Steelers Daily Rundown: Grit, History, and a Glimpse at the Playoff Picture
There’s never a dull moment in Pittsburgh football, and this week is no exception. From viral special teams moments to Hall of Fame watchlists and playoff implications, let’s break down the latest headlines surrounding the Steelers and the broader NFL world-with a mix of grit, history, and some unexpected twists.
Ben Skowronek’s Relentless Effort Goes Viral
Special teams don’t always get the spotlight, but Ben Skowronek made sure to change that narrative on Sunday. The Steelers gunner turned heads-and lit up social media-after a jaw-dropping sequence against the Ravens.
Double-teamed, slammed to the turf repeatedly, Skowronek kept bouncing back like a man possessed. It wasn’t pretty, but it was pure football grit.
Being a gunner in the NFL is a thankless job. You’re sprinting full speed into contact, often outnumbered, and rarely celebrated.
But Skowronek’s effort? That was the kind of play that gets replayed in team meetings and earns nods of respect in the locker room.
It’s not always about the stat sheet-sometimes it’s about showing who wants it more. And on that play, it was Skowronek, no question.
Quentin Jammer Shares Shocking Admission
In a surprising and candid post, former Chargers cornerback Quentin Jammer revealed that he played multiple games during the 2011 season while intoxicated. According to Jammer, he was “completely s- faced drunk” in at least eight games, even saying he kept two bottles of tequila in his bag and drank during the game and on the way home.
It’s a jarring revelation from a former first-round pick and longtime NFL starter. While the league has made strides in player wellness and mental health support in recent years, Jammer’s admission is a stark reminder of the pressures and personal battles some players face behind the scenes.
Steelers Beat the Odds on the Ground-Again
Here’s a stat that’ll make you do a double take: The Steelers have now won three games since World War II in which they were out-rushed by 170 yards or more. All three came against the Ravens-in 2020 (-217), 2021 (-170), and now again in 2025 (-183).
That’s not just a quirky stat-it speaks to Pittsburgh’s ability to win ugly. When you’re getting dominated in the run game, most teams fold.
But the Steelers? They find ways to hang around, capitalize on mistakes, and make big plays when it counts.
That’s a Mike Tomlin special.
Holiday Cheer at Acrisure Stadium
The Steelers aren't just making an impact on the field. On Tuesday night, the organization welcomed over 500 community members in need to Acrisure Stadium for a night of support and holiday cheer. Guests received resources, services, and a reminder that the Steelers’ commitment to Pittsburgh goes far beyond football.
It’s the kind of outreach that reflects the franchise’s deep roots in the community-a tradition that’s just as important as anything that happens on Sundays.
Philip Rivers Returns-And Makes NFL History
Aaron Rodgers is no longer the oldest active player in the NFL. That title now belongs to Philip Rivers, who signed with the Colts’ practice squad on Tuesday. At 42, Rivers isn’t just making a comeback-he’s also complicating his Hall of Fame timeline.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, if Rivers is elevated to the active roster, his five-year eligibility clock resets. If he stays on the practice squad, it doesn’t.
He’s already a semifinalist for the Class of 2026, but now the clock might just get pushed back. Either way, it’s a wild twist in the career of one of the game’s iron men.
Ryan Shazier’s Powerful Return
Eight years after suffering a life-changing spinal cord injury, Ryan Shazier returned to the University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center-the place where his recovery began. He met with patients, thanked the medical team that helped save his life, and announced an expansion of services from his Ryan Shazier Fund in Cincinnati.
Shazier’s journey has been nothing short of inspirational. His return to the hospital wasn’t just symbolic-it was a full-circle moment of gratitude, resilience, and purpose.
Terry Bradshaw’s Final Game: 42 Years Later
Wednesday marks 42 years since Terry Bradshaw played his final NFL game. It came against the New York Jets at Shea Stadium, and fittingly, his last play was a 10-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Sweeney. That game also marked the final NFL contest ever played at Shea.
Bradshaw had undergone elbow surgery earlier that year and hadn’t played all season. That throw?
It caused his elbow to pop again, ending his career on both a high and painful note. It’s a chapter in Steelers history that still resonates-one last touchdown from a Hall of Famer, in a stadium that closed its football doors that same day.
Playoff Picture: Steelers vs. Chargers?
If the season ended today, the Steelers would host the Chargers in the Wild Card round. Both teams are 9-4, but Los Angeles holds the tiebreaker over Buffalo. If Pittsburgh takes the AFC North crown, they’re likely locked into the No. 4 seed.
That sets up a potential clash with a Chargers team that’s been surging-and would bring plenty of storylines with it. But with a few weeks left, nothing is set in stone. The AFC playoff race is heating up fast.
Alex Highsmith Closes the Door on Baltimore
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger broke down the final moments of the Steelers’ win over the Ravens-and it was Alex Highsmith who delivered the dagger. With nine seconds left, Highsmith came off the edge and brought down Lamar Jackson for a game-sealing sack.
It was a textbook closer. Highsmith had been battling all game, and with the clock winding down, he found just enough burst to end it. That’s the kind of play that doesn’t just win games-it builds reputations.
Quick Hits from the Steel City
- Big Ben Weighs In: Ben Roethlisberger believes the Ravens got robbed on Isaiah Likely’s non-touchdown call.
- Color Rush Incoming: The Steelers will don their Color Rush uniforms against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football.
- Injury Watch: Three players remain in concussion protocol following the physical win over Baltimore.
- Tomlin Speaks: Mike Tomlin explained why rookie Roman Wilson was inactive against the Ravens.
- DK Metcalf Update: Tomlin also provided an update on DK Metcalf’s recent injury scare.
- QB Shuffle: The Steelers will face a different Browns quarterback in Week 17.
Looking Ahead
There’s a lot to monitor as the Steelers push toward the postseason. The defense is making plays in crunch time, the offense is grinding out wins, and special teams-thanks to guys like Ben Skowronek-are making their presence felt.
With playoff positioning on the line and rivalry games ahead, buckle up. December football in Pittsburgh is always a ride.