A Steelers Depot daily segment. A quick hit of some Pittsburgh Steelers-related stories that may not require a complete article, but nuggets worth mentioning and passing on to you guys.
Your Depot After Dark for July 15.
ALL-PFF TEAM
Not everyone loves Pro Football Focus, but it’s become a big part of today’s NFL. It’s been around since 2006, and its player grades are used often. While some of PFF’s grades are questionable, they’ve helped highlight many players.
PFF recently released the All-PFF team, which it considers the best players that the league has seen since 2006. It includes only one Steeler, with Antonio Brown as one of the list’s three wide receivers. Brown certainly earned his spot, being one of the best receivers of his era. Perhaps there’s an argument for other Steelers to be on the list, but Brown is Pittsburgh’s only representative.
JAMES CONNER FIELD
The Steelers have a history of great running backs. Some, like Jerome Bettis and Franco Harris, are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Others might not ever get that level of recognition, but they were still productive in Pittsburgh. That includes James Conner. He was with the Steelers from 2017-2020, making one Pro Bowl in that time and helping the team move on from Le’Veon Bell.
However, Conner might be best known for battling cancer while he was in college. Conner won that fight and still made it to the NFL, which is an inspiring story. Now, Conner’s high school is honoring him, changing the name of its football field to James Conner Field, as shared by Tom Reisenweber on Twitter. It’s a nice touch from Conner’s home.
SAINT VINCENT PREPARING FOR STEELERS
Training camp for the Steelers will begin in a few weeks. It’s a sign that the new season is close to starting, with teams ramping up activities. The Steelers will go to Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pennsylvania for training camp. That’s been their home at this time of year for decades, except for a few seasons when the world was dealing with a pandemic.
Saint Vincent is also preparing for the Steelers’ arrival. SVC Bearcats posted on Twitter that staff and students helped move weights into the exercise room. Excitement is building as the days go on.