The Pittsburgh Steelers held their rookie minicamp, giving newcomers their first experience in the team's black and gold colors. Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized a slow acclimation process for both players and staff.
Key points
Pittsburgh Steelers hosted rookie minicamp
Newcomers experienced life in black and gold
Head coach Mike McCarthy emphasized slow acclimation
Mentioned in this story
Mike McCarthy
Pittsburgh Steelers
The newest class of Pittsburgh Steelers got their first taste of life in the black and gold.
The team hosted its rookie minicamp on the South Side.
Channel 11’s Shelby Cassesse was there talking to some of this year’s draft class.
There are days when it starts to feel real for many of these rookies, getting back to football after a whirlwind offseason. Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy says he took things intentionally slow, helping both the newcomers and staff get acclimated.
“It’s awesome to play football again. I’ve been waiting to be part of a team since Jan. 1,” said guard Gennings Dunker.
“It’s crazy, first time putting on the jersey, just going out there on the field doesn’t feel real,” said offensive tackle Max Iheanachor. “Being able to start getting the work in and soaking in the moment and just being grateful to be here.”
Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker are two newcomers we’ll be watching closely to see where they fit on this Steelers offensive line.
Iheanachor confirmed to us he’s working exclusively at right tackle.
“They definitely look like Pittsburgh Steelers linemen,” McCarthy said. “I think you look for young men that definitely have the anchor to play the style of football we want to play.”
But much of McCarthy’s attention was on the lone quarterback at rookie camp Saturday.
McCarthy said Drew Allar got 35 snaps in team drills, certainly on the higher end.
The former Penn State quarterback got plenty of one-on-one time with his head coach.
“I feel like I’ve really grown a lot and just understand his philosophy a lot more the last two days,” Allar said. “I know what I need to work on and how to work on it. I just got to be intentional with doing the same routine every day and making sure I’m staying on top of the little things.”
The rookies are using this weekend to learn how they fit into the system — and into Pittsburgh.
“Pittsburgh is awesome. It’s so pretty with how green it is, and the water too. It’s awesome,” Dunker said. “...I had to ask around if I can swim in the rivers. You’re not supposed to do that, so I might go fishing.”
Aaron Rodgers’ whereabouts were the elephant in the room after reports he’d be in town this weekend.
Q&A
What did the Pittsburgh Steelers rookies experience during minicamp?
The rookies got their first taste of life with the Steelers, participating in drills and getting acclimated to the team's culture.
Who is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Mike McCarthy is the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Where did the Steelers hold their rookie minicamp?
The Steelers hosted their rookie minicamp on the South Side of Pittsburgh.
Related Articles
Soccer·Recap
New England Revolution off to best home start in club history
The New England Revolution achieved their best home start in club history with a comeback win against Philadelphia Union, finishing 2-1. Carles Gil scored the winning goal, marking his third consecutive game with a goal.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Soccer·Recap
Brazil women beat Argentina to become South American U17 champions
Brazil's U17 Women beat Argentina 3-2 to claim South American title!
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Injury Update
Twins right-hander Taj Bradley placed on IL with right pectoral inflammation
Twins' Taj Bradley placed on IL due to right pectoral inflammation.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL·Preview
What channel is NASCAR on today? TV schedule, start time, live stream for 2026 Watkins Glen race
Catch the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen this weekend! Find out the channel and start time.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
LeBron James still believes in the Lakers despite being 3-0 down against the Thunder
LeBron James remains hopeful for the Lakers despite being down 3-0 against the Thunder.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Blake Snell gets no help from the Dodgers' offense in loss to Braves
Blake Snell's season debut marred by Dodgers' loss to Braves 7-2
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Mike McCarthy downplayed the situation when asked if he’d like to add a fourth quarterback, like Rodgers, by OTAs. He smiled and said three quarterbacks is the norm, four would be awesome.