The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens rivalry needs no introduction. Started in the heated battles between Joey Porter, Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu, Hines Ward and Terrell Suggs, the rivalry is alive and well heading into 2020.
But this season there is a new wrinkle within the Steelers’ roster. That wrinkle would be none other than defensive lineman Chris Wormley. It was Wormley who was traded to the Steelers this offseason, but being traded to the Steelers wasn’t all bad for the former Michigan Wolverine.
In fact, Wormley grew up a Steelers fan.
This per Teresa Varley of Steelers.com:
'It's a respect level. I grew up watching the rivalry, I was a Steelers fan. I think the rivalry is alive and well. I think we will be the two top teams in the division this year.' - Chris Wormley on Steelers-Ravens rivalry
— Teresa Varley (@Teresa_Varley) September 3, 2020
He added he has both games vs. the Ravens circled.
Wormley has seen all angles of this rivalry. As a fan growing up rooting for the black-and-gold, being drafted by the Ravens and then being traded to the Steelers. Let’s just say it is easy to understand why Wormely has these two games circled on his caledar.
The defensive lineman spoke about what the rivalry means for him as the Steelers prepare not just for the Ravens, but the 2020 regular season.
This per Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:
Chris Wormley grew up a Steelers fan and is in his first season playing for them after 3 years with Baltimore. He talks Steelers-Ravens rivalry: pic.twitter.com/gngNWjjSSj
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 3, 2020
Wormley has been limited throughout the 2020 training camp with a shoulder injury, but seems as if he will be ready to go by the time the Steelers head to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to play the New York Giants in Week 1.
What can fans expect from Wormley in his first year in Pittsburgh? He is expected to be a rotational player to help spell Cam Heyward and Stephon Tuitt, and someone who can provide the quality depth alongside Tyson Alualu and Isaiah Buggs.
In 2019, Wormley played in all 16 games for the Ravens registering 7 starts, 2 pass defenses, 33 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks 2 tackles for loss and 6 quarterback hits. If the Steelers can get a player who is reliable, talented and capable they will be well on their way to filling the void left by Javon Hargrave.
In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they wrap up their 2020 training camp and prepare for the regular season.