The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed the stability and reliability of Christian Kuntz as their long snapper for the past three seasons. A proud alumnus of Duquesne University, Kuntz has spent his entire professional football career in Pittsburgh. Since making his NFL debut in Week 1 of the 2021 season against the Buffalo Bills, he has participated in 34 regular season games, all with the Steelers.
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Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) alongside kicker Chris Boswell (9) before a game against the Buffalo Bills in 2021.
Recognizing his value to the team, the Steelers re-signed Kuntz this offseason to a three-year contract worth $3.7 million. Kuntz recently appeared on the Athletic Aesthetic Podcast, where he shared his thoughts on various topics. During the podcast, he expressed frustration with some Pittsburgh fans and critics who claim he is on the team solely because he is a local product. Kuntz addressed these detractors candidly, making it clear that he believes his position on the team is earned through hard work and performance, not merely his local roots.
"People are out there still saying, 'He's from Pittsburgh, and he's good with the fans and the media. That's why he has a job, they love him in there. That pi**** me off," Kuntz said. "Imagine getting that said. People say that sh**, ‘Oh he's from Pittsburgh, he's getting this as a favor.’ You think the NFL, you think Mr. [Art] Rooney [II], you think Mike Tomlin, you think Danny Smith are putting everything on the line to hire a kid from Pittsburgh to do a job? They don't give a sh**. They don't give a sh** where you're from. If I'm not doing my job, I wouldn't be there."
His comments highlight the challenges athletes face from their own fan base, especially when their hometown connections are perceived as a factor in their professional success. Despite the criticism, Kuntz remains focused and committed to his role with the Steelers, determined to prove his worth on the field.
Not Just Football
Steelers captain Cam Heyward was joined by Christian Kuntz and Hayden Walsh for another edition of his Not Just Football podcast on Tuesday January 2, 2024.
Steelers' Christian Kuntz Will Be Snapping Footballs To A New Punter In 2024
In the 2024 season, Kuntz will be snapping footballs to a different punter. This offseason, Pittsburgh parted ways with their previous punter, Pressley Harvin III, and brought in Cameron Johnston. Johnston is expected to deliver better punts than Pittsburgh saw from Harvin. The Steelers are excited to have him as part of their special teams unit in 2024, anticipating a significant improvement in their punting game.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Pressley Harvin III punts a football during a game at home.
Kuntz is a fan favorite, known for his great personality and media-savvy nature. Pittsburgh fans are thrilled to have him continue as the long snapper. In the NFL, positions are not handed out based on origins or connections. No one in Pittsburgh would keep Kuntz around if he wasn't one of the best in the world at what he does. His talent and dedication speak for themselves.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz running cone drills during a practice.
It's understandable why those trying to undermine his accomplishment of playing in the NFL would upset him. However, Kuntz remains undeterred by critics and is set to deliver outstanding performances on the special teams unit in the upcoming season. His resilience and focus are a testament to his professionalism and passion for the game.
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