

31:31 NFL.

31:32 NFL.

31:33 And I don't think Metife is the only one

31:34 that was planning on doing that for the World Cup.

31:36 We'll put in real grass for the summer

31:38 for the World Cup and then we'll go back to turf.

31:41 Boy, the expense for that.

31:42 But it must be worth it.

31:43 But it must be worth it.

31:44 Yeah.

31:44 I mean, you're hosting World Cup games, which I'm sure is very lucrative.

31:47 I'm sure.

31:47 Yeah.

31:48 15 of the 30 NFL stadiums.

31:50 Remember, there's 30 NFL stadiums because the Giants and the Jets share one,

31:53 the Chargers and the Rams share one.

31:54 Use some sort of artificial turf.

31:56 You said 15 of 30.

31:57 15 of 30.

31:58 So 50.

31:58 So 50%.

32:00 with this.

32:00 The NFLPA and and JC Treader, who's the executive director, have basically said,

32:05 "We want we want highquality grass fields." To piggyback off of this World Cup,

32:11 you know, we're having

32:12 the players want high quality.

32:14 The players want high quality fields.

32:16 Yes.

32:16 92% via their internal polling.

32:18 He said 92% say that they want grass fields.

32:22 Real quick, I gotta stop you though.

32:24 I mean, it's funny.

32:25 I'm so old that I remember when quote field turf was

32:31 new and we thought it was like the greatest thing ever,

32:33 you know, like we used it as a a recruiting tool.

32:36 We got field turf in the indoor at pit

32:38 and you know things like that when it was brand new because it wasn't astroturf.

32:43 I mean Astro I mean like I'm sitting here like you guys are soft you know

32:47 just you didn't play on not that I played period but I mean like you rip

32:51 your knee up on Astro Turf or go to the go to Philly when you know

32:55 there's just like rips in the like concrete with a piece of carpet over it right

32:59 brutal.

33:00 Well that's that's cuz they had to have

33:01 the jail underneath Veteran Stadium underneath that concrete in Philadelphia.

33:05 You know JC Treader saying uh so basically the uh

33:10 FIFA only uses grass fields for the World Cup.

33:12 So, Metife Stadium, AT&T, Gillette Stadium,

33:15 Lumenfield in Chicago or uh Seattle, pardon me,

33:18 NRG Stadium in Houston, Sofi,

33:20 Mercedes-Benz in Atlanta will all replace

33:24 their artificial turf for natural grass.

33:26 Four games this summer by FIFA's standards that have

33:29 they have to be installed and completed by June 11th.

33:32 Did you say Atlanta?

33:33 So, domes are doing it too.

33:34 Domes are doing it too.

33:35 I mean, I guess you have to, but

33:36 FIFA will not I mean, they will not like

33:38 we're not playing.

33:39 If Argentina shows up and Messi and all these guys and it's turf,

33:42 they'd be like, "We're not playing.

33:43 We're not playing.

33:43 We're not playing."

33:44 In fact, if you look I guess you can grow grass indoors.

33:47 I mean,

33:47 a lot of a lot of big European

33:50 teams and South American obviously it's the World Cup.

33:53 Uh Argentina, Brazil, Portugal,

33:56 they're playing like the week before the World Cup starts,

33:59 they're playing like a tuneup match, an exhibition,

34:02 a friendly as they call it in soccer, right?

34:04 Okay.

34:04 And they're doing them.

34:06 Do they play their stars?

34:06 Like would Big Ben play in that game?

34:08 They'll play like Messi will probably play

34:10 20 30 minutes of the 90 for Argentina.

34:13 They'll play some to get, you know,

34:14 get their legs warmed up, but not the whole game or anything.

34:18 Most of those are like Argentina is playing a game at Auburn's football stadium.

34:25 Wow.

34:24 That's Messi is bigger than Taylor Swift.

34:28 Yeah.

34:27 And he's going to a college campus to play a game in the middle of Alabama.

34:32 But it's because of the quality of the field.

34:34 That's why they're playing.

34:35 Oh, because it's such a good field.

34:36 Yes.

34:36 Uh because all these

34:38 I thought he was gonna be like, I'm not playing.

34:39 A lot of these play most of those friendlies are in a lot I shouldn't say most,

34:43 but a lot of them are in the South

34:45 or at college football stadiums because they have the real grass.

34:48 Okay.

34:50 And

34:50 that's how they're getting Lionel Messi,

34:52 probably the most famous guy in the world if you talk the whole world.

34:55 Yeah.

34:55 Yeah.

34:56 To play a a game in in Auburn, Alabama.

34:59 Okay.

34:59 And now it's an 80 it's an 80,000 seat stadium that they're going to sell out.

35:03 Well, sure.

35:04 I mean, somebody's making money at this, but Right.

35:06 Right.

35:06 Exactly.

35:06 Right.

35:07 So, I just thought that was interesting.

35:08 And and hey, the current CBA doesn't expire for another four years,

35:12 but I I think that's remember by the 2028 season,

35:15 there's standards that all stadiums in the NFL have

35:18 to abide by for their for their approved fields.

35:21 But I think this is something that not imminently,

35:24 but eventually is going to become a pretty pretty sizable talking point.

35:27 I don't know if you know the answer to this, but like,

35:29 okay, Atlanta's going to tear up their they're a dome.

35:33 They're going to tear it up and of course they're going to go back to turf.

35:36 Fine.

35:36 I got no problem with that at all.

35:38 Let's hypothetical that there was a one that Buffalo

35:42 or New England or I think you even mentioned Seattle.

35:45 I'm talking about Northern

35:47 Bad weather.

35:48 New England and Seattle are both hosting World Cup games.

35:50 So, New England is are they tearing up their turf?

35:53 I don't know if they're grass or turf off the top of my head.

35:55 Um, it's it says, "Yeah,

35:57 they so Gillette Stadium uses some sort of artificial turf." Yes.

36:02 So, do you think the NFL PA would prefer there was turf or grass in New England?

36:10 That's an interesting question.

36:12 I know they would.

36:12 Buffalo.

36:13 Exactly.

36:13 Well, Chicago might even be the best example.

36:15 It's a sloppy mess.

36:17 You know, like Steelers don't have the best

36:20 history of having the the kindest fields.

36:22 Would the NFLPA prefer Acushure or especially Chicago,

36:27 which I always think of Chicago is the slowest track ever.

36:31 Wouldn't they rather have turf

36:33 so than messy field?

36:35 That's a great question.

36:37 Not me si or whatever.

36:40 Argentinian soccer star, but a sloppy mess.

36:43 That's a good one.

36:43 Nice one.

36:44 Nice one there.

36:45 The only the first thing that my mind goes to is Matt,

36:48 I think you know this and I'm sure a lot of our listeners do,

36:50 but much like Seattle, much like Pittsburgh,

36:54 England has a reputation for having very rainy and nasty and nasty weather.

36:58 I'm sure it's

36:59 so Manchester United and Liverpool and Arsenal,

37:02 they've all got grass and they play in England where they get

37:05 rain nonstop and they're playing two games a week on those fields.

37:09 like those teams play a 4050 game schedule

37:12 depending on how far you progress in certain,

37:15 you know, certain tournaments and Champions League

37:17 and the FA Cup and those type of things.

37:19 And they tear the field up differently.

37:22 Yes.

37:21 I mean, it's not up the middle with 320 lb dudes shoulderto-shoulder,

37:26 right?

37:26 But it's a ton of running around and sliding.

37:28 Yeah.

37:28 Sliding and taking chunks out, taking chunks of kick.

37:31 I mean, a lot of kicks probably take a divot.

37:33 That's interesting.

37:34 I know we've said this during

37:35 I think NFL PA would want some stadiums to go to be field turf or whatever.

37:40 I wonder if there's any way you could do like a hybrid setup in there too.

37:43 Yeah.

37:44 I don't know.

37:45 This is and I know we say

37:46 it's weird like Treader's pushing for it leaguewide,

37:49 but I think it'd be a case by case basis.

37:52 Some would be better with not grass.

37:55 I I would think I would think so.

37:56 But then again, when I the rest of the world,

37:59 at least from some and it's it's a different sport, but still

38:03 in a lot of those leagues, you know,

38:04 like the Spanish league for example, their weather's incredible, you know,

38:07 like they they probably don't have to worry about ital Italian league,

38:11 like they get really nice weather.

38:12 They probably don't have to worry about it

38:13 as much as say England does where it's

38:15 But I bet like deep south, you know,

38:17 like deep South America, like close to Antarctica

38:21 gets pretty rough.

38:21 I bet it does.

38:22 Australia.

38:22 I mean, I'm I always think of Australia being warm,

38:24 but it probably isn't in the south.

38:27 You know, you're not that far from Antarctica, right?

38:29 This is another one of those we need to get

38:30 a we need to get a turf expert or somebody on here.

38:33 But it's interesting.

38:34 We'll get tweets on this one.

38:34 I bet I I bet you we will.

38:36 So, yeah.

38:37 Um,

38:37 it is kind of an interesting situation, though.

38:39 It's just I think it's something that we've heard players have been

38:43 starting to talk about this all the way back to Adrien Peterson,

38:46 you know, and the nightmares that were FedEx Field and whatever it's called now.

38:49 It's changed its names a bunch of times.

38:51 the Washington Commanders home stadium.

38:53 Um, you know, we've heard this a lot about Metife.

38:56 Like there's, you know,

38:56 there's been a higher amount of knee injuries and things like that at Metife

39:01 Stadium since since its uh since its inception in the last decade or so.

39:05 So, yeah.

39:06 And there's many studies and there's people

39:07 a thousand times smarter on this than us.

39:10 It's we say this a lot during training camp and we watch how the Steelers

39:13 grounds crew does with all the fields

39:14 out there in Latroe and the weather element.

39:16 This is I would love to have

39:17 somebody maybe that's maybe that's crack producer team.

39:20 Maybe we can hunt down some uh some

39:23 Dale and I thought about that for years.

39:24 We wanted to grab one of the Steelers grounds guys just to

39:27 co because there's a couple questions we have

39:29 because we always did that like extra hour.

39:31 You've been a part of it this past year

39:33 where we're watching them do the grounds crew

39:35 and frankly sometimes we don't have a ton to talk

39:37 about and we're like oh now they're doing

39:39 this and I wonder why and blah blah blah you know.

39:41 So the NFL PA and the NFL agreed last year

39:43 to a new model for selecting playing services surfaces in stadiums.

39:48 one that will require teams to choose from an approved

39:51 set of metrics styles for both natural and synthetic fields.

39:55 The policy will apply to any team

39:57 that plans to replace their surfaces for this season.

40:00 And by 28, all stadiums must be in line will be required to

40:06 use the approved field.

40:08 Okay.

40:09 So,

40:09 that's pretty cool about the World Cup though.

40:10 I think it is.

40:11 And how intense they are about it.

40:13 Yeah.

40:13 And it it we're just not playing on that.

40:14 It may We're just not You're crazy.

40:16 We're not playing on that.

40:17 And I I mean I get it and it's it's that's

40:19 kind of the just I you know me that about me.

40:21 I'm a dork with that kind of stuff.

40:23 I love the differences in the sports leagues.

40:24 Like last week we talked about promotion

40:26 and relegation and you know those those different

40:29 kind.

40:29 I think that's great.

40:29 You could actually learn something from these folks overseas.

40:32 And I wonder too if any of these so

40:34 these ones that have to replace Metife in New Jersey,

40:37 AT&T in Dallas, Gillette in New England, Lumen in Seattle,

40:41 NRG in Houston, Sofi in LA and Mercedes-Benz.

40:45 Why should Dallas go back?

40:46 Just keep

40:47 That's what I mean.

40:48 Why would go back?

40:50 I mean, and again, it must just be because the maintenance cost,

40:52 because the upkeep cost,

40:53 there's a reason they picked it originally, but Right.

40:55 And we all know that typically goes back to the almighty dollar.

40:57 I'm sure.

40:58 But I bet the Cowboys can afford it.

41:00 But that's what I mean.

41:00 At this point, it's like, hey, maybe put an immaculate field and keep it

41:04 and maybe you can continue

41:06 or even just do it for this year and see how it goes.

41:08 And why do you have to go back before opening day?

41:10 And over the summers going forward, you can get

41:13 Argentina to come play a friendly in the middle of June.

41:15 You know, you can get some of those Spanish and English teams to come

41:19 have preseason games in the United States like they've done in the past.

41:22 I don't know.

41:23 It's just an interesting it's an interesting conversation

41:25 to the the the sports dork in me.

41:27 Side nugget, just contract.

41:30 What does like Messi make a year?

41:33 Oh lord.

41:34 I mean, I know he's worth way more and I'm sure he has endorsements like crazy,

41:37 blah blah blah blah blah, but like what's his con?

41:39 I assume he's like the highest paid dude, right?

41:41 I think Ronaldo is because Ronaldo plays in the Saudi league now and makes a ton

41:47 of money.

41:48 Base salary for Messi is a little under

41:50 30 million which is I would have guessed higher

41:52 but like let me see one of these guys like Neymar.

41:56 Have you ever heard of Neymar?

41:57 He's a Brazilian guy who plays uh in the Saudi league now.

42:00 Um I'm sure the Saudi league changed everything.

42:02 Kind of like live for golf, right?

42:06 Yes.

42:06 Yes.

42:07 Uh, exact.

42:08 That's a That's a great um Let's see here.

42:11 Of course, it's given me a bunch of

42:13 Yeah, I was just curious.

42:15 40 46 million per year.

42:18 Okay.

42:18 So, it's it's I wouldn't have been shocked if it was 80.

42:20 I don't know.

42:21 Well, I think they again I think they get that's just their base salary.

42:24 They get a ton of other

42:26 uh ton of other things like that and perks and like so Neymar, for example,

42:30 gets access to a private jet that he's allowed to use at any time.

42:34 It's a nice perk that he wants.

42:36 Yes.

42:36 Um, so it's it's it it is interesting

42:39 to see how that all how that all plays out.

42:40 But yeah, World Cup coming here this summer.

42:42 I'm going to a game in Philly.

42:43 I know I told you that uh at the end of June,

42:45 it's going to be a Croatia vers Ghana that I'm looking forward to.

42:49 And who knows, maybe I'll find my way into a uh into one of the uh the you know,

42:53 knockout round stage games or something like that, too.

42:56 But tickets are uh tickets are pretty crazy and so I'm sure they are.

42:59 We'll see.

43:00 But like I said, I don't think

43:01 that that right now is is something that's immediate,

43:06 but I I think at some point

43:07 something's going to be we're going to be talking about for the next decade.

43:10 I think especially, you know,

43:11 leading up to 2030 um when the when the CBA contracts are back around like,

43:15 hey, you guys were able to easily bring in grass

43:18 for we've seen this happen for a six week international tournament.

43:22 Don't tell me it can't happen.

43:23 Don't tell me it can't happen.

43:24 Yeah.

43:24 Yeah.

43:24 Yeah.

43:25 Hour in the books.

43:26 Another hour to go.

43:27 I want to talk about Hall of Famers in the NFL.

43:30 We're going to have a fun conversation in hour number

43:32 two as we kind of look big picture at the credentials.

43:35 Uh who's a lock right now?

43:37 Who's well on their way?

43:38 Who's off to a good start?

43:40 Matt and I will break that all down when we return halfway home on the drive.

43:44 U Williamson, Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

43:58 Good evening, Steeler Nation.

44:00 How we doing?

44:01 Well, that's good.

44:01 Us two.

44:02 Hour number two of the drive here on this Tuesday and we are going to

44:07 story time between hours there by the way.

44:09 It was pretty funny stuff.

44:11 Can't divulge all of it.

44:13 We were talking about growing up and some dramatic events.

44:17 big traumatic moments and uh you know the crashes and whatnot

44:22 and whatnot and yeah with young young Nathan in here.

44:26 Say what do you remember about September 11th?

44:28 Well, way too much buddy.

44:30 All right.

44:30 I was in fifth grade and I remember it like it was yesterday.

44:33 Yeah, but we're going to have some fun here.

44:35 My first year as a paid employee.

44:36 I was with Pit.

44:38 All right.

44:38 Matt was talking about how they had to make

44:39 all the changes to the schedule and everything.

44:41 We practicing today.

44:42 The NFL and college football canceled that that weekend.

44:45 And uh I man remember remember George Bush just throwing out the first pitch

44:49 at Yankee Stadium just bang right down right down the pipe a few days later.

44:53 Uh Matt and I are going to have some fun here

44:55 in this segment and I'm sure it'll probably bleed into the next one.

44:58 It's going to take a while because there's going to be a lot of discussions.

45:01 It's one of the things that I had for an offseason topic

45:03 on a slower day and I figured it would be fun to do today.

45:06 NFL Hall of Famers in the league right now.

45:09 And folks, I'm definitely going to forget some because I'm just

45:12 going to go off top of my head team by team.

45:14 Totally.

45:14 There'll be some old dude that you forgot's on the team,

45:17 you know, like if Patrick Peterson got signed yesterday,

45:21 he'd be in the conversation, but you know, he's not really a relevant player.

45:24 And like for example, Ben Rothosberger, great special teamer.

45:27 Ben Rothosberger is not going to be on this list.

45:28 No,

45:29 these are active players only.

45:30 But Rogers is.

45:32 Rogers is.

45:32 Yeah.

45:32 Yeah.

45:32 Yeah.

45:33 And so I don't know.

45:34 Do you want to start going team by team?

45:35 Can we I prefer it.

45:36 That's just how my mind works.

45:38 Okay.

45:38 What if real quick?

45:39 Can I give you because I did this tell me what you did in three tiers.

45:43 I did absolute locks and I did um I did on the right path,

45:49 then I did kind of tossups and then I did young but on the right path.

45:54 Okay, but how about this?

45:55 How about I start with I give you my locks and you tell me

45:58 if you think yes on those guys and then we'll go through team by team.

46:01 Let's start there.

46:02 My locks.

46:03 And this isn't in any exact order.

46:04 This was just kind of me regurgitating them in my brain.

46:07 Trent Williams, TJ Watt, Miles Garrett, Lane Johnson, Matthew Stafford,

46:11 Aaron Rogers, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Bobby Wagner, and Mike Evans.

46:16 10

46:18 all in.

46:19 I I Stafford might get a little bit of blowback.

46:24 Just quarterbacks are tough, but he won the MVP last year.

46:27 Like, if it was one year ago, I would say he's

46:29 I think last year put him in.

46:31 I honestly when he won the Super Bowl I thought he was in too,

46:33 but he might get 45 of 50 votes as opposed to 49.

46:39 You know what I mean?

46:40 Just cuz Eli didn't go yet.

46:42 I would put Stafford in over him.

46:45 Um, he's the only one.

46:48 They're all yeses.

46:49 They're all yeses.

46:50 I mean, I shouldn't even brought him up

46:52 because I I don't think there's any debate.

46:55 So, let's go through now team by team and then I'll

46:57 kind of share with you as we get to those guys names.

47:00 Okay.

47:00 who I had in that spot.

47:01 You want to go alphabetically?

47:02 You want to go by division?

47:04 My my mind works alphabetically by division.

47:07 Okay.

47:07 East, north, south, west.

47:09 That's just how when I'm laying in bed thinking, right,

47:11 I know it.

47:12 So, I always start with the Bills.

47:15 Okay.

47:14 Allen's really interesting.

47:16 And I think we'll have the same conversation with Lamar.

47:20 They're both on my on the right path as long as they continue list.

47:24 They might have done enough already.

47:26 Yeah.

47:26 I mean, if like sounds terrible if you get hit by a bus tomorrow, you know,

47:30 or if you just decide if you Andrew Luck and say,

47:32 "I'm never going to play again." I They would be both have a really strong case.

47:38 Obviously, no Super Bowl doesn't help at all.

47:41 They've never either neither of them's ever even been to one.

47:43 But the rushing yards, they have MVPs.

47:47 I really think they're they need to start

47:49 being considered in the all-time great conversation, not just

47:53 the best player in the league type guy right now.

47:55 I mean, like, would you rather, you know,

47:57 like compare him to Ben and Favre and those guys,

48:01 you know, maybe not Montana and Brady yet,

48:04 but you got to say Allen's going to go.

48:08 I don't know if he'd get in this second if he never played again.

48:13 But same with Lamar.

48:15 Same with Lamar.

48:16 So, if we scan the Bills,

48:19 think that's it.

48:20 I don't think there's anybody else even in the mix.

48:25 Von Miller is not a Bill anymore, is he?

48:27 I was going to ask you what his if he played

48:29 into this because he should go into my locks if he does.

48:32 I don't actually officially retired.

48:35 I think he might have got picked up

48:36 by Washington because he was a Bill last year.

48:40 I think he's in the league.

48:41 I mean, he's a very much a part-time player now, but I think he's a lock.

48:46 I mean, he's one of the best players of this generation.

48:49 I don't know that he's a

48:50 He said in March he is not planning to retire

48:53 and would like to remain with the Washington Commanders.

48:56 Tyler just said it looks like he'll be a Bronco.

48:59 Oh, okay.

48:59 Well, regardless, if he's still playing

49:01 then then he's definitely close enough to

49:03 I'll add him as the 11th lock cuz I had him down I had

49:06 him as a question because I didn't know if he had actually retired or not,

49:08 but he's he's a lock.

49:09 I think he's definitely in he's a lock.

49:11 Okay, so that's

49:12 that's 11 locks that we have.

49:14 Okay.

49:15 Um how about New England?

49:17 Diggs is not in the league as we speak, but I don't think he's in either way.

49:22 I mean, he'll be on a ballot.

49:23 I mean, he'll be a finalist like a Steve Smith or a Halt or somebody like that.

49:27 Maybe I didn't have him on my on the right path, but maybe Christian Gonzalez.

49:32 I would say he's too early, I think,

49:33 for this conversation, especially at that position.

49:36 I mean, yeah, it is.

49:39 I don't think anybody else off the top of my head in New England.

49:44 No.

49:43 Miami.

49:46 Um I mean the roster is bad.

49:49 I'm trying to think is there an old dude

49:50 that's a little over the hill that's still floating around.

49:53 No, I mean if you want to talk I So

49:55 in my has a case category Tyreek is in there.

49:59 I think he's in Yeah, I do.

50:02 I mean the one of the problems is and and again Dale did this one year,

50:08 Ed Buchett's done it forever for here.

50:11 Someone has to make your case.

50:12 Totally.

50:13 And like I don't think it's helped like Tio.

50:16 It's not going to help AB that people aren't real fond of some of these players.

50:21 You know what I mean?

50:22 I would be the first one to put my hand

50:23 up and say I think that's a flawed process.

50:25 I do too.

50:25 But that's the process.

50:26 That's the process.

50:28 I really think though of my lifetime,

50:30 Tyreek's one of the top three or four in on the alltime receiver list.

50:34 I think he's underrated.

50:36 You've terrifying.

50:38 He's he's maybe one of the most terrifying receivers ever.

50:40 I think he's in.

50:42 Especially because he has rings with the Chiefs, too.

50:44 When it's all said and done, he's going to have a strong resume.

50:47 He may never play again.

50:49 Jets, no one.

50:53 No one.

50:54 Now, again, I'm trying to,

50:56 you know, Quinnon Williams and Sauce are even gone.

50:58 Like, that's not even too It's too early for them.

51:03 Yes.

51:02 The North, we talked about Lamar.

51:05 Talked about Lamar.

51:07 Um, too early to talk about like Hamilton.

51:11 Derrick Henry.

51:12 I think Henry's in.

51:13 He's on he's he's on my on the right path tier.

51:16 I think if he has one more productive season, he's he's in.

51:20 Running backs about that age.

51:23 I think it's him and McCaffrey have a really, really,

51:26 really strong case because you have to judge them with longevity

51:30 and against their peers because I mentioned to you this off the air.

51:34 I mean, like if you look at like all-time rushing yards,

51:37 they're not going to be as impressive as you think,

51:40 like no one's ever going to catch EMTT.

51:41 No.

51:42 I mean, it's just But Henry compared over the last 10

51:47 years is absolutely dominant in terms of just rushing yards, touchdowns.

51:52 McCaffrey, I think, is in as well.

51:55 If you judge them fairly against the running backs they played alongside,

52:00 the Bejons of the world, it's too early.

52:02 Too early.

52:03 Squan.

52:04 It's probably still a little too early,

52:06 but I'm just trying to think about just running backs in general.

52:08 I think Henry goes.

52:09 I think so, too.

52:10 It also helps that you're unique.

52:12 He doesn't look like everybody else at the position, and you know,

52:15 he's got a lot of memorable moments and, you know,

52:18 so I think he goes, I think Lamar goes.

52:22 Um, new Hopkins was most recently a Raven.

52:26 I think he'll have a strong case, but not get in.

52:28 I think he's the hall of really good conversation.

52:30 And there's always a lot of those receivers.

52:32 There's a lot Wayne I mean guys that just stay on the ballot forever.

52:36 Right.

52:36 Exactly.

52:38 Any Ravens defenders?

52:42 No.

52:41 Hendrickson.

52:42 No.

52:42 Hamilton too early.

52:43 Rocoan.

52:44 No.

52:45 Nope.

52:46 Okay.

52:46 I think that's it.

52:49 Bengals.

52:48 Bengals.

52:48 I have on the right path.

52:50 Jamar Chase

52:51 and Burrow.

52:52 And Burrow.

52:53 I mean,

52:53 yes.

52:53 Sorry.

52:54 I had both of them.

52:55 Roaring down the right path.

52:57 a few more years of what they're doing and they'll then they'll be in

53:00 like they would even be on the ballot now,

53:02 but probably they'll be saying, "Ah, he didn't do enough.

53:05 I'm putting this guy in over him."

53:07 Like I when we get to him, I'm going to probably say yes on Justin Jefferson.

53:12 He's a little older.

53:14 He's another one on my right path list.

53:17 Um other Bengals too early on Dexter Lawrence.

53:21 Plus, he's not going to have stats.

53:22 Those tackles have a brutal time.

53:24 Yeah, I don't think so.

53:25 So, nobody else, no running backs.

53:27 That's the list for them.

53:28 You mentioned Garrett for the Browns.

53:30 That's that's it, right?

53:31 I mean, there's there's there's nobody else for the Browns, I don't think.

53:34 I assume not.

53:35 I'm trying to just scan if cuz where you can miss

53:40 guys is ones that had a Hall of Fame crew like Hopkins.

53:43 Like if Hopkins was a was a Raven last year,

53:46 he's like their fourth or fifth receiver.

53:48 He's not even all that good at this point.

53:49 Like

53:50 Mark Andrews might even get on a ballot,

53:53 you know?

53:53 You know, he's not like a semi at some point.

53:56 Yeah, he's had good career.

53:59 Yeah, Steelers.

53:59 Rogers is in.

54:00 Rogers is in.

54:01 TJ's in.

54:03 People might not realize that TJ could not play another snap.

54:05 He's in.

54:05 And I think Cam

54:07 I think Cam has a very strong case.

54:09 Especially, man, if he gets if he's an allp pro one more time this year, yeah,

54:13 he's in.

54:14 I mean, he was honestly a top three defensive tackle last year.

54:18 And I heard this too that the stat stops,

54:22 which is a tackle at or behind the line of scrimmage.

54:25 I think he was number one in the league.

54:27 Wouldn't surprise me.

54:29 The Walder Payeyton man of the year thing is really, really huge.

54:33 I don't know if even people around here understand how big of an award that is.

54:39 And

54:38 they put you they give you a patch to wear on the jersey

54:40 for the rest of your career when you win that thing.

54:42 Like I bet most people would rather win the MVP, but it's a conversation.

54:47 Um, I think Cam's got a really strong case.

54:50 Two years ago, I don't think he I always thought people were like,

54:53 "Oh, he's a Hall of Fame." Like, you're just being a Steeler fan.

54:56 You know, that's like Hines Ward or Harrison or Pouncy.

54:59 It's like those guys are really good,

55:00 but if you're as objective as you possibly can, I don't know.

55:04 But I think Cam is really got a case.

55:07 Ramsay has a case.

55:08 I was going to say he's the X-factor, I think, in this conversation.

55:12 Does he have to do a little more?

55:13 I don't know because he was maybe the best defensive back in the league for

55:21 half his career or Yeah, I mean or one of the best corners for sure.

55:27 I think if he has another productive season or two,

55:29 I think he is firmly in the conversation.

55:31 Does he have a Super Bowl ring?

55:32 He does with the Rams.

55:33 With the Rams.

55:34 Okay, that helps.

55:36 Yep.

55:35 Got a lot of Pro Bowls.

55:37 I bet he would go.

55:38 I think so.

55:39 Okay.

55:39 Von Miller was on that Rams team, too, wasn't he?

55:41 So Von Miller has two several He's got two

55:44 and a Super Bowl MVP.

55:45 He's definitely got and Yeah,

55:46 he's definitely He's the Marcus Wear level, you know, right?

55:49 Yes.

55:50 Okay, I think that's it for the Staylor.

55:51 Go through the AFC and then go to the break.

55:53 Let's do that.

55:54 Yeah.

55:54 Okay.

55:54 So, we need How about the Colts?

55:58 Colts.

55:58 Uh I have Quinton Nelson on my on the right path, but needs a couple more years.

56:03 Guys, especially guards and centers have to play a long time.

56:07 you.

56:07 I mean, you can't be a flash in the pan at that position,

56:09 but he's definitely on the path.

56:12 I think that's it for the Colts.

56:15 Um, Jonathan Taylor,

56:17 he's put up a lot of rushing yards.

56:18 Could he be the next Henry?

56:21 He's got as good a case as any, but he'd have to do a lot more.

56:23 He's have like double his career.

56:26 Yeah.

56:25 I mean, especially at that position.

56:27 The Forest Buckner's had a really nice career,

56:30 but I kind of look at him at like Kus Campbell.

56:32 Call of really good.

56:34 Yeah.

56:34 Yeah.

56:35 Um, I think that's the end of the Colts.

56:39 That's in the end of the Colts.

56:43 Jags.

56:42 Jags.

56:43 I don't think so.

56:47 No.

56:49 Nope.

56:50 Uh-uh.

56:50 I mean, maybe Travis Hunter breaks onto the scene this time next year.

56:53 We're saying he's still really young, right?

56:55 Yeah.

56:55 I mean, he's played six games in his life.

56:57 Yeah.

56:57 I don't think there's anyone on the Jags.

56:58 I mean, Lawrence could have a 10 year more career and Yeah.

57:01 Yeah.

57:02 Yeah.

57:02 three or four awesome years here and they win a Super Bowl, but

57:05 but I mean, he's not even in the conversation now.

57:07 I don't think so.

57:07 How about Houston?

57:09 And for Houston, I had my my way too young but on the right path.

57:15 I say they have a couple of them.

57:17 I would say Anderson.

57:18 I have Will Anderson Jr.

57:19 I'd have there too.

57:20 Yeah.

57:20 I think he's a top three corner.

57:22 And again, this was this was me randomly sitting in the basement, you know,

57:26 a couple months ago, but my young but on the right way too way too early,

57:30 but they're young and on the right path was Puka Nua,

57:32 Micah Parsons, Will Anderson Jr., and Creed Humphrey.

57:37 I agree with all those.

57:38 Um, Straoud's a no.

57:40 I'm sure there's I'm sure there's a couple I'm forgetting in there,

57:43 but those are just again spending a few

57:45 more of those, right?

57:46 Yeah.

57:46 Nico's a no.

57:47 Straoud's an O, but Anderson and Stingley, I think, are on that.

57:52 Too young, but keep it up.

57:55 And we're missing one that division.

57:56 Okay.

57:57 Tennessee.

57:58 No, but Simmons is awesome.

58:00 Simmons is is is already in the hall of really good.

58:03 May, hey, if he goes gang busters for the next couple years, maybe

58:06 he's going to have to longevity is going to have to be in his favor,

58:09 but he could have a Cam Hayward type second half of his career and

58:14 it's going to hurt him and not his fault, but like

58:17 he hasn't been on he hasn't been in big games.

58:20 Again, not his fault, no one else, right?

58:24 I mean, I'm just trying That's it.

58:26 Yeah, it's got to be I think that's it.

58:28 Okay.

58:28 And then uh the West is our last division.

58:31 Kansas City is an interesting conversation because Mahomes is in.

58:34 Kelsey's in.

58:35 Kelsey's in.

58:35 Chris Jones.

58:36 I think Chris Jones is in because you're

58:38 a super prominent member of this awesome dynasty.

58:42 Humphrey is very much on the path.

58:44 I bet Joe Tuni goes.

58:46 He was a He was one that I because he's isn't he's on the Bears now, isn't he?

58:51 Yes.

58:52 But but regardless,

58:53 I mean, again, I think of him as a Chief.

58:54 He was on my has has a case list.

58:57 Real strong case.

58:58 Maybe two more Pro Bowl type years is enough.

59:00 I guess we can get to him.

59:02 Anyone else?

59:03 You mentioned Tyreek.

59:05 I think that's probably it from that from that group.

59:09 Yeah.

59:10 None of the back seven guys.

59:12 No.

59:13 Okay.

59:13 Nope.

59:15 Chargers.

59:15 Charges.

59:15 Go.

59:15 Charges.

59:16 Go.

59:16 Herbert has to do a lot more, but he's really, really good.

59:20 Postseason success would help, but

59:23 yes.

59:23 I think he's a yes.

59:24 I think he's right there with

59:25 Von Miller.

59:26 He was in my kind of

59:28 interesting conversation tier.

59:30 Keenan Allen's a no,

59:32 but I think he's had a great career,

59:34 but I don't think he's like Mike Evans level.

59:36 I think like Keenan Allen, Devonte Adams are going to get some concern.

59:40 Devonte Adams was another one of mine has a case, but I just

59:43 not sure he can quite get there.

59:46 Anyone else on the Chargers?

59:48 I don't think so.

59:49 I don't think so.

59:50 Derwin James.

59:51 No,

59:52 they have to do a lot more.

59:53 Really good.

59:53 Safeties are another one.

59:54 You can't be a flash in the pan.

59:56 You got to you you better give me at least 10 years before you even consider it.

1:00:01 Um Broncos.

1:00:04 Yeah.

1:00:04 Would they be

1:00:05 Quinn Miners's great, but he needs to do it for Pat.

1:00:08 Yes.

1:00:08 I I I'm not saying he's in, but he's

1:00:10 on the right path.

1:00:11 He was on my on the right path list.

1:00:13 I would put him like right with like Jamar Chase,

1:00:15 you know?

1:00:16 It's just different position.

1:00:17 He went defense player of the year.

1:00:18 That is going to go really helps.

1:00:20 And he might he's got a chance here

1:00:22 in the next couple years to be in a Super Bowl,

1:00:23 too, with the roster and everything they got going on.

1:00:25 He's very much on the he's storming down the path.

1:00:27 Yes, he is.

1:00:29 Quinn Miners is great, but I mean,

1:00:30 you can't be a great guard for two years and, you know, be in that mix.

1:00:35 Um, not coming up with anybody else.

1:00:37 That's it.

1:00:38 And Raiders.

1:00:39 And then Raiders.

1:00:40 Max Crosby.

1:00:43 I think I think he's all of really good.

1:00:45 Yeah.

1:00:45 Uh, Linden Bomb.

1:00:46 No, I don't think anybody else.

1:00:50 I don't think that's about it.

1:00:51 Kurt Cousins, no.

1:00:53 No.

1:00:53 Yeah, that that's why I'm hesitating so much

1:00:55 because not I'm trying to think of the guys

1:00:57 that aren't now or you know that could still be on a roster that we forget.

1:01:02 Absolutely.

1:01:02 It's pretty many names though.

1:01:03 That's a lot of names.

1:01:05 Yeah.

1:01:05 And that's only the that's only the AFC.

1:01:06 So, let's take a break and let's look uh

1:01:08 at the NFC and continue this conversation when we return.

1:01:12 Just getting started here in hour number two.

1:01:14 Wesler, Matt Williamson.

1:01:15 Little Hall of Fame talk on this Tuesday.

1:01:17 Steelers Nation radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

1:01:26 So you go to break, you think about it for a second, and you go missed one.

1:01:30 Oh man, missed one.

1:01:32 And big shout out to Nate Dog and TV.

1:01:34 Two names that we missed.

1:01:35 Now, one of them I guess we

1:01:36 could have technically had in the Giants conversation.

1:01:39 More of an NFC, but okay.

1:01:41 But I think I would have forgot him though.

1:01:43 the Houston Texans.

1:01:44 What about Denil Hunter?

1:01:46 I think he's going

1:01:47 his sack numbers are wild.

1:01:49 It's wild because what's crazy about him is he came in the league juju young,

1:01:56 like 19 or 20 or something insane.

1:02:00 So, he's younger than you think now.

1:02:04 Just signed a monster contract on the best defense

1:02:06 in the league with the best bookend you could ever ask.

1:02:09 So, he's got a lot more sacks coming in the future.

1:02:12 and

1:02:13 and maybe a Super Bowl appearance or really they could they could go on a run.

1:02:17 I don't know if he'd get in this second, never played another down,

1:02:20 but I'm counting on him and they are

1:02:22 for probably at least a dozen sacks this year.

1:02:25 He could easily get 30 more sacks in his career.

1:02:29 He might be top 10 by the time he's all said and done in terms of NFL sacks.

1:02:32 And if you're over a hundred, you're almost in.

1:02:34 Although that number's that bar should start to go up

1:02:36 a little more because people throw a little more extra game.

1:02:39 Yeah.

1:02:39 Yeah.

1:02:39 But people don't think of him in that light, but I think they should.

1:02:42 I totally agree.

1:02:43 That was the one from TV.

1:02:45 And then do you And then Nate said, "How about Russell Wilson?

1:02:48 Do you want to consider him as part of the Giants conversation?"

1:02:50 Yeah, let's bring him up.

1:02:51 Um I guess we can just go to the NFC East after that if you want to.

1:02:54 I lean Yeah, it's how my weird mind works.

1:02:57 Anyway, um I lean towards no,

1:03:00 but I'll never forget the day he got traded to the Broncos.

1:03:04 He was a Hall of Famer.

1:03:05 I was asked, "Is he a Hall of Famer if he doesn't

1:03:08 even report to the Broncos just based off Seattle?" And I said,

1:03:11 "Yes." So, shouldn't I stick with it?

1:03:15 I mean, it's it's such recency bias to say that he doesn't go,

1:03:20 but that's also plays into this conversation.

1:03:22 Yeah, but he boy is the day that Antonio Brown retired,

1:03:25 we would have probably said, "Yeah, he's going to go.

1:03:27 He just needs to shut up and be quiet for a couple years."

1:03:29 And I think he's in he's done the opposite of shutting up and being quiet.

1:03:33 I think he'll get it at some point, but yes, that's great.

1:03:36 I mean, Wilson, especially in Denver, but he really hurt his case on the field.

1:03:41 Yes, he did.

1:03:44 But

1:03:44 is Rogers hurting his case?

1:03:45 I mean, he's not playing like a Hall of Famer now.

1:03:48 He's He's better than Wilson.

1:03:49 I would I don't think Rogers is hurting his case.

1:03:51 I wouldn't say he's way stronger.

1:03:53 His case was way stronger.

1:03:54 His Green Bay case was way stronger than Wilson's Seattle case.

1:03:58 Way stronger.

1:03:58 He was not I mean, he was in no matter what.

1:04:00 So, I wouldn't say Rogers is helping his, but I

1:04:02 certainly wouldn't say he was hurting it either.

1:04:04 No.

1:04:04 Right.

1:04:04 Right.

1:04:05 Right.

1:04:05 I mean, not all not every Hall of Famer

1:04:07 had their last year or two as superstars.

1:04:09 I mean, he went 10 and six, remember, because he didn't start that Chicago loss.

1:04:13 He went 10 and six and won the division.

1:04:14 I mean, that doesn't

1:04:15 Willie Mays was a Met and OJ Simpson was a 49er and Franco was a Seahawk.

1:04:20 Yeah.

1:04:20 Things like that.

1:04:21 I don't think I'm I'm leaning towards no on Wilson.

1:04:24 I am as well because he's not going to help his case anymore.

1:04:27 It's just the last couple years were bad.

1:04:29 I think he's hall of really good.

1:04:31 Uh let's stick with the Giants

1:04:32 division.

1:04:33 Yeah, Giants.

1:04:33 I I don't think there's anyone.

1:04:35 I mean like Malik Neighbors could maybe face way too early.

1:04:38 Sneaky ones Andrew Thomas.

1:04:40 He's a really good tackle, but he has to do so much.

1:04:42 He needs 10 more years and they need to start winning some games, too.

1:04:45 Yeah.

1:04:45 Brian Burns has more sacks than you think.

1:04:48 Kind of a sneaky Tibido-ish, but no.

1:04:51 Or not Tibidoish.

1:04:52 Uh Daniel Hunterish.

1:04:54 Daniel Hunterish.

1:04:54 Yeah.

1:04:55 Um but that's he's a hollow very good at best.

1:04:58 I think that's it for the Giants.

1:05:00 I think that's it for the Giants.

1:05:02 Yeah.

1:05:02 You want to go?

1:05:04 Let's do Eagles next because Lane Johnson I think is a lock.

1:05:08 Um Kelsey is gone but he's in for sure.

1:05:13 Yes.

1:05:12 Mada have to do a lot more but he's one

1:05:15 of the best tackles in the league and he's still young.

1:05:16 I mean he's on the the right path.

1:05:19 Squan's close.

1:05:20 I think he needs another really good year too

1:05:22 and then he could really be in the conversation.

1:05:24 Two years ago that he was unbelievable.

1:05:26 I mean, that really

1:05:28 maybe the best single season that a running back's ever had.

1:05:32 Yeah.

1:05:31 Over 2,000 yards, offensive player of the year, Super Bowl champion.

1:05:35 I mean, I don't think Herz has a chance.

1:05:37 No, absolutely not.

1:05:39 Um AJ Brown's not there.

1:05:42 Nope.

1:05:42 I mean, he's Hall really good, but if he gave it five more years, yeah,

1:05:48 they've got some guys on that defense that are really good, but young.

1:05:53 Yeah.

1:05:52 Yeah.

1:05:52 I don't think any Brandon Graham's a no.

1:05:55 I mean, he's like Paul really good.

1:05:57 He's a great Ring of Honor.

1:06:00 Absolutely.

1:06:00 Cam Jordan type.

1:06:01 Yeah.

1:06:02 Yeah.

1:06:02 Kas Campbell type.

1:06:03 He was on my Cam Jordan was the very last one I put on has on my has a case,

1:06:07 but I don't think he's going to get in.

1:06:09 We should have brought Kas Campbell with the Ravens

1:06:11 because I forgot that's who he signed with.

1:06:13 Awesome career.

1:06:14 I don't think

1:06:14 he's another one.

1:06:15 Cam Jordan.

1:06:16 Same.

1:06:16 Yeah.

1:06:17 Hall of really good.

1:06:18 Maybe some of those D linemen play a long time.

1:06:21 Dallas Cowboys.

1:06:22 Dak would have to do a lot more.

1:06:23 A lot more.

1:06:24 A lot more.

1:06:25 Uh CD Lamb strong,

1:06:28 but he's got to have he's got to have a few more really good years.

1:06:31 Yeah, it's not the Chase Jefferson level, but I I mean his like yards per game

1:06:36 and he's starting to rack up really good seasons.

1:06:40 Zack Martin's gone, but he's going.

1:06:42 He's going.

1:06:42 Yep.

1:06:44 Um I think that's about that about it for the Parson is gone,

1:06:48 but I think he's going.

1:06:49 He's got a really good shot.

1:06:51 Yeah, Parsons is another Cowboy.

1:06:53 Whiten just got in, right?

1:06:54 Didn't Whit just get in?

1:06:55 I think so.

1:06:55 I think so.

1:06:56 And deservedly so.

1:06:57 If he didn't, I think he will next year.

1:07:01 Yes.

1:07:01 Quinnon Williams is really good, but he's kind of like Jeffrey Simmons.

1:07:04 Like, give me six more high quality years and we can

1:07:08 talk about like being one of the best Dackles of the generation.

1:07:12 Washington, you would think none, but a real sneaky one is Tonsel.

1:07:19 Tonsel's been great, just not on great teams.

1:07:22 again, you gotta last longer,

1:07:24 but he's like second team allp pro to Trent Williams all the time, you know.

1:07:30 I think that's a a possibility.

1:07:33 Bobby Wagner still count for them

1:07:35 and he's in.

1:07:35 Yeah, I mean, he's been rumored to be

1:07:37 he was one of my he was one of my 11 locks.

1:07:39 Yeah,

1:07:39 that's right.

1:07:40 He has been.

1:07:40 But regardless, it sounds like he's not retired.

1:07:42 Yeah, he's if we're putting Von Miller in the conversation and some

1:07:45 of these guys at Bobby guys that are on the fringe, a lock.

1:07:48 Zack Z is a no, but good career.

1:07:52 McLaren's a no.

1:07:53 Zack Z will be in the the Eagles haul of one day.

1:07:57 I think that's it from the East.

1:07:58 I think so.

1:08:00 Uh Bears.

1:08:04 Bears.

1:08:04 None.

1:08:04 Well, Tuni, we talked about

1:08:06 to say Tuni.

1:08:06 I think he's got a real strong case.

1:08:08 I do too.

1:08:10 I mean, it's a weird anomaly stat,

1:08:12 but every year in the league, his team's been first place.

1:08:14 He's got four.

1:08:15 He's got two rings with the Patriots,

1:08:16 two rings with the Chiefs, threetime first team AllPro.

1:08:20 He won the first ever NFL Protector of the Year award a few years ago.

1:08:24 He's in.

1:08:25 He's in.

1:08:25 Again, what's so weird,

1:08:27 he's never come in second place in in every team he's been on.

1:08:30 That's nuts.

1:08:32 No one on defense, right?

1:08:33 No, I think that's it for the Bears.

1:08:35 They've got a couple young guys that maybe

1:08:36 in a year or two we're having this conversation about.

1:08:38 Darnell Wright continues to do his thing.

1:08:40 Maybe we're having a conversation about him.

1:08:42 That's that's actually the epitome of the Lions coming up here.

1:08:44 Penul St.

1:08:46 Brown.

1:08:47 Pen.

1:08:47 Penul is after I bet he'll go

1:08:50 the top of my on the right path just need a little bit more tier was

1:08:55 Jamar Chase Joe Burrow Justin Jefferson and then Pine Su

1:08:58 he was the fourth one I listed in that he's

1:09:00 I think of that group Jefferson might get in now

1:09:03 the other ones I would bet they go when

1:09:05 it's all said and done S doesn't have to do

1:09:07 much more Chase doesn't have to do much more

1:09:09 S does what he's doing for another two or three years and I think he's in

1:09:12 Hutchinson's interesting but long way away St.

1:09:15 round to me is a is like Hines Ward,

1:09:18 but in the end he might have eight million catches

1:09:21 because every year he racks up, you know,

1:09:24 he's the ninth pick in your fantasy draft and he doesn't win you the league,

1:09:27 but you're happy about it because he had 120 catches, you know, every year.

1:09:31 Pane has been in the league for five years, three first team AllPros.

1:09:35 It's just

1:09:37 Wow.

1:09:36 That's just ridiculous.

1:09:37 Give him two more and it's a a lock.

1:09:39 See you.

1:09:40 I would also I thought he was in the league for longer than five years.

1:09:42 I thought so too.

1:09:43 So that means Chase was in for five years, too.

1:09:45 They're the same.

1:09:46 Oh, those guys are Wow.

1:09:48 All right.

1:09:49 I think that's it on the Lions.

1:09:50 We did the Bears.

1:09:51 Vikes.

1:09:51 We've talked about Jefferson.

1:09:54 Jefferson.

1:09:56 Uh Harrison Smith Hall are really good.

1:09:57 Oh, yeah.

1:09:58 There's some weird safeties that have gotten

1:10:00 in lately that I didn't really agree with.

1:10:02 Atwater and

1:10:04 couple of those dudes is I mean,

1:10:06 he played for 14 years or something, I'm guessing.

1:10:10 But I lean towards no.

1:10:12 But I would understand it.

1:10:15 You hearken it back to my childhood with that Steve Atwater drop.

1:10:18 You're right.

1:10:19 I don't think anybody else from the Vikes.

1:10:21 I don't think so.

1:10:22 Hawinson and Aaron Jones and No.

1:10:23 No.

1:10:24 No.

1:10:25 Nope.

1:10:26 Uh

1:10:25 then that leaves Packers.

1:10:27 Packers.

1:10:29 Yeah.

1:10:29 Michael Parson's on the right path.

1:10:30 Needs obviously a few more years, but on the right path.

1:10:34 Um, I think that's the only one I had from the Packers when

1:10:37 I did my when I made my hastily hastily uh put together list.

1:10:42 I think that's it.

1:10:43 I think that's it.

1:10:43 All right, let's go to South.

1:10:44 Let's go to the South.

1:10:46 Atlanta Bejan has to do a ton more,

1:10:49 but he's a Hall of Fame caliber player.

1:10:52 I mean, I guess that's one way you could put it for some of these dudes.

1:10:54 Yes, you could.

1:10:54 Yes, you could.

1:10:55 He's had backtoback 1400 yard rushing seasons.

1:10:57 If he does that a few more times, we'll be having a real conversation about him

1:11:00 in the conversation for best back in the league over a fiveyear stretch.

1:11:04 It's pretty strong.

1:11:05 I guess we should have mentioned Jir Gibbs.

1:11:06 Jir Gibbs.

1:11:07 Good call.

1:11:08 Yeah.

1:11:08 Yeah.

1:11:08 Yeah.

1:11:08 I mean,

1:11:09 still too early, but he's on the right path.

1:11:10 Should have mentioned him.

1:11:12 I'll put him.

1:11:12 I don't got anyone else from Atlanta.

1:11:13 Like Jake Matthews played forever and he's going to be in their ring

1:11:16 of honor and never misses a game and all that, but

1:11:20 I bet zero all pros.

1:11:23 Yeah.

1:11:23 Saints, Cam Jordan, we he was on my has a case, but I'm not sure tier here.

1:11:32 Yeah, I think he's the only one I would say.

1:11:34 What about the Honeybadger

1:11:36 Matthew?

1:11:37 I I I think he's Hall of really good.

1:11:39 Yeah, I do too.

1:11:40 I I know he's a Jet now, but the Mario Davis is Hall of

1:11:43 Mario Davis's Hall of Really good.

1:11:45 The Saints have a ton of those Hall of Really good guys.

1:11:47 They do.

1:11:49 Kamara,

1:11:49 all of really good.

1:11:50 Mhm.

1:11:50 Jarry Evans down on the south side with the Pittsburgh Steel.

1:11:53 No, I know he's been retired for a few years.

1:11:55 He's he's been getting pretty finalist Hall of Fame this past year.

1:11:58 Yeah.

1:11:59 I hope we get that.

1:12:00 I hope we get to catch I hope we get to chat with him at some point.

1:12:02 I'd bet I'd love to pick his brain about some of these young offensive linemen.

1:12:08 Carolina.

1:12:10 Carolina with anybody.

1:12:11 You would say, "Hey, T McMillan just won rookie of the year." And if he had,

1:12:14 but that's still way too early.

1:12:15 He's got one he's got one year.

1:12:18 And they've got some guys like Derek Brown that have had really nice careers,

1:12:21 but he's not doing well.

1:12:22 JC Horn's young, blah, blah, blah.

1:12:24 But none of them are even consideration.

1:12:27 No.

1:12:27 Tampa.

1:12:29 Tampa.

1:12:28 Levante David I think

1:12:31 goes, but I'm going to count I know he's on the Niners now,

1:12:33 but I'm going to count.

1:12:35 He's going to be It's going to be a Tampa event when he goes in.

1:12:38 Worfs is right there with S.

1:12:40 I think Worf will go.

1:12:41 I think that's a good call.

1:12:42 I should have had him on my on the right path case list.

1:12:46 He's been one of the best tackles in the league

1:12:48 since the day he took his first snap.

1:12:50 Two-time first team AllPro in six seasons.

1:12:53 Super Bowl champion.

1:12:54 Yeah, he'll play for another six, seven, eight years.

1:12:58 Vea will be on a ballot.

1:12:59 I could see

1:13:00 probably needs to play a lot longer.

1:13:01 I could see him being a semi-finalist a few times.

1:13:03 A sneaky one is Antoine Winfield Jr.

1:13:05 too.

1:13:06 Yeah, I

1:13:06 mean, he was made highest defensive play.

1:13:09 He had the biggest contract of any defensive back as of a year or two ago.

1:13:13 Super Bowl champion.

1:13:14 So, he's been on a lot of good defenses.

1:13:16 Needs to keep needs to go a lot more, but should at least be mentioned.

1:13:21 I think that's it on them.

1:13:22 I think so.

1:13:24 West.

1:13:24 Um, we should have brought up Justin Tucker for the uh Ravens.

1:13:29 Yeah, he's the only I was wondering if there any other specialists maybe.

1:13:33 Um, West.

1:13:35 Let's go Seattle.

1:13:38 Okay.

1:13:37 Leonard Williams is really good career.

1:13:40 still playing great, but I don't think he was ever at a high enough high.

1:13:45 Maybe JSN should be on my on the potential path list.

1:13:51 After last year, he made a massive step forward.

1:13:54 What if he has another season or two where he's offensive player of the year?

1:13:58 Yeah.

1:14:00 Yeah.

1:14:01 Um I mean, these young defensive players,

1:14:03 I mean, it's a way too early to say for Devon Witherspoon.

1:14:05 I mean, he's had a really good start to his career, but

1:14:08 I mean, I love Murphy, but it's too I mean, those guys are a ways away.

1:14:12 Uh, Ner's actually have a lot of Ner's got a bunch.

1:14:16 Yes, Williams is a lock.

1:14:17 Williams a lock.

1:14:18 I think McAffrey is close.

1:14:21 KD Fred Warner.

1:14:23 KD would get my vote for sure.

1:14:25 Warner, I think, is a yes, I think.

1:14:28 So, you're the best linebacker.

1:14:30 They've got They've got some dudes on that roster.

1:14:33 Bosa's got a chance.

1:14:34 Yep.

1:14:35 I mean, he may have won defensive player of the year.

1:14:37 Okay.

1:14:38 He did like three or four years ago.

1:14:41 I would say that's it, but that's

1:14:42 the Niners might have the most of any team on this list.

1:14:44 Like, signing Mike, especially if you include if you give them Mike Evans,

1:14:48 which you should.

1:14:50 Yeah, they do have the most.

1:14:51 Steelers aren't far behind, though.

1:14:52 Steelers aren't far behind.

1:14:53 Chiefs are right there, too, obviously.

1:14:55 Yeah.

1:14:55 Yeah.

1:14:57 Uh, we got we got Rams and Cardinals in there, too.

1:15:00 A sneaky one like the Honey Badger is Buddha Baker.

1:15:03 Buddha Baker.

1:15:04 Buddha Baker Winfield are way better than people think.

1:15:09 Poor Buddha Baker is just like on the worst franchise ever.

1:15:12 Yeah.

1:15:12 You know, if he would have been a Chief

1:15:13 and Mike Trout playing for the Angels, you know what I mean?

1:15:16 If it had been a Chief or Nathan

1:15:17 likes that reference or you know Patriot when they're winning Super Bowls,

1:15:21 people be like, "Oh, that's a Hall of Famer." Totally.

1:15:24 What about Trey McBride might be on the right.

1:15:25 It's still too way too early to tell.

1:15:27 He might be on the right path.

1:15:28 Good start.

1:15:28 Good start.

1:15:30 Uh, and then Rams would be the last one,

1:15:32 unless there's any more on the Cardinals that you want to kick around.

1:15:34 And the Cardinals here in my cranium here.

1:15:36 And I think that's a no.

1:15:39 By the way, I don't I forget what team Flacco's on at the moment, but he's a no.

1:15:43 I mean, a couple there's a couple of those quarterbacks that hang around,

1:15:45 you know, that had Yeah.

1:15:48 Yeah.

1:15:49 But he's a no.

1:15:50 Uh, Rams, you mentioned Stafford Lock.

1:15:53 Nua is going strong, but needs to do a lot more.

1:15:55 Absolutely.

1:15:56 of the the list you had him on, I thought he was the weakest candidate,

1:15:58 but you also had him like against like

1:16:00 Jamar Chase and dudes that were really strong.

1:16:03 Adams is a really interesting one.

1:16:05 He was in my has a case, but I think we'll fall short,

1:16:08 you know, kind of like Cam Jordan and

1:16:11 yeah, he might be a little stronger than those guys.

1:16:14 I'd have to see his career numbers.

1:16:16 And he's not quite done.

1:16:17 I mean, one more big year.

1:16:18 I mean, he had a ton of touchdowns last year.

1:16:20 Could have another big year.

1:16:20 They could win the Super Bowl.

1:16:23 Yeah, I guess that's it for them.

1:16:25 I think that's it for them.

1:16:26 I mean, like Aaron Donald's too far removed.

1:16:28 Obviously, he's got Oh my gosh.

1:16:30 He's gonna walk He's gonna walk in.

1:16:32 Yeah.

1:16:33 Um I guess that's it.

1:16:34 I think that's it.

1:16:36 Okay.

1:16:36 We definitely missed three or four.

1:16:37 I'm sure.

1:16:38 I'm sure we did.

1:16:39 I'm sure we did.

1:16:39 Yeah.

1:16:40 Like the Russell Wilsons and those type of dudes.

1:16:43 Yep.

1:16:42 And I bet I mean like I'm not sure if Patrick Peterson's gonna play again.

1:16:45 Probably not.

1:16:46 Don't think so.

1:16:47 You know, I is there one of those dudes?

1:16:48 Did we hit Did we hit every division?

1:16:50 Like Javian Clown is not going to go.

1:16:53 Did the West.

1:16:53 We did the east.

1:16:55 We did the north.

1:16:55 We did the south.

1:16:56 Yeah.

1:16:56 Seemed like NFC went quicker.

1:16:58 That's it.

1:16:58 That's it.

1:16:59 So, that's actually a lot.

1:17:02 All the different names that we said are locks

1:17:04 or have a case or are on the right path.

1:17:07 Okay.

1:17:08 I just want to count just to paint the picture for everybody.

1:17:12 Trent Williams, Miles Garrett, TJ Watt, Lane Johnson, Matthew Stafford,

1:17:15 Aaron Rogers, Patrick Mahomes, Jason Kelce,

1:17:18 Bobby Wagner, Mike Evans, Von Miller.

1:17:20 That's six.

1:17:22 No, that's 11 names.

1:17:23 You said Jason Kelsey.

1:17:24 You meant Travis.

1:17:25 I meant Travis Kelce.

1:17:25 Sorry.

1:17:26 Jason.

1:17:26 Yes.

1:17:26 But again, we're both trying to go.

1:17:28 But Right.

1:17:29 Jamar Chase, Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson,

1:17:31 Penet Su, Pat Certain, Quinton Nelson,

1:17:34 Cam Hayward, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Derek Henry, Christian McAffrey, JSN,

1:17:39 Fred Warner, KD, Chris Jones, Tyreek Hill, Khalil Mack, Cam Jordan,

1:17:46 Puka, Micah, Will Anderson Jr., Creed Humphrey, Jir Gibbs, and Christian Warfs.

1:17:54 Wow, that's a lot of names.

1:17:55 Yeah, it's a lot of names.

1:17:56 Like, I'm sure it's true for every generation.

1:17:59 I wonder is there a year in NFL

1:18:01 history where the most Hall of Famers were active.

1:18:05 Now, that's I know somebody's done that with quarterbacks.

1:18:08 That's something that feels like Labs might

1:18:10 have a beat on or somebody like that.

1:18:12 Like, I bet you could do it with quarterbacks pretty easily.

1:18:14 Like in 1985, Montana and Marino, Elway,

1:18:19 maybe they weren't their best at the time, but they were active.

1:18:22 They were in the league.

1:18:22 They were in the league, you know.

1:18:25 That would be an interesting thing they'll research.

1:18:26 That would be a fun one to look into.

1:18:28 Jim Kelly at that same time period.

1:18:30 Yeah.

1:18:30 But there might even be an old dude that you don't think about.

1:18:32 Sure.

1:18:33 Who was in his 18th year, right?

1:18:35 Or like 83.

1:18:36 They're all rookies and maybe Bradshaw was still there last year,

1:18:39 you know, or something like that, you know.

1:18:41 That was a fun conversation, though.

1:18:43 Steve Young hadn't even played yet,

1:18:44 but he's on the he's an active on the roster.

1:18:47 Yeah.

1:18:47 Uh if you think we missed anybody, let us know.

1:18:50 If you think if you think we were way off on anybody, let us know.

1:18:54 I'm think we missed an O lineman or two.

1:18:56 Probably did.

1:18:57 Mhm.

1:18:57 Probably did.

1:18:58 But remember, these were supposed to be guys who

1:18:59 are still active in the league or just retired.

1:19:02 You know, like Ben Rothosberger was not on our list, but obviously he's in.

1:19:06 Tom Brady was not on our list, but obviously he's in.

1:19:08 But feel free to throw us a guy

1:19:10 that played last year like a Russell Wilson that maybe

1:19:13 wasn't great anymore that maybe hasn't got sucked

1:19:15 up but could get called end up in a

1:19:18 maybe a young guy that's had two or three great years and we forgot

1:19:21 to mention him but he's you know he's got a good start on the thing.

1:19:24 It would have been real easy to forget like the Andre Hopkins.

1:19:28 Yeah.

1:19:27 And I'm not saying he should have went, you know, he's like not real prominent.

1:19:31 He's not going to be in any fantasy leagues anymore,

1:19:33 but he deserves he deserves to be in the conversation.

1:19:36 We'll wrap this thing up with your questions, comments,

1:19:38 concerns, and reactions before we get up out of here.

1:19:41 Wes Schuler, Matt Williamson.

1:19:42 It is the drive Steelers Nation Radio on the Steelers Audio Network.

1:19:57 Final segment of the drive here on this Tuesday.

1:20:01 TV was uh accusing me of stealing that segment idea this hour

1:20:06 at Hall of Famers in the NFL right now from Pro Football Focus.

1:20:08 I guess they did a I guess they did a list this week, too.

1:20:12 I swear that's been in my offseason filler notes here of my uh

1:20:15 I remember you brought that up months ago or maybe a year ago.

1:20:18 Maybe Pro Football Focus is tapping into my laptop here.

1:20:21 And uh I'll be honest, I go to Pro Football Focus nearly

1:20:24 every day and I don't recall even seeing the article.

1:20:27 Oh, good.

1:20:27 That makes me feel better about myself.

1:20:29 Let's uh close this thing down.

1:20:30 A little bit of a shorter final segment here.

1:20:32 Maybe tomorrow we'll make it a beefier day uh with the participation,

1:20:36 but let's close this down with as many questions

1:20:38 as we can get to before we get out of here.

1:20:40 Ian says, "I know rookie mini camp is the equivalent of nursery school,

1:20:44 but with Mad Max at right tackle,

1:20:46 is this the earliest indications of their plan for the offensive line?" Also,

1:20:50 shout out to all the moms and wives.

1:20:53 Hell yeah, moms.

1:20:55 Heck yeah.

1:20:56 Just being a wife doesn't count, though.

1:20:58 It's true.

1:20:59 We have kids, too.

1:21:00 Right.

1:21:00 Right.

1:21:00 Right.

1:21:00 We have kids, too.

1:21:02 Right.

1:21:02 I I think so on the O line that and we touched on this some yesterday,

1:21:06 but I I really think that the writing's on the wall and I would be

1:21:10 shocked if Falanu's next time we see him with pads on is not at left tackle.

1:21:17 And then therefore, I think the tackle ripple effect is

1:21:21 you're not going to challenge Falanu for a starting job.

1:21:24 Now, that doesn't mean Jones and Cook won't take any left tackle reps, period.

1:21:29 They definitely will.

1:21:30 One of them will be the backup,

1:21:32 but I think both of them, or at least one, will play a lot of right tackle.

1:21:38 Probably Cook.

1:21:39 I mean, and I'm just spacing that off of injury with Jones, but who knows?

1:21:44 Let's just pretend like everybody's healthy.

1:21:46 I would think at least one of them

1:21:49 plays almost predominantly right tackle and is

1:21:51 in a flatout competition with Max for the starting

1:21:55 job and the other one or and they both

1:22:00 are going to play probably a fair amount of both but more right maybe they just

1:22:05 leave Jones at left and have you're the number

1:22:07 two you know I can understand that but anyway I I think I'm explaining that well

1:22:12 enough that there'll be a competition at right tackle

1:22:15 Troy will be the left and I think there's

1:22:17 just a big competition at left guard between three people.

1:22:21 I assume Hoffman will play will be in that mix and won't be center only.

1:22:26 Absolutely.

1:22:26 I would assume.

1:22:27 And then it kind of you know what and that makes

1:22:28 me think and it piggybacks off of what Jeff asks here.

1:22:31 He said what does the first team offensive line

1:22:33 look like for the first padded practice in Latroe.

1:22:36 So that's not necessarily our opinions.

1:22:38 Right.

1:22:38 Here's the thing though.

1:22:40 Remember I told you I think it was last week

1:22:42 that Labs he's getting a lot of spin on the show today.

1:22:45 Bob Labriola.

1:22:45 That's like the third time we've mentioned him,

1:22:47 the dean of doom, the lord of living in his spheres.

1:22:49 Of course, he and answered was asked and this was after the draft.

1:22:54 I think it was last week.

1:22:57 Okay.

1:22:56 Who will be the first team left tackle at the first, you know,

1:23:00 and I think he was asked otas to be fair, not not training camp.

1:23:03 Yeah, but that's prominent.

1:23:04 They'll all be there.

1:23:05 He said Dylan Cook.

1:23:07 If they're moving Troy to left, it's going to be Troy.

1:23:09 It's going to be Troy.

1:23:10 I can't imagine keeping him at right and blocking.

1:23:15 And I don't know this, but here's the thing though.

1:23:17 So much of the past you have to put to the side.

1:23:19 That's what I mean.

1:23:20 Like I don't care what Tomlin

1:23:21 in the pasture would never be the starting right tackle on day one.

1:23:25 See, I don't think he will either.

1:23:26 I think Cook will be the starting tackle on day one.

1:23:28 Right side though.

1:23:29 Right side.

1:23:30 Okay.

1:23:30 Now see that I think is viable.

1:23:32 Yeah.

1:23:32 Because if you move Troy, that's a slap in the face for him not to be.

1:23:35 And if you're going to move Troy, it's going to be on day one.

1:23:37 It's not going to be okay.

1:23:39 He knows.

1:23:39 He knows now.

1:23:40 Now Max has earned it at right tackle.

1:23:41 Now we can move Troy over.

1:23:43 I hope you don't do that.

1:23:44 I think you do it now.

1:23:45 Like I think you told Troy

1:23:47 five minutes after you select after you got off the phone with a honore.

1:23:50 Yes.

1:23:50 You know like okay it's official.

1:23:52 I know you've wanted to go to left tackle forever.

1:23:54 We've had these conversations.

1:23:55 Start working on your kick slide from a left-handed stance.

1:23:58 You know my best guess on first padded practice in Latroe

1:24:02 what the offensive line looks like from left to right.

1:24:05 Troy Falanu.

1:24:07 I think it's going to be Spencer Anderson.

1:24:08 Anderson Frasier of course the McCormick

1:24:11 world champion mountaineer McCormack and Dylan Cook.

1:24:14 Yes.

1:24:15 Which feels a lot like with Hoffman and Ihanore obviously real mobility.

1:24:21 Oh yeah.

1:24:21 Yeah.

1:24:21 And maybe even Brick would get a lot

1:24:23 of reps which feels a lot like Herbig at center,

1:24:27 Daniels at guard the year you drafted Troy and Frasier.

1:24:32 And I don't even think Falanu was a starter at left tackle his first day.

1:24:38 Maybe he was.

1:24:39 I don't remember.

1:24:39 I don't think so.

1:24:40 I don't think he was.

1:24:40 I don't think he was either.

1:24:42 I'm trying to remember.

1:24:43 Broadick was already here.

1:24:45 Remember who was on the right and who was on the left.

1:24:46 There was so much movement.

1:24:48 Well, Brick was on the right.

1:24:49 Oh, Dan Moore.

1:24:49 It was Dan Moore on the left and Brick was on the right.

1:24:52 And him and Troy were were battling for those right side reps.

1:24:55 We were talking about Troy just like we're talking about Max right now.

1:24:57 Right.

1:24:57 And we were talking about McCormack like we're talking about Dunker.

1:25:00 And we're, you know, we were talking about Frasier the same way.

1:25:02 He's behind Herbig.

1:25:03 Speaking of Troy's, Troy says, "Hey guys, great work and I love the show.

1:25:08 What part of various mini camps is the best time

1:25:10 to see the team up close to get some autographs and pictures?

1:25:13 That also includes with YouTube as well." I'm

1:25:15 assuming you mean training camp, not mini camp,

1:25:18 cuz mini camp and otaas are closed.

1:25:20 All that stuff's closed.

1:25:20 That's all at the facility.

1:25:22 Yes.

1:25:22 Anything at the facility is closed to the public.

1:25:24 But if you want to do training camp autographs and pictures,

1:25:27 the best way to do that is to get there early, get a spot along the fence

1:25:32 and and and hope you get lucky with all the players

1:25:35 that are walking by and and stopping and signing autographs and taking pictures.

1:25:40 As for Matt and I, we're poking around campus all the time.

1:25:42 You can always find us.

1:25:43 We're easy to find.

1:25:44 And we broadcast from the booth

1:25:45 and we broadcast from the same location every time.

1:25:47 Yeah.

1:25:47 If you want to stalk us, so be Just don't make a skin.

1:25:51 Just don't make a skin suit out of a out of our faces.

1:25:54 Put the lotion in the basket.

1:25:55 But um I would pull back.

1:25:58 I shouldn't tell people this, but I often

1:26:00 blow off Friday Night Lights because it's a pain

1:26:02 in the butt and it's one practice I just don't go to and I do other stuff.

1:26:06 I bet that's a bad time to do it to if you want pictures and autographs.

1:26:11 Pictures and autographs.

1:26:11 I would think that's terrible.

1:26:12 I mean, they definitely do it.

1:26:14 It's But there's so many people there, right?

1:26:16 I would think Latro is better.

1:26:17 You know what?

1:26:18 That's a good If you want your best chance at pictures and autographs,

1:26:21 show up to a random weekday practice.

1:26:23 Not a not a Saturday or Sunday, not a Friday night lights.

1:26:27 A weekday practice is your best shot.

1:26:29 And like borrow your neighbor's cute kid.

1:26:32 I was going to say if you have someone

1:26:33 who's like 14 and younger with you, that really helps.

1:26:37 Eight-year-old that's, you know,

1:26:38 cute young boy or girl or whatever with a watch jersey on, that helps.

1:26:42 Yeah.

1:26:43 Like uh what's his name in the Titanic?

1:26:45 Please.

1:26:45 I have a child.

1:26:46 I have a child.

1:26:47 Michael Adesso, another one of our uh regulars, says, "Hey guys, FYI,

1:26:51 we saw him at camp.

1:26:52 We sure did.

1:26:53 ESPN bought NFL Network earlier this year.

1:26:55 That's why they're seeing so much crossover

1:26:57 between the personalities on both channels." Great call.

1:26:59 I forgot about that when we were talking about that yesterday.

1:27:02 Um, let's see.

1:27:03 Is that weird to you?

1:27:05 I thought the NFL Network was owned by the NFL.

1:27:07 It was.

1:27:07 And they sold just the station.

1:27:11 Okay.

1:27:12 Yes.

1:27:12 I know ESPN's own by Disney.

1:27:13 Like I got to check with Mickey Mouse ears on it.

1:27:15 Yeah.

1:27:16 back in the day.

1:27:17 Oh, here you go, Mac Williamson.

1:27:18 Here's your trick for the week.

1:27:22 I the whole cross and I believe me,

1:27:24 I am not I'm not Dale or Pursuda and one of these OG journalists,

1:27:30 but the whole lines of journalism and media

1:27:32 have been so blurred in this modern era.

1:27:35 There's no more there's no more separation of church and state

1:27:38 in that in everybody's in bed with each other now.

1:27:41 And I frankly don't care.

1:27:43 Yeah, I don't really either.

1:27:44 Yeah, I'm not losing anything.

1:27:44 It just makes it just again I'm not a I'm not some OG dieard, you know,

1:27:50 pride journalist that wants to do everything the right way by the book,

1:27:53 but it is a lot of uh But appreciate the tweet to clear clarify that.

1:27:56 I didn't know that even happened.

1:27:58 Yeah.

1:27:58 No, I remember hearing that, but I had totally forgotten.

1:28:01 Uh John, I think we got time for one more here.

1:28:02 John says, "Glad you and Matt brought up the fact that Jennings

1:28:05 Dunker will most likely start third team on the depth chart.

1:28:08 That seems to be a Steelers thing."

1:28:09 Yeah, we didn't even go into like the who's be second string,

1:28:12 but I would think he's third.

1:28:13 He said, "I remember when Ben was third

1:28:15 starting behind um was it Maddox and Batch, right?" Yeah, Maddox and Batch.

1:28:20 Yeah.

1:28:20 And that's that's the way it goes, right?

1:28:22 That's that's the way it goes.

1:28:23 And the Steelers is one of the only ones that I can remember was day one.

1:28:27 He was, you know, you're the starter.

1:28:29 You know, it was a nuts one two years ago.

1:28:31 Remember, was Beanie Bishop, remember?

1:28:32 We were all like, "Oh, yeah.

1:28:33 He was a starter." UDFA is running with the first team.

1:28:36 Yeah.

1:28:37 There's always that first depth chart that comes out

1:28:40 and they just have some teams don't.

1:28:43 Yes.

1:28:43 Yeah.

1:28:43 Yes.

1:28:44 Some teams like the media person puts it out.

1:28:46 Sometimes the head coach puts it out.

1:28:48 Sometimes head coach is too busy and doesn't care.

1:28:50 Pouncy and Shayer are the only ones I remember

1:28:52 in my in my time that were right away.

1:28:55 I mean I don't even think like Paul was or I mean right

1:28:58 Kenny was third behind Mitch and then Mason then Kenny.

1:29:02 Yeah.

1:29:02 And then Kenny jumped and then Kenny jumped Mason after

1:29:05 a week and then you know and then Mitch started the season.

1:29:07 But so yeah it's it's it's just and that's not uh exclusively a Steelers thing.

1:29:12 That's something that No, that's you got to earn it.

1:29:14 You got to earn it.

1:29:15 No matter where you were drafted, you still have to earn it.

1:29:17 Like I wonder where Bernard is.

1:29:22 Yeah.

1:29:22 I mean, is he ahead of Roman they put Roman ahead of him just because of or

1:29:26 maybe ScorIt's three.

1:29:27 Maybe.

1:29:27 Yeah.

1:29:27 I mean, that's how the way those kind of things work.

1:29:29 It doesn't even mean you run in practice as the three.

1:29:32 It's just a piece of paper.

1:29:33 How it is on how it is on a spreadsheet.

1:29:35 Maybe.

1:29:35 Yeah.

1:29:36 Yeah.

1:29:36 Fun show today.

1:29:37 Uh we will we'll do more uh audience participation tomorrow and uh and and spend

1:29:42 more than just the nine or 10 minutes on it that we did today.

1:29:44 We went long with that Hall of Fame.

1:29:45 We did.

1:29:45 I enjoy those kind of conversations.

1:29:47 It's the time to have them this time of year when there's not as much going on.

1:29:50 Find a few that we missed.

1:29:51 Yeah.

1:29:51 Like we we do and and maybe tomorrow we'll piggy

1:29:53 back off of that with like coaches like a shorter conversation,

1:29:56 coaches and owners and any of the uh any of the corrections include

1:30:00 like Bellich and Tom Lyn and guys that aren't going to coach this year.

1:30:02 But yeah.

1:30:03 Yes.

1:30:03 Yes.

1:30:04 for Nate Dog on the ones and twos, Mr.

1:30:08 TV on the video side of the production, and Matt Williamson.

1:30:12 I'm Wesler.

1:30:13 Thanks everybody for listening.

1:30:14 Take care and we will talk to you tomorrow.

1:30:16 As always, you know where to find us.

1:30:17 It's on your 247 home of the black and gold.

1:30:20 Steelers Nation radio on the Steelers Audio Network.