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Steeers Defensive Player of the Year Rolls In Late, Tomlin Lays Down the Law at Camp

Latrobe, PA – August 15, 2025 — With just two days to go before the Steelers’ second preseason test, T.J. Watt learned that even the most decorated players in Pittsburgh aren’t above a public reminder about the team’s standard.

A frenetic offseason behind them, the Steelers are entering 'new territory'  as training camp opens

The Steelers were deep into their defensive walkthrough at Saint Vincent College, fine-tuning blitz packages and gap responsibilities ahead of the August 17 contest, when Watt jogged onto the field. It was nearly eight minutes past the start of the session, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year was still in a hoodie, with his pads only partially strapped. His explanation — that he’d been stopped by fans for autographs at the gate — earned smiles from some teammates, but not from head coach Mike Tomlin.

Holdout or not, T.J. Watt will likely get record pay day from Steelers

Tomlin halted the drill immediately, gathered the defense, and spoke directly to his captain:

“We’ll always embrace a Defensive Player of the Year, but the Defensive Player of the Year has to work like he’s still fighting for a roster spot.”

Steelers name 2024 team captains: Russell Wilson, Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt,  Miles Killebrew

There was no mistaking the tone — it was firm, measured, and meant for everyone on the field. Watt responded in the only way he knows: strapping on his gear, stepping into the very next rep, and blowing past the left tackle to stuff the running back for a loss. The sideline erupted, but the lesson lingered.

As the Steelers prepare for their next preseason challenge, Tomlin’s words serve as both a warning and a rallying cry: no matter your résumé, in Pittsburgh, the grind never stops.

Steelers Linked To Saints SuperStar With 5x Pro Bowl & 2x All-Pro in Blockbuster Trade
Pittsburgh, PA — According to a  circulating on X (Twitter), the Pittsburgh Steelers have been “linked” to Alvin Kamara—the New Orleans Saints superstar, five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro—as a potential target ahead of the trade deadline. The speculation has heated up as various outlets have also floated Kamara as a logical “fit” should the Steelers look to add a versatile, late-season playmaker on offense. At 30, Kamara is a rare dual-threat RB who excels as both a runner and receiver. He tied the NFL single-game record with six rushing touchdowns (Christmas Day 2020 vs. the Vikings), and he has recently been recognized as the Saints’ all-time leader in rushing yards. Across his career: 5× Pro Bowl, 2× Second-Team All-Pro, and a skill set that meshes with Pittsburgh’s motion/spacing concepts—screens, angle/choice routes, safe check-downs, and short play-action. Tactically, if a move ever materialized, Kamara would immediately put stress on short-to-intermediate coverages, force defenses to roll a safety, and give Pittsburgh intriguing two-back looks alongside Najee Harris on 3rd-and-medium and in the red zone. In this hypothetical scenario, Kamara voices a desire for a fresh challenge after hitting so many personal milestones in New Orleans: “I’ve achieved just about everything with the Saints, and I want a new challenge for myself. What could be better than a team competing directly for a Super Bowl? Just thinking about wearing Black and Gold really excites me.” As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the Steelers or the Saints regarding any talks. Still, Kamara’s résumé and toolbox explain why his name is quickly paired with Pittsburgh whenever rumors of an offensive upgrade surface. With 5× Pro Bowls, 2× All-Pro honors, and a proven knack for tilting games as both a runner and receiver, even a whisper on social media is enough to make Steelers Nation perk up.