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Tragedy Before the Season: 'Iron Wall' of Steelers Sidelined by Severe Injury

Pittsburgh, PA – August 2025

Sometimes football doesn’t just take away wins—it steals dreams. On Saturday night, what was supposed to be another routine preseason clash turned into heartbreak for Pittsburgh, when long snapper Christian Kuntz went down after what seemed like an ordinary collision. The diagnosis: a broken sternum, ending his season before it even began.

Steelers LS Christian Kuntz says he wants to be ready by Week 1 - Yahoo  Sports

For Kuntz, the pain runs deeper than the injury itself. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, he had become a symbol of resilience—scrapping, fighting, and clawing his way to secure a place in the black and gold. But now, with the Steelers announcing the signing of veteran Jake McQuaide to fill the void, the cruel reality hit home: his spot is gone.

Pittsburgh Steelers Preparing for Bad News on Injured Long Snapper

In the locker room afterward, Kuntz couldn’t hide the emotion. He knew his dream of wearing the black and gold was being ripped away—at least for now. Yet behind the heartbreak, there was no surrender, only fire:

“People can say my season’s over, but my belief isn’t. I was born in this city, and I won’t let one injury decide my ending with the Steelers. I’ll be back—stronger—because Pittsburgh is in my blood.” — Christian Kuntz

Christian Kuntz (@ckuntz24) / X

For the Steelers, losing Kuntz is a gut punch just before the season kicks off. For him, it’s a personal tragedy, a painful chapter in a story still unfinished. But just like the Steel City itself, which has risen time and again from hardship, Christian Kuntz carries a promise yet to be fulfilled: he will return, and once more, wear black and gold.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”