Steelers Talk

[Ohio Steeler]

Originally Posted by buckeye247

what a loser.

please explain why you say that

[BuckNutty]

Hartings: Steelers must ignore distractions


Jeff Hartings
Chaz Palla/Tribune-Review



By Joe Bendel
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, June 11, 2006


On a steamy afternoon on the South Side, veteran Steelers center Jeff Hartings ambled from the practice field, beads of sweat dripping from his forehead.
He could probably think of better things to do in the heat, like sitting poolside with his family or lounging in an air conditioned clubhouse or catching a few rays at a white-sand beach.

Truth is, Hartings doesn't have to be here; he wants to be here.

And, in many ways, he is a symbol of what is going right with the Steelers organization, despite several off-field issues that have cropped up and made headlines in recent months.


Hartings, who turns 34 at the outset of the regular season, took a pay cut to return to the Steelers -- despite playing in the Pro Bowl in February. And even though he is a wealthy man, Hartings could have shopped his experience and leadership skills on the open market when discussions opened to restructure a deal that was to count $8.1 million against the salary cap next season.

But Hartings thought better of it.

"To be able to play for this team, this coach, this organization, I think players would be crazy not to take a little bit less than what they could get in the open market and be able to play for a winning team, a winning organization, a great city," said Hartings, who agreed to a two-year, $5.8 million deal that included a $1.75 million signing bonus and saved the Steelers $2.1 million under the cap. "The only negative I can think of on this team is having to play in the cold weather in December. And, sometimes, that can be a positive, too."

Guard Kendall Simmons, who lines up to the right of Hartings, said the veteran center's decision to rework his deal sent a strong message around the locker room.

"It told us that he wasn't selfish, that he was loyal and wanted to be a part of this," Simmons said. "It's important to know this is where he wants to be. He wants to be out there fighting with us."

Added backup quarterback Charlie Batch, who played with Hartings in Detroit: "This was a win-win for everybody. You want guys like that around."

Hartings is about to enter his 11th season, which could potentially be his last (though rumors of his retirement have been greatly exaggerated in the past).

"I still love being out here," Hartings said, despite 90-plus degree temperatures baking the grass last week after a voluntary workout.

He still wants to win another Super Bowl.

He wants to be a Pro Bowler again.

And most important, he still wants to be a Steeler -- a message he proudly proclaims.

"I make it known to young guys, when they become free agents, that this is a great place to be," said Hartings, who spent the first five years of his career with the Detroit Lions. "I definitely let them know that."

In March, Hartings watched as wideout Antwaan Randle El, free safety Chris Hope and defensive end Kimo von Oelhoffen signed lucrative deals in Washington, Tennessee and New York (Jets), respectively. And as much as it pained him to see three key elements of last year's Super Bowl winner move on, he faulted none of them for making prudent business decisions.

"Antwaan's contract was just so big, he had to take it, but I don't have any doubt he wanted to be here," Hartings said. "Even Kimo, I talked to Kimo. He would have loved to come back here. But when a team offers so much more than what the Steelers can offer, just because of the cap situation here, you have to look at those things. But I truly feel for those guys, because I don't have any doubt they wanted to stay."

With the makeup of the team changing, which includes the retirment of Jerome Bettis, Hartings believes the Steelers cannot afford to let off-the-field distractions -- such as rookie Santonio Holmes' recent disorderly conduct charge or Hines Ward's and Joey Porter's claims that the media has taken some their words out of context this offseason -- consume the locker room.

"I think anything can be a distraction; I think it can be an individual thing," he said. "If it does seep in, it would seep in to individuals, and, then, that always affects the team."

Hartings explained: "As individuals, you prepare and work hard to make yourself better," he said. "As coach (Bill) Cowher always says, if individuals do those things, then the team plays better. But if individuals on this team read too many of the press clippings, think too much about the ring, wear the ring too much and think about last year, then those individuals might get distracted and not play as well. And that, obviously, will affect how the team plays.

"I think the biggest trap you can fall into after winning the Super Bowl is going into training camp and thinking you're just going to pick up where you left off. Because you can find yourself looking at a 2-4 record, 3-4, 3-5, and then you're in a hole. And we probably wouldn't be able to dig ourselves out, because every team in our division, on paper, is better than it was a year ago."


Joe Bendel can be reached at joecbendel@aol.com or (412) 320-7811.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pitt.../s_457567.html

[BuckNutty]

Keisel enjoying his new role
Monday, June 12, 2006

By Teresa Varley
Steelers.com


It was about 15 minutes after the players have cleared the field during the team's voluntary coaching sessions when Brett Keisel made his way towards the locker room after getting in a little extra workout.

Sweat was pouring off of him as summer had finally hit in Pittsburgh and the warm sun had heated things up.

But he couldn't have be happier and for good reason.

Keisel, who is entering his fifth season, will be a starter at defensive end this year after Kimo von Oelhoffen signed as a free agent with the New York Jets. It's an opportunity he has been waiting for and he enjoyed every practice, every workout, as he lines up with the first team during the recently completed coaching sessions.

"I am so excited. It's been great," said Keisel. "It's been wonderful being out there with the first team, running reps with guys that know exactly what they are doing. It's been absolutely great."

Keisel admits there is a change in the way he has approached this off-season knowing that he will be a starter. He re-signed with the team during the off-season and did so with a vote of confidence from the coaches that he can handle the job.

"I try and get my mind more focused now that I am out here with the first group," said Keisel. "I feel like I still have something to prove. The coaches trusted me to bring me into this role. I just have to make sure that I am doing my job on Sunday's and that is what I am concentrating on right now."

* * *

Thursday was the last day of the team's off-season workouts and all of the players are happy with the way things went.

"It's been real positive for the older guys and the younger guys," said running back Willie Parker. "We are getting better at everything we do. The younger guys are learning. We are out here competing every day. It's no longer trying to figure out your assignments, we're just playing football."

For veterans and rookies alike, it's been a chance to get a good head start on training camp and start to set the groundwork for the upcoming season.

"When you come out here day after day it's a constant progression going into training camp," said linebacker Clark Haggans. "Week after week the intensity has gone up. It's been fun, a lot of talk. There has been a lot of jawing to stir up some competitiveness between the offense and defense."

http://media3.steelers.com/article/65224/

[buckeye247]

Originally Posted by Ohio Steeler

please explain why you say that

I have to explain why I think that guy is a loser you have got to be joking me, im sure he is a big fan but why would someone ever cover their body with football tattoos. I could see if it were for some religous beliefs like some of the people in the pacific ex, samoans. But we are talking about the game of football. Its disgusting i cant wait to see what he looks like when he's 70.

[AJHawkfan]

So, having tattoos makes this guy a loser?

You might want to watch yourself; there are many, many people on this board who have a number of tattoos. (Before you ask, no, I do not have any tats. I generally don't like them, but I don't judge other people who do have them.)

You can agree with them or not, but to proclaim anyone with ink a loser would be a pretty big generalization, don't you think?

edit: Actually, after re-reading the article, I really have to disagree with you. (And this has nothing to do with being a Steelers fan.) The guy's got a good job, has been married to the same woman for 21-something years, has raised 4 kids and has a passion in life. Regardless of what you think of his choice to get tattoos, you have to respect that much about him.

[Ohio Steeler]

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was injured in a motorcycle accident on Monday morning.

The Steelers confirmed the accident for Channel 4 Action News.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said the accident happened on Second Avenue near the 10th Street Bridge.

A witness told Channel 4 Action News that Roethlisberger went over the handlebars, hit the windshield of another vehicle and then hit the ground.

Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet, according to the paper.

Police have closed down the bridge, Second Avenue and the Armstrong Tunnels.

Roethlisberger was taken to Mercy Hospital. There is no word on the extent of his injuries.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/PIT/9493892

[Ohio Steeler]

Originally Posted by AJHawkfan

So, having tattoos makes this guy a loser?

You might want to watch yourself; there are many, many people on this board who have a number of tattoos. (Before you ask, no, I do not have any tats. I generally don't like them, but I don't judge other people who do have them.)

You can agree with them or not, but to proclaim anyone with ink a loser would be a pretty big generalization, don't you think?

edit: Actually, after re-reading the article, I really have to disagree with you. (And this has nothing to do with being a Steelers fan.) The guy's got a good job, has been married to the same woman for 21-something years, has raised 4 kids and has a passion in life. Regardless of what you think of his choice to get tattoos, you have to respect that much about him.

I could not have said it any better

[buckeye247]

Originally Posted by AJHawkfan

So, having tattoos makes this guy a loser?

You might want to watch yourself; there are many, many people on this board who have a number of tattoos. (Before you ask, no, I do not have any tats. I generally don't like them, but I don't judge other people who do have them.)

You can agree with them or not, but to proclaim anyone with ink a loser would be a pretty big generalization, don't you think?

edit: Actually, after re-reading the article, I really have to disagree with you. (And this has nothing to do with being a Steelers fan.) The guy's got a good job, has been married to the same woman for 21-something years, has raised 4 kids and has a passion in life. Regardless of what you think of his choice to get tattoos, you have to respect that much about him.

Did i say getting tattoos makes you a loser, no i didnt, I have 3 of them myself. All of my tattoos have significant personal meaning to me as they should. Almost a full body suit of Steelers tattoos should classify you as a loser. My reason being that you should get tattoos that remind you of a life changing moment or event. Did all those players know him or care about him "no" they probably dont even know his name. He is just a crazy fan who i think is a loser for getting a tattoo that has no close personal connection with him. I could see a little Steelers symbol that would be totally fine i have seen numerous buckeye tattoos. But when you take it that far either your a complete loser who doesnt respect themselves or has something wrong with them. Im sure he is a nice guy and all im just saying by doing that he is going to be judged as a loser.