Steelers Aren't Happy About Hard Knocks: "I Guarantee You Everyone In That Building Hates It"

Some Pittsburgh Steelers fans recently learned they were receiving something they had wanted for years, and that's seeing their beloved team on HBO's Hard Knocks. Fans of the Black and Gold will be able to watch their team, along with the rest of the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals, during the in-season version of the wildly popular show. 

The Steelers have always seemed resistant to appearing on the show, which has grown exponentially since first airing in 2001. While anything can happen, from this early vantage point, the AFC North currently appears to be the toughest division in the league. That makes for compelling television. 

That doesn't mean folks in the organization are happy about it, however. Recently, Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joined 93.7 The Fan Morning Show with hosts Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson to discuss the news. Fittipaldo said it's likely not been well received. 

"I guarantee you everyone in that building hates it," said Fittipaldo. "It's like anything guys, if the NFL is going to make money off it and the teams are going to benefit, the Steelers will hold their nose and do it. I'm sure there's a financial aspect to this, I'm sure it means more money in the pockets of the owners. That's the only reason the Steelers are doing this."

According to Fittipaldo, Pittsburgh has always been able to skirt the rules and avoid having all its dirty laundry aired each week. The rules recently changed, but previously, a team could turn down an offer to appear on the show if it had made the playoffs during the past two seasons. While the Steelers' playoff record is a source of frustration, it was enough to keep the show at bay. 

Fittipaldo said that doing Hard Knocks has always been "distasteful" for the team and Head Coach Mike Tomlin to consider. Crowley shared that he saw a video recently of Tomlin being asked about doing the show; Crowley said his answer implied that teams aren't asked; they are told. 

Crowley added that he thinks the show might help the public opinion of Tomlin, who is a bit of a polarizing figure in the Steel City. While he has his detractors, and he may not be happy about this, Tomlin's unique personality, snappy comments, or Tomlinisms will make him a fan favorite. 

Steelers Have Lots Of Storylines

The AFC North has many compelling characters and storylines to follow, but the Steelers have more than most. While the starting quarterback will likely be Russell Wilson over Justin Fields, it doesn't mean folks from all over won't want to see how they both look. That includes some of the salty fans from their old teams. 

Pittsburgh's biggest free agent signing in team history happened this offseason with linebacker Patrick Queen. He is joining their stacked defense and has been outspoken about his desire to be the "villain" against his former team, the Ravens. Queen has busied himself getting acclimated with the city and falling in love with its food. 

The Steel City offense looks completely different than it did in 2023. There are new quarterbacks, a new coordinator, Arthur Smith, new offensive linemen, and a change in the wide receivers room. How will the Steelers mesh all these pieces together, and how will Smith's offense look? 

It shouldn't surprise anyone that the league would find a way to make the most competitive division in the NFL the centerpiece of this year's show. 

What do you think about the Steelers being on Hard Knocks? Will it be a distraction? Click to comment below.

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