Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee Revealed The Worst, But Also The Most Mind-Blowing, Rookie Talent Show Performance

The Pittsburgh Steelers had some outstanding draft picks and signings this past offseason. Those new rookies join a group of veteran players who can be as close as family to each other. Getting all those players to bond is one of Head Coach Mike Tomlin's biggest tasks. One way Tomlin gets the players to come together is by hosting training camp away from the team's facilities in Pittsburgh. 

While many other teams have started holding camp "at home," allowing players to return to their beds at night, the Steelers are one of only eight teams still holding camp away. Tomlin and the players all report that their time at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA, allows them to develop deeper bonds. 

The NFL would frown on the hazing that used to happen in fraternities, but that doesn't mean the rookies aren't put through the paces. They must cater to the veterans and are expected to do so without complaining. There are stories about the rookies having to buy lunches or expensive dinners and tales of pranks being played on them. 

However, one of the most well-known newbie rituals in Latrobe is the rookie talent show. The rookie players are all required to perform for the veterans, and this year was no different, according to quarterback and undrafted rookie free agent John Rhys Plumlee on the Steel Here Podcast. Show hosts Kevin Adams and Jersey Jerry asked Plumlee who had the worst performance? Plumlee said that rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu had the initial worst performance, perhaps born of confusion, but he later redeemed himself. 

"So Troy, as the first-round guy, he goes first," said Plumlee. "He is the first one to go; you know, it kind of sucks for him. He doesn't know that he necessarily has to sing. They call him up there and just tell him to do something. So he tells a joke. They didn't like that he told a joke. They wanted him to sing. They booed him off. They threw him out of there. So the next day, they called Troy back up there, and they're like, 'Hey, sing. You need to sing.' Well, Troy can really sing. Like if you don't know that about Troy, he can really sing. So, at that point, he had a good comeback."

While Plumlee couldn't recall what song Fautanu had sung, he said he chose Stand by Me, originally performed by Ben E. King. Plumlee said he figured out the trick quickly, watching the other rookies. That trick is to get all the guys to sing along with you. They need to have fun with you if you can't impress them with your actual talent, like Fautanu eventually did. 

Steelers' John Rhys Plumlee Got Drafted After All 

Plumlee has garnered much attention during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and training camp as a bit of a Swiss army knife. A two-sport athlete at Ole Miss, Plumlee began as the Rebels quarterback, but was moved to wide receiver by his junior year. Determined to remain under center, Plumlee left Mississippi for UCF.

While he may have gone undrafted in the NFL, Plumlee joked with the Steel Here hosts that he was a first-round selection after all. He was drafted in the first round, third overall in the 2024 UFL Draft by the Arlington Renegades. If you're a superstitious fan, the name "Renegades" might make you believe in fate.  

Plumlee said on the show that is all he knows about a possible career in the UFL. If his career in the NFL doesn't work out, he can play in the UFL, but the Renegades have the rights to him. He can't decide to play with another team this season. 

He is certainly showing the Steel City that he wants to be there in any capacity he can. During the first preseason game against the Houston Texans, Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith had Plumlee return a kick and protect the punter.  

What do you think about the talent show and the out-of-town camp? Click to comment below. 

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