Buying what Steelers jersey is the best bet going forward?
It’s the offseason, which means two things: first, the news is slow and therefore there’s not much to discuss without being somewhat repetitive.
Second, some of you may be looking for some new Steelers gear to wear for the start of the season.
It was the latter which sparked a small debate with our staff: if you were to purchase a brand-new Steelers jersey tomorrow, who is the safest, or “best bet”, to buy? In other words, if you’re going to invest in a player, who would be the one that would give you the most bang for your buck?
Now, I understand that it would be easy and cop out with a former player; legends like Greene, Lambert, Bradshaw, and Bettis can still find their numbers in the stands on Sundays at Heinz Field. Even more recent standouts such as Troy Polamalu are heavily supported to this day.
That would be too easy. Actually, that’s too easy for any team. Having been to away games in Cleveland, poor Browns fans are mostly relegated to Jim Brown and Bernie Kosar throwback jerseys, as they’ve been burned with a multitude of rookies who never fulfilled their promise.
We’re much more fortunate as Steelers fans since you could choose from any number of all-time greats that would never go out of style. Therefore, the conversation changed to which current player is the one worth owning now, and for the immediate future?
We put our minds to the test and came up with some great choices for the next name to wear on your back.
Jim Racalto – Ryan Shazier
Emerging superstar, great leader, and potential to be one of the top five linebackers in the league. Trusted to be the QB of the defense, and has overcome injuries and criticism to the cusp of stardom.
Christina Rivers – Cam Heyward
I’d have to say Cam Heyward first. I like his maturity, the leadership he provides on the field and the no-quit attitude. Even when he was injured in 2016, he got on the sidelines and was supportive of his teammates and gave guidance.
I don’t collect a ton of jerseys. The ones I purchase are guys that have shown a real Steelers spirit of blue-collar hard work on the field, a charitable heart off of it and a willingness to give back to the fans. That makes me WANT to have their nameplate on my back and number on my chest.
Terry Fletcher – JuJu Smith-Schuster
I’m thinking JuJu. I believe he will be a long-term Steeler and he has just bought into the entire Pittsburgh “everything”. I love a guy that embraces the whole city. He also has never been negative about the crowded WR room. He’s just doing his thing.
Brian Roach – Sean Davis
Last year, with a torn labrum Davis, produced 85 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. He was voted the Steelers rookie of the year and showed the potential to be a long-term answer at strong safety.
It’s really difficult to target a guy who has only one year of service, but there was nothing in Davis’ play last year that was worrisome or threw up red flags. If he makes the kind of jump that the Steelers tend to expect from second-year players, he’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Eric Herrmann – Sean Davis
My pick is also Sean Davis. I’ve always tried to be smart with my jersey purchases and go with guys who I both love and know will be around for awhile.
Davis is that guy for me.
He flashed a ton of promise last season, and it was recently revealed he did it all with a torn labrum! Davis is an emerging star and will be a leader on this defense in no time. The Steelers have always valued their safeties, and though its a tad early to predict, I could see them locking him up in a few years and making him a Steeler for life.
Zac Celedonia – Chris Boswell
He’s the Steelers franchise kicker for the next 10-plus seasons. (Write it down!)
The Wizard of Boz is clutch and more or less won the city a playoff game going 6-for-6 on field goal attempts, on the road. He’s even better than the legend Jeff Reed. (And even got kicked out of a recent Pittsburgh Penguins game to start adding to his own legend!)
Megan Mackenstein – James Conner
Because I know you all think I’m predictable with my love for Ben… I pick James Connor. He is a Pittsburgh hero and icon. I see big things for him as a Steeler and look forward to seeing what his career brings.
And forever Hail to Pitt!
Nathaniel Bodnar – Artie Burns
If you’re looking for a guy that loves the game of football and gives it his all every single play to help his team along with his family than Artie B is the man!
Some may not know Burns’ family story so let me sum it up for you. His father has been in jail since 2006 and it was up to his lovely mother Dana Smith to take care of Burns and his two other siblings. In October of 2015, she passed away from a heart attack at the young age of 44. Artie decided to become the man of the house and really fit the role well as he now has to take care of his girlfriend, his own child, and his two other siblings, who are both younger than him.
With the world crumbling down upon Burns, he never backed down from the challenge and truly wants to help the Pittsburgh Steelers reach the promise land and most importantly take care of his family all at the same time – and he’s doing one heck of a job. If that doesn’t tell you why you should buy his jersey I don’t know what will.
Joe Kuzma – Antonio Brown
I saved my answer for last, and I’m quite surprised that AB wasn’t already picked. I wanted to pick Sean Davis, to be honest, but need to be contrarian here, at least for the sake of not saying it three times.
So why Brown?
The answer is “why not?”
Antonio has had one of the greatest runs of any wide receiver. Ever. Before it’s all said and done he should own ever franchise receiver record that exists. On top of that, he will have the opportunity to do so after signing a long-term contract extension which will keep him a Steeler for life.
That’s longevity which will go beyond his playing days. As mentioned above, there are jerseys which you’ll still see on gameday. A few in my own closet include Polamalu, Heath Miller, Hines Ward, and even Ben Roethlisberger. Like those players, Brown’s jersey will never go out of style.
