From Teresa Varley’s Camp Blog:

Whether it be a normal routine, the ability to move from a virtual world, or just spending time around friends and family, normalcy is something people are yearning for.

Maurkice Pouncey is no different.

“I like normalcy,” said Pouncey. “I understand right now the protocols that are going on. It was at first a real adjustment period, trying to get used to it. The older players want to come in and have their same routine. You have to understand the bigger picture. But I like normalcy.”

Pouncey did get his wish for normalcy in one area though. He has Ben Roethlisberger back. The two have been a tandem for the past 10 years, Pouncey protecting his quarterback at all times like his life depended on it. But last year, things were different. Roethlisberger was injured in Week 2 of the season and done for the year. Now, though, he is back and for Pouncey, that gives him the normalcy he craves.

“That is for the whole Steelers Nation, to see him back there, how comfortable he is, how motivated he is,” said Pouncey. “To watch his whole process, going through the surgery. To come back like this in Year 17, it’s been incredible to watch. I know injuries are hard, especially at this age. But he has been out there rocking. He is a true leader; a true soldier and I really appreciate the type of player he is. That is normalcy, for sure.”

Pouncey, who said he tore his meniscus last season but opted not to have offseason surgery, still has the excitement and energy as he heads into his 11th season in the NFL.

“For me personally it’s all about having fun and enjoying it,” said Pouncey. “For me contract isn’t an issue, years in the league isn’t an issue. Every day I am coming in and enjoying it. We have a good young group. The guys are still motivated. I feel like I could still do it at a very high level. Until somebody proves me otherwise, I will be playing.”


You can read more here.

From Teresa Varley, Steelers.com:

Before the team went to work, before they began drills and hitting, they put their emotions on display, addressing as one the social injustice that has occurred in our country as of late.

After coming out of the Heinz Field tunnel, the players all went to the visitor’s sideline where Coach Mike Tomlin spoke about the injustice, with Steelers President Art Rooney II and General Manager Kevin Colbert flanking him.



His words were heartfelt, passionate, emotional and powerful. They came from deep within, sharing not just his thoughts, but the thoughts of the men standing behind him, players, coaches and staff, all linking arms as one, before being led in prayer at midfield by Vance McDonald.

“Good evening,” began Tomlin. “This evening as we go about our normal football business, we come before you standing united as an organization, as a football team, as football men. From different ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and even countries of origin. We stand united by our talent and our love for the game of football. That love and those talents have taught us great tolerance and understanding. We realize that those blessings put us in the minority.

“We’ve learned a lot of lessons in 2020, being from the pandemic or the social unrest. The big perspective that it provided us is regardless of how big and important this game is for us, it’s small in the big scheme of things. We also realize we are privileged to have a platform. We are committed to taking action and being a part of the solution to face social injustice and prejudice that we all face, not only in our country, but worldwide. It is our desire to be active participants in the formation of a more perfect union.



“That being said, we realize recent events are a continued reminder of how far we are from that. We stand before you acknowledging that we are blessed and privileged. But that privilege does not shield us from sadness. This privilege does not shield us from shock or outrage. It does not shield us from fear, fear for our safety, or a loved one or an uncertain future. Beyond being football men, first and foremost we are husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, uncles, members […]