Steelers’ Danny Smith Expected To Steal The Spotlight: “Funniest Guy On Hard Knocks”

Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith is a unique character beloved in Pittsburgh for his fun-loving personality and effective approach to managing the special teams unit. Smith, who has been leading the special teams since 2013, faces the task of preparing his unit for the new kickoff rules in the 2024 season. To meet this challenge, Smith has been studying and preparing in some unique ways.

The entire AFC North will be featured in an in-season Hard Knocks special, generating excitement among Steelers fans eager to see their team in an unprecedented light. However, players and the organization are less enthusiastic about the omnipresent cameras in the building.

Steelers veteran leader Cam Heyward recently discussed on his Not Just Football podcast how amusing Smith will be on Hard Knocks. Heyward believes Smith will become a tremendous meme and steal the show.

“Wait, wait besides that. The funniest thing is going to be, we have not talked about this -- We are getting Hard Knocks during the season and Danny Smith is going to be the funniest guy on Hard Knocks.”

Heyward fondly recalled the time when Cleveland Browns Offensive Line Coach Bob Wylie became an unexpected star on Hard Knocks.

Wylie, with his unique way of saying set hut, quickly turned into a viral meme, captivating football fans everywhere. Drawing a parallel to this memorable moment, Heyward believes that Smith, with his iconic bubble gum chewing, is poised to follow in Wylie's footsteps.

Smith is known for his humor and larger-than-life personality, but the broader football community hasn’t had much exposure to his antics. However, Heyward predicts that Smith's appearance on Hard Knocks will change that. He anticipates that Smith will become a beloved figure and trend on social media, thanks to his charisma and entertaining presence.

“The amount of bubble gum that Danny Smith is going to be chewing non-stop is going to take off," Heyward said. "Like you remember the one guy on Hard Knocks for the Browns where every time he said hut, his belly would start going. That is how Danny is going to be with his gum.”

This offseason, the Steelers welcomed two new quarterbacks, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. With Wilson set to start and Fields challenging for the position, it seems likely that Wilson will be the starter. However, there has been speculation about whether Pittsburgh might use Fields in other roles.

Steelers' Danny Smith Mentioned Justin Fields Returning Kicks

On the same podcast with Heyward, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren revealed that Smith mentioned the possibility of using Fields as a kick returner due to the new kickoff rules. This comment sent shockwaves through the football world, grabbing national media headlines. The Steelers quickly downplayed the statement, and Heyward even apologized for the information being leaked on his podcast.

While it seems unlikely that Smith and the Steelers will use Fields as a return man, the idea is certainly intriguing. Fields is one of the most dangerous runners in the NFL, and Smith is known for his creativity. Exploring every possible option to maximize results while the entire league adjusts to the new kickoff rules makes sense.

Although players and the organization are not thrilled about cameras following them during the most critical stretch of their season, Steelers fans are incredibly excited. They will get to see their players and coaches in a never-before-seen light on the most popular show in football. Smith is undoubtedly going to become a fan favorite.

#SteelerNation