Players for the Pittsburgh Steelers officially began reporting to Latrobe, Pennsylvania for 2023 training camp on Wednesday. There are plenty of new faces who, for the first time, will get to experience the unique camp setup that has been a huge part of the franchise's tradition. Rookies in particular will have a fresh taste of what it's like to be in the NFL and be challenged early on. A ton of eyes will be on the position battle at the left tackle position between Dan Moore Jr. and first-round draft selection, Broderick Jones.
Steelers left tackle, Dan Moore Jr. (#65) walks on the field at St. Vincent College during 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Rookie Has A Unique Arrival To 2023 Training Camp
One of fans' favorite parts of training camp across the league is seeing how some of the players arrive. A lot of guys will show up in casual fashion with their suitcases and necessary materials while others will come up with a kind of entrance that is hard to forget. Jones spoke to the media when he got to St. Vincent College and detailed how he decided to arrive on Wednesday.
"I had an Uber," Jones answered with a laugh as he was surrounded by several members of the media.
The plethora of reporters there seemed extremely interested in his experience as the the 22-year old showed up using a ride sharing app, while plenty of his other teammates pulled up in BMWs, a Mercedes, and several other luxurious cars. Despite not being around Pittsburgh for long, the driver recognized Jones. It probably wasn't too hard to put together with a recognizable face from the draft and a destination of St. Vincent.
"He knew who I was which was shocking to me because he was a little bit older."
The Steelers traded up a few spots in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select Jones 14th overall and he is expected to become the organization's new franchise left tackle and Kenny Pickett's blindside protector sooner rather than later.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett drops back to pass during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It was a little bit of a surprise to Jones, as he noted the Uber driver was a bit older, but it made sense to him after he thought about it. Pittsburgh is, in fact, a city that loves its professional sports teams (yes, we even love the Pittsburgh Pirates, too).
"You know people always told me. Pittsburgh's like a huge sports [town]," Jones said.
While speaking with the media, Jones was even open about the cost of his ride when asked.
"It wasn't too bad. Probably like 50 bucks."
That's nothing a $9 million signing bonus can't handle. The hope is for him to develop into a franchise left tackle and be just a few years away from a massive contract extension. Then, maybe we'll see him showing up in a car worth six figures like some of his teammates.
Steelers offensive line coach, Pat Meyer (left) and rookie left tackle, Broderick Jones (right) work together during 2023 offseason activities. | Photo Credit: Associated Press via Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
There are high expectations for Jones heading into his rookie season. He showed a solid sense of humor speaking with the media Wednesday, but Steelers fans are hoping he is as mean as it gets on the field and keeps Pickett upright for years to come.
Are you excited to see what Jones is made of during the Steelers' 2023 training camp and preseason? Let us know in the comments below!
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