Steelers Great Craig Wolfley Said New Vets Compare To 2 Pittsburgh Legends

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a slow start to the beginning of the 2022 season, as they began the process of navigating a future without long-time quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. They had a young replacement in Kenny Pickett and an evolving offense under the direction of coordinator Matt Canada. Their always-strong defense was floundering a bit with spotty coverage in places and an injury to T.J. Watt. 

However, they came together as a unit and just missed a spot in the playoffs. The organization considered the progress and developed a plan to bring in a combination of veterans and rookies to help make the team even better. Now, one former Steelers player is drawing a comparison between two new arrivals, their influence, and his own experience with great players during the 1980s. 

Steelers Great Craig Wolfley Said Don't Underestimate A Mentoring Teammate

Craig Wolfley played offensive guard, and occasionally tackle, for the Steelers for 10 seasons starting in 1980 (no need to talk about those two seasons in Minnesota). A fifth-round draft pick out of Syracuse University, he became one of the most dominant linemen in the NFL. 

Unfortunately for Wolfley, the rest of the team during his time in Pittsburgh wasn't all as good. The Steelers, coming off their incredible successes in the '70s, were in a period of "rebuilding." However, there were still a number of excellent players on those '80s teams. Wolfley spoke with pride about being able to line up next to many of them. 

While his playing career ended in the early '90s, Wolfley did not leave the game of football. He has been a sideline reporter and analyst for the Steelers for several years now. Fans love his no-nonsense analysis, self-deprecating sense of humor, and witty one-liners almost as much as they love his honest look into what is happening on the field.  

He recently joined reporter Jim Wexell and Jeremy Hritz on the Steel City Insider podcast. During the show, Wolfley was asked about some of the veterans the Steelers signed during the offseason, including Patrick Peterson and Isaac Seumalo, and the impact they have. 

Peterson is entering his 13th season in the NFL, most of them spent with the Arizona Cardinals. His tremendous athleticism gives the Steelers a chance to have a hybrid cornerback/safety. He is not just known for his athletic abilities, he is also considered a model teammate, bringing a level of veteran maturity to the multiple new young cornerbacks the Steelers drafted. The mentor relationship between Peterson and rookie, Joey Porter Jr., has been covered quite a bit.     

Seumalo, an offensive guard, is coming from eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. While the offensive line has steadily been improving since bottoming out in 2021, they are still young and need guidance. Seumalo brings not only a veteran presence, but one from someone who has been a part of a Super Bowl-winning team and knows what it takes. 

Wolfley said it is hard to put into words just how much it means to have guys like this on the team. It would be easy for them to just be worried about themselves as their careers start winding down, but instead, they are doing all they can to help support their teammates which in turn helps the team succeed. 

"You are going to be helped by a steady guy that is experienced and is well skilled. Jason Kelce talked about him [Seumalo] being one of the smartest guys he's ever played next to. Think about that, with all the evolving defenses and personnel groups, the centers got to make a call and to have somebody that intelligent right next to you, to the point where a guy like Jason Kelce was really bummed he was going because that guy was really that good."

Wolfley said it reminds him of his time in Pittsburgh. He said having great players next to him gave him someone to learn from, but also helped elevate his gameplay. Peterson is at the point in his career where he doesn't need validation. Wolfley quoted Head Coach Mike Tomlin as saying, "He needs no praise from me" but Peterson is still putting his energy into making these young players better.

"When I watch what he's done, and what he means to the young guys in that secondary, there's something about that. I will tell you this, when I lined up for my start, I'm in between Mike Webster and John Kolb, but I'm sitting there going, 'I don't think much of myself, but I got two great bookends.' It helps you to have guys like that sitting next to you."

While Peterson seemed destined to make the Hall of Fame, it is still high praise to be considered alongside the late Mike Webster. As the Steelers center in the '70s and '80s, Webster won four Super Bowls, was a six-time All-Pro and a nine-time Pro Bowler. He has been given just about every honor that can be given in football and is widely considered one of the best centers of all-time. 

John Kolb, an offensive tackle, had those same Super Bowl wins as Webster, but did not get as many individual accolades. Kolb was praised for his incredible strength and his unfailing protection of quarterback Terry Bradshaw. 

Peterson may just be getting started in Pittsburgh, but he is quickly becoming a fan favorite, despite him having barely played. His easy demeanor, positive attitude, and team-first mentality make it feel like he has always been in the Steel City. 

Seumalo and Peterson are not the only veteran players that are mentoring young players. With such a phenomenal draft class, it feels like there are more players to prep than ever. Do you see the two of them as making a big difference with the younger players? Click to comment below.

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