Steelers News: Ben Roethlisberger describes the 2019 Steelers as a “special group”

The Pittsburgh Steelers returned to the gridiron when they reported back to training camp. With practices underway, the news surrounding the black-and-gold is just starting to heat up. As the team prepares for the coming season, we continue to provide you with features, commentary and opinions to tide you over until the season starts!

Today in the black-and-gold links article we take a look at how Ben Roethlisberger calls the 2019 Steelers a “special group” as he talks about his excitement for the upcoming season.

Let’s get to the news:

• Ben Roethlisberger has never been one to hold back when it comes to his commentary on the team. Which means when the Steelers’ quarterback calls this team special, fans should listen.

Ben Roethlisberger says Steelers have ‘special group’ heading into season

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

In the span of a week in early March, two former Pittsburgh Steelers NFL All Pros became the property of other teams. While the term “addition by subtraction” is cliché, the Steelers are trying to convince themselves it’s true in this case.

Perhaps that was the motivation for what Ben Roethlisberger said Thursday, or perhaps the veteran quarterback was genuine in speaking about an affection for this particular group of teammates.

“I like this group,” Roethlisberger said after the final practice of camp at Saint Vincent. “I think we have got a special group of people here, and that’s why I am excited to see when things get real what is going to happen.”

The Steelers, of course, traded receiver Antonio Brown to the Oakland Raiders, and former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell signed with the New York Jets after he’d sat out the 2018 season while refusing to sign the franchise-tag tender.

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Why the man they call “Duck” has been turning both players and coaches’ heads during training camp this season.

Ben Roethlisberger on Steelers QB Devlin Hodges: Duck is ‘fun to watch’

By: Chris Adamski, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

If Pittsburgh hasn’t yet caught “Duck” fever, perhaps the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback has.

Devlin “Duck” Hodges has by far outperformed most of the No. 4 quarterbacks invited to Steelers training camp over the years. And with a nickname inspired by a national duck-calling championship win a decade ago, coupled with a strong NFL preseason debut last week, Hodges is on the verge of a mini-cult following among Steelers fans.

Ben Roethlisberger, apparently, is joining the ranks of Hodges fans.

“Duck is just slinging it — and it’s fun to watch,” Roethlisberger said Thursday after the conclusion of the final training-camp practice at Saint Vincent. “He’s kind of fearless out there.

“(A) young guy, small school, undrafted … it’s fun to see guys like that succeed.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• There was talk of the Steelers putting an advertisement(s) on the seats at Heinz Field. Turns out the City of Pittsburgh vetoed that idea pretty quick.

Pittsburgh zoning board sacks Steelers’ seat-painting plan at Heinz Field

By: Bob Bauder, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

The Pittsburgh zoning board has denied an appeal by the Steelers for permission to paint Heinz Field seats in the form of a sign, ruling that it constitutes a “roof sign” prohibited by city zoning regulations.

PSSI Stadium LLC, a team affiliate, sought permission to paint seats on the north side of the stadium, arguing that it should be exempt because it would be an “interior element” and not visible from the outside.

A zoning administrator in April determined that the city’s zoning code prohibited the sign. The Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment agreed in a seven-page decision released Thursday.

“Because PSSI Stadium did not specify what words or logos might be included on the proposed sign, it did not definitely demonstrate that the proposed sign would be a ‘non-advertising sign,’” the board noted in the decision, adding that PSSI also “offered no credible evidence or testimony that the proposed sign … would not be visible from the exterior.”

To read the full article, click HERE (Free)

• Social Media Madness