The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves on the sidelines, watching the remaining playoff games unfold alongside their passionate fan base. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have been in the thick of the action, most recently facing off against Travis Kelce and his formidable team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
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Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, left, and brother, Eagles center Jason Kelce, admire the Steelers culture
However, an unexpected twist emerged during a recent episode of the podcast New Heights hosted by Travis Kelce and his brother Jason Kelce. In a spirited discussion, the Kelce brothers openly expressed their preference for the Steelers over the Ravens.
Steelers' Tradition Gets Big Nod From Kelce Brothers
During their lively debate on culture and team names, the Kelce brothers found themselves confronted with the Ravens vs. Steelers question. Without hesitation, Travis Kelce emphatically shared his unequivocal preference regarding which organization he favored.
"I just like the Steelers better. Art Rooney originally founded the team as the Pittsburgh Pirates but, without much success, wanted to rename the team. And then decided to go with Steelers because of the old Rust Belt and the Steelers’ heritage with the steel mills."
J. Kelce, Travis' brother and co-host of the podcast, wholeheartedly endorsed his sibling's sentiment. While the initial topic of discussion revolved around which team possessed the superior culture and name, both Kelce brothers were unequivocal in their stance that the Steelers reigned supreme. Their unanimous verdict left no room for doubt – when it comes to culture and name, the Steelers are in a league of their own.
The rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers has endured for decades, making it one of the most storied and intense rivalries in the NFL. It's a rivalry characterized by a unique blend of respect and animosity, as these two franchises battle fiercely on the field year after year.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson hug each other after a game.
One of the defining features of the Ravens-Steelers rivalry is the mutual respect that both teams share. Despite the fierce competition and hard-fought battles, there is an underlying acknowledgment of the other's prowess. This respect has been cultivated over the years through memorable matchups and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.
When the Ravens and Steelers face off, it's more than just a game; it's a clash of football titans. The intensity on the field is palpable, as two teams with rich histories and passionate fan bases vie for supremacy. Each encounter between these rivals is a high-stakes affair, with playoff implications often hanging in the balance.
The Steelers, as of late, have owned the rivalry with the Ravens. The Steelers hold a record of 33-25 against the Baltimore. In the last six games they have played each other the Steelers have won five of them.
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Steelers Hines Ward against the Baltimore Ravens
For the Kelce brothers, the allure of the Steelers lies not only in their on-field success but also in their deep cultural significance. The team's name, Steelers, evokes images of a bygone era when the steel mills of the Rust Belt were the lifeblood of the region. It's a name that resonates with the blue-collar work ethic and the enduring spirit of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh's proud heritage as an industrial powerhouse is intertwined with the Steelers' identity. The city's steel mills were once the backbone of the American economy, and the team's name pays homage to this heritage. This connection to the past is a source of pride for Steeler Nation, who see their team as a symbol of resilience and perseverance.
On the other side of the rivalry, the Ravens have carved out their own unique identity. Named after Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem, The Raven, the team's name conjures images of mystery and intrigue. It's a fitting moniker for a team that has often been characterized by its tenacity and unpredictability on the field.
The rich history, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of the Steelers have left an indelible impression on the Kelce brothers, cementing their belief that, when it comes to culture and name, the Steelers stand head and shoulders above the rest. As the Ravens continue their playoff journey, they do so with the knowledge that, in the eyes of the Kelce brothers, the Steelers hold a special place in NFL lore.
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