Former Steelers Wide Receiver Chase Claypool Still Causing Problems

Former Pittsburgh Steelers and current Chicago Bears receiver, Chase Claypool recently saw himself up to no good once again. According to Arye Pulli, the former Steeler was involved in a fight during the team's training camp practice on Saturday. After receiving a pass, Claypool was hit late while he was heading out of bounds by safety, Eddie Jackson. Claypool then retaliated by snatching Jackson's helmet off and throwing it to the ground. The scuffle eventually had to be broken up by team General Manager, Ryan Poles. 

The Steelers traded Claypool in the middle of the 2022 NFL season. The trade included the Steelers receiving a second round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. With the acquired pick, the Steelers would draft Penn State cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. At the time, the trade came as a surprise for almost everyone in the locker room, and even left fans questioning. Claypool was originally selected by the Steelers in the 2020 NFL draft in the second round. 

He would immediately make an impact for the Steelers offense. In his rookie year, he would rack up a total of 873 receiving yards along with nine touchdowns. His rookie campaign gave fans hope that Steelers had once again found another hidden gem. 

Former Steelers' Chase Claypool Is No Stranger To Drama

As we all know, receiver Claypool is no stranger to drama. During the 2020 season, he would be frowned upon for posting videos of himself and teammates dancing for his Tiktok followers. While the Steelers were winning, people had no problem with the dancing. Oddly though, the dancing would continue even while the Steelers season began to slip away from them. This led to fans fans questioning his work ethic and will to win.  

During the 2021 NFL season, the Steelers were faced with all odds against them. They faced a 29-point deficit against the Minnesota Vikings. The Steelers would see themselves with an opportunity to drive down the field late in the game to tie the game. During the final drive, Claypool would receive a pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to convert on a fourth and one. 

After he was tackled he seemingly began to "show-boat" and would cost the Steelers a total of 10 seconds off the clock. Due to this play, the Steelers would be left with only one more opportunity to score. The Steelers would lose the game. Following the game, many people began to criticize the receiver for his foolish behavior. Fans would begin to call Claypool a "diva" and the receiver would do nothing, but continue to further their title of him. 

Steelers Great Criticized Claypool 

Following the trade, Steelers great, Hines Ward was interviewed by Chat Sports. During the interview, Ward was asked what kind of receiver the Bears had acquired from the Steelers. Ward acknowledged how much talent the receiver had, but warned of Claypool's "me first, team second" attitude. 

"He is everything you want in a receiver... With Chase it became more about Chase and less about the team"

Ward would continue his discussion about Claypool by adding how his eagerness for the ball was one that should be praised, but Ward didn't like the way in which he would present his eagerness. 

"I love receivers who want the ball... But you have to do it in the confinements of the team. It's about team first."

Furthermore, Claypool's talent was overshadowed by his ego during his time with the Steelers. Thankfully for the front office of the Steelers, they were able to trade Claypool before he caused a bigger distraction. If Claypool is able to clean up his ego, along with his work ethic, the Bears could have a very good receiver on their hands. On the other hand, if Claypool doesn't find a way to clean his ego and work ethic up, the Bears will be faced with just another locker room cancer. 

Does SteelerNation believe that Claypool can turn around his attitude? Or will the former Steeler just go on to be another example of good talent wasted by a big ego. Leave your thoughts down below in the comments! 

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