Steelers Fans Are So Passionate That 1 Man's Death Was Because Of A Tie Against The Detroit Lions

When it comes to fanbases in any sports, none may be more passionate than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans have been blessed as they've watched their team win six Super Bowls. This feat is only held by the Steelers and the New England Patriots. This fanbase has witnessed a little bit of everything, from Santonio Holmes toe-tapping to win a Super Bowl, to watching backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges lead the team to a non-losing season at 8-8 in 2019. No matter what happens during the season, fans will always cheer for the black and gold.

Steelers fans are so passionate that one fan possibly lost his life over a game. During a game against the Detroit Lions on November 14, 2021, longtime Steelers fan Wayne Olexa passed away. At the time, the Lions were 0-8 and looked to be an easy win for the Steelers. Errors, injuries, and players in contact with COVID-19 led to an ugly showing from the Steelers. The game was so bad that it went into overtime and ended up in a tie. In Olexa's obituary, it noted that game going into overtime was all that he could take.

"Wayne Olexa, 76, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021, after a long bout with the Steelers. He was at his home with family when they went into overtime against the 0-8 Detroit Lions and that was all he could take."

The love for the Steelers spans out even farther than just the city of Pittsburgh. From local legends like rapper Wiz Khalifa, to the king of the west coast, Snoop Dogg, many famous people have become fans of the black and gold. Snoop Dogg even went on an episode of the ManningCast hosted by Peyton and Eli Manning during a Steelers vs Cleveland Browns game and explained his love for the team. He noted that from the '70s to today, he has always had a love for the Steelers.

"Well in the '70s, you know, watching your dad [Archie Manning] and watching the Steelers and the Raiders and the Cowboys and the teams from the '70s, I fell in love with their great defense, the way they moved the ball, just the way they played football," Snoop Dogg stated how he became a fan of the Steelers. "It was fun to watch as a kid and as I got older, I fell more in love with them because I got a chance to meet the players. I got to meet Coach [Bill] Cowher and Ben Roethlisberger, you know, Jerome Bettis and the rest of the guys and you know, I became a part of Steeler Nation."

Steelers Fans Have Been Known To Travel Well

Steelers fans have been known to travel well. One of the places that they pack is Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. Although it is about 2,400 miles from the city of Pittsburgh, it still feels like a home game every time the Steelers roll in. This year should feel a lot like years past. 

Fans are planning to completely take over two games this season. Expectations are that the games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers should be filled with Steelers fans. SteelerNation.com has also put together packages including admission to The Terrible Tailgate, nightclub access, hotel rooms, and more to make these games even better!

These events are something that any Steelers fan wouldn't want to miss. It should be a great time and bring Steelers fans together from all areas of the world.

So, what do you think Steeler Nation? Will you make it to a game outside of Pittsburgh? Let me know in the comments below!

#SteelersNation