Teresa Varley

Friday, December 26

Set to do his part:Cornerback Tre Flowers was doing what every good dad does on Christmas Eve, wrapping gifts for his kids, when his phone rang.

"It was Christmas Eve, trying to beat my daughters getting up so they can see stuff under the tree," said Flowers. "And that's how it happened."

Flowers, who was in Dallas, Texas with his family, got a call that he was being signed by the Steelers on Christmas.

And the news meant he had to hop on a flight faster than Santa Claus had to jump in his sleigh.

So not only did he pack his own bags, but also his daughters and wife, and a few gifts, and headed to Pittsburgh.

"I said pack your bags," said Flowers. "I spent Christmas with my kids. So, I got my wife and kids up here. It's a blessing.

"We took about two or three (gifts) with us, and then the kids will just open them when they get back. I'm sorry, but yeah, that's how we have to do it."

Flowers had to make it to Pittsburgh fast because his help is going to be needed this week. The Steelers have two cornerbacks already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns, Brandin Echols and James Pierre, and need all the help they can get.

"It's an opportunity to come in and help a banged-up group and try to give them all I've got.

"(I love) just getting to talk football, being around football. I'll always be like this for the rest of my life. So, just cherish the moment.

"It's the best situation you can be in. I want to help a team win, help the team get to the Super Bowl again, and that's my goal."

Flowers, who is in his eighth season in the NFL, said his experience helps him coming to a new team this late in the season.

"I always pride myself on trying to study," said Flowers. "So, I always try to start fresh, and that's exactly how I'll attack it here.

"This defense is a little different than all the other places I've been, so, I guess this would be a little bit more of a challenge.

"I'm ready for it.

"I just love football, so anywhere you put me, I'll master it with the best of my ability and try to make plays.

"I'm just trying to help anybody that wants my help, that needs help. I'm here to help. That's how I feel. I am here to serve. So, I always do my role."

Grit and grind:Coach Mike Tomlin has always preached the importance of December football.

And apparently, he wasn't just preaching to the choir.

Since the calendar flipped to December, the Steelers are 3-0, defeating the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions.

"It's grit. It's all about grit," said receiver and Pro Bowl Games special teamer Ben Skowronek. "Everyone's body is hurting. It's just who has the will to keep going.

"And I think Coach Tomlin has instilled that in this group from team development in Latrobe. It's something that we take pride in, and we're going to push through."

Skowronek likes what he has seen from the team so far in December, but he knows there is more to go, with key games still approaching, even into January.

"So far so good, but we've just got to keep pushing," said Skowronek. "We have a lot of football left to play and I just want to keep going. And I know the guys in this locker room have that determination as well."

That determination has driven Skowronek to play through the 'bumps and bruises associated with play' as Tomlin often likes to say.

"I just want to help the team any way I can," said Skowronek, who has been on the injury report as of late with a hand injury. "I'm going through a little something right now. And it's just a short-term thing. When it happened, I said, I am not missing the game. And I want to be out there. I want be able to compete. I love doing it.

"There's only so many opportunities you get in this league. And you never know when it's going to be over. So, I try to push through any injury I have.

"It's December football. I just love playing, so I'm going to fight through anything."

The narrow road:It's a topic that you have likely heard about over the last month, and will hear more about in the next week.

December football.

It's the time of year when things get intense, and Steelers players know what is on the line.

"The road gets narrow," said tackle Dylan Cook, stealing a line from Coach Mike Tomlin. "Seriously, though, it gets more narrow.

"Every game is a playoff game, especially in our standings, and we treat it as such."

Cook said he has noticed a palpable change in the approach the team has right now, understanding what is at stake.

"The energy is way different," said Cook. "People are more locked in, even if it's a walkthrough, in practice, everyone's just more locked in across the board.

"The details are getting more attention, I'd say. Locking in on the details more. Trying to go at it every rep, treat every rep as its own.

"Even if we're out at pre-practice walkthrough, you can tell everyone's bought in, everyone's locked in. We're just ready to go and perform."

Cook said Tomlin is the one who sets the mood for the team, starting with their meeting first thing every morning.

"He brings a lot," said Cook. "He starts the day off. Every day he says we're the ones who construct a good day. He sets a tone from the jump, and we just go about the day with that mentality."

Cook was among those who enjoyed seeing Tomlin be presented with a game ball by Cameron Heyward following the Steelers win over the Detroit Lions, celebrating his 200th overall win (regular season and postseason) and his 19th straight non-losing season.

"It was awesome," said Cook. "I haven't been around here as long as someone like Cam, or someone who's seen his whole journey, but for the three years I've been here, it's well deserved.

"There's no better coach that deserves that."

Follow the leader:It doesn't take long for players to understand the impact Coach Mike Tomlin has on his team.

And receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling is one of them.

Valdes-Scantling signed with the Steelers just over a month ago and he sees Tomlin's thumbprint all over the team.

Valdes-Scantling is especially impressed with the overall success Tomlin has had in his career, with 19 straight non-losing seasons.

"He's on a historic run, 19 seasons and not a losing season in his entire tenure," said Valdes-Scantling. "That's one of a kind.

"There's bigger goals and wanting to win more Super Bowls and more postseason wins and all that stuff. But you've got to be grateful for the things that you have accomplished."

Players, led by defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, presented Tomlin with a game ball after the Lions game, which also marked his overall 200th career win, including regular season and postseason.

"I think that was the guys who've been around showing some appreciation," said Valdes-Scantling. "Obviously, Cam has been here a long time with him. So, for him to give that game ball probably meant a lot. I mean, 200 wins and 19 seasons shouldn't be taken for granted."

Valdes-Scantling has seen Tomlin rally the troops the last few weeks, with December football starting off with three straight wins.

They want more though.

"I've been a part of some really good football teams. I've gone through a couple of Super Bowls, a bunch of conference championships," said Valdes-Scantling. "All those games feel like December football. So, the more you can win in December, it carries over into January. And the most meaningful games happen at the late end of the season. Because that's when you start playing your best football, teams start cleaning up all their mistakes to try to go on a run."

A player who shares Tomlin's same approach for December football is quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who Valdes-Scantling played with in Green Bay as well.

"I got to spend four years with him, from my rookie year all the way up to my fourth year," said Valdes-Scantling. "He preached the same message back when I was a rookie in 2018 about how important December football was to a really good football team. If you don't want to be a good football team, by the time December comes around, guys are planning their trips and figuring out where they're going to be spending their offseason. And then there's some teams that are preparing to go on a run.

"Aaron is preaching that same message that Coach T was preaching years ago. So, it's good to see your two leaders aligned."

Ready if needed:After going to training camp with the Steelers and spending the season on the practice squad, cornerback D'Shawn Jamison knows the drill.

"Like Coach (head coach Mike Tomlin) said, 'One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity,'" Jamison noted.

Such an opportunity has already knocked once for Jamison this season and might again on Sunday in Cleveland. Jamison, 5-foot-9 and 186 pounds, was a member of the 53-man roster for the Steelers' 34-12 victory over the Bengals on Nov. 16. He wound up playing four snaps on special teams, one of which resulted in his returning a kickoff for 20 yards in the first quarter.

Jamison, 26, first transitioned into the NFL from Texas with Carolina in 2023. He appeared in 15 games for the Panthers that season and logged 107 defensive snaps and 159 more on special teams.

Cornerbacks James Pierre (calf) and Brandin Echols (groin) were both classified as out today for the Browns game. Pierre has missed the last two games and Echols left last Sunday's 29-24 win at Detroit in the first half and didn't return.

Safety Jalen Ramsey, who took over for Echols at slot cornerback against the Lions, is questionable for Cleveland (illness). The Steelers signed veteran cornerback Tre Flowers to the active roster on Thursday.

Jamison has been preparing all along for opportunities such as the one he got against the Bengals, in part thanks to the help of his veteran teammates.

"Just having the older guys on the team, they see the potential in you," he said. "They see what you can do. They always just let you know, just be ready, be ready, be ready. And once your name is called, you go out there and do your thing no matter what.

"Just having these older guys constantly installing that in your head, saying just be ready, that's what keeps me motivated all throughout the season."

He's well aware of what can happen in situations such as this, from what he's experienced and from what he's noticed from afar.

"It's just motivation," Jamison continued. "I see a lot of guys from other teams that I know get elevated (to an active roster), go out there and do their thing. Once your name is called you can go out there, execute and play well.

"I kinda take this as an opportunity to go out there and show out and do well for the team."

If he plays against Cleveland, Jamison intends to play his game.

"I have the agility, speed, quickness," he said. "I'm aggressive, that's kinda how I play my game. I try to keep it as that and maintain it."

-- Blog entry by Mike Prisuta

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Thursday, December 25

Merry Christmas

What you live for:Prior to Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, receiver Scotty Miller had just one reception this season, that occurring in Week 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

But against the Lions, Miller came through with three clutch receptions for 19 yards in the win.

After dealing with an injury this year and just battling to get playing time, getting back in action meant everything to him.

"It had been a while since I had done much out there," said Miller. "So, it definitely felt good to make some plays."

Miller appreciated quarterback Aaron Rodgers' confidence in him, and said working with the future Hall of Famer has been amazing.

"Aaron's awesome," said Miller. "It's been a blessing to work with him. He's obviously one of the greatest to ever do it. So just trying to learn as much as I can from him. I think we all are.

"Just trying to be on the same page as him. We had a lot of great work in training camp. Calvin (Austin) was down for a week or two. So, I got to play that role for a bit, like I did (Sunday). We do it every week in practice, just getting a lot of reps with one another.

"It was nice to see him come to me in those moments and have the trust in me."

Miller said his comfort in Arthur Smith's offense, having been with him in Pittsburgh for two seasons and one year in Atlanta, makes stepping in at any point easier.

"I've been in it for a long time," said Miller. "This is my third year with Arthur. I was with him in Atlanta, so I just feel very comfortable in all the different spots.

"I pride myself to be able to go in there and play anywhere they need me. It's been a while since I got some real playing time in there, so it was cool to see all the work come to fruition."

And there couldn't be a better time for it to happen.

The Steelers are in the heat of December football, a time when things are elevated to the next level and then some.

And Miller is well aware of it.

"It turns up a notch," said Miller. "It's just different. It's cold outside, and that's how you know it's time to pick it up and get going. There's nothing like it.

"As a kid, you grew up watching these big games. It's what you live for, to be in these big games and the big moments and just try to make plays.

"As a kid, I have would have never imagined I'd be on this stage playing with Aaron Rodgers, playing for the Steelers. Coming from where I come from, it was never really something that was real to me.

"So, I just try to take advantage of every opportunity and just live for those moments and try to make the most of them."

A Pro Bowl holiday:For receiver Ben Skowronek, Christmas came early this year when he was voted to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in his career.

Skowronek, who was wearing a Santa suit of sorts in the locker room on Christmas Day, earned the special teams spot with the way he plays the gunner role and beyond for the unit.

Skowronek said he took a lot of teasing from his teammates this week about his Pro Bowl nod, all of it because of how happy they are for him.

"I feel like everyone kind of teased me a little bit yesterday," said Skowronek. "Arthur (Smith) teased to the media saying I was telling everybody, which is not true.

"But I have great teammates in this locker room. So, they're all excited for me. It's pretty cool."

Skowronek has become one of the best special teams tacklers not just for the Steelers, but league-wide.

He said it comes from playing offense and defense growing up.

"I played both ways growing up, just having to choose offense," said Skowronek, who along with Jalen Ramsey and T.J. Watt will have a Pro Bowl Games logo on their helmet for the remainder of the season. "I don't know why looking back, I'm like dang, maybe I should have played safety or something.

"I enjoy it. I enjoy the contact aspect of football and it's something that's fun for me. Playing special teams is fun. Sometimes people ask, don't you want to play more offense? I honestly have fun playing this game, playing special teams, being able to tackle people, hit, block, run, whatever it is."

As Skowronek talked, the teasing from his teammates continued as if on cue, Cameron Heyward yelled out, 'That's Big Ben.'

"Like I said, they've been teasing me," quipped Skowronek.

All teasing aside, he loves the role he has, but he would also welcome more this week with DK Metcalf out due to his suspension.

"I think it's a really good opportunity for guys to step up," said Skowronek. "Obviously, missing him will be big, but it's going to be an opportunity for us to step up and still have to win the game.

"So, whatever, however that happens, whoever steps up, we've just got to do it, we've got to win.

"It's December football, getting to January, so we just got to keep winning."

Ready if needed:With receiver DK Metcalf suspended for two games, and Calvin Austin III dealing with a hamstring injury, the Steelers signed Brandon Johnson to their practice squad on Wednesday.

Johnson spent time on the Steelers practice squad during the 2024 season Johnson was elevated for the Week 7 game against the New York Jets and the Week 8 game against the New York Giants. He was with the Steelers throughout the offseason and into training camp.

He said being familiar with the offense makes it much easier to come in this late.

"It helps a lot because it's always difficult to try to learn a whole new system from scratch," said Johnson. "So, it definitely does feel good knowing that I've been in the system for over a year now, and coming back to it, all of it looks very familiar to me. So, it's not very hard to pick up.

"I'm always ready. I'm ready whenever. So, that'll never be an issue. I'll always be ready."

Johnson said he would love the opportunity to put his hand in the pile this week to help the offense against the Browns on Sunday, but he will do whatever is asked of him.

"I would love it," said Johnson. "That's why we practice, that's why we play, especially guys on practice squad. Every week we put in work to hopefully get that opportunity.

"So, if it comes, that would be amazing, but I'm always ready."

Added on:The Steelers signed defensive back Tre Flowers to the 53-man roster.

In eight seasons in the NFL, Flowers appeared in 97 games, starting 44 of them. He has four career interceptions, five forced fumbles and 22 passes defensed.

Flowers most recently played for the Detroit Lions, appearing in two games in 2025.

Flowers was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the 146th overall selection, out of Oklahoma.

Flowers spent four seasons with the Seahawks, appearing in 47 games, with 40 starts. He spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Indianapolis Colts.

Merry Christmas:It wasn't that long ago that Steelers players were enjoying Christmas as kids. Below are some highlights from Christmas past for Alex Highsmith, Connor, Cam and Corey Heyward, Pat Freiermuth, Carson Bruener and Cam Heyward on his own, and Zach Frazier.

Christmas memories:Christmas day is about family, friends, faith and of course, presents for Steelers players.

Some of them shared their Christmas memories and what the holiday means to them.

Merry Christmas.

Jalen Ramsey:

What does Christmas means to you:

"Jesus is the reason for the season for me and my family. Obviously, I've got kids and stuff, so they get excited for all the Christmas festivities, the lights, the decorating and the gifts and stuff like that. But we're not that huge on gifts in my family. We do one big gift and then maybe three small ones. It's family time, diving into the Word, and fellowship. It's probably my favorite holiday."

What's your favorite Christmas memory:

"Honestly, all of them. It's a holiday I really enjoy. I have enjoyed making memories with my kids. Obviously, I've had great memories with my family and seeing my whole family. I used to see my whole family on Christmas. We would start at home, then we would go to my grandma's house, then we would go to my uncle's house, then we would go and see my whole family. That was a big thing for us.

"Christmas is special. It's just making memories with my daughters and son."

Connor Heyward:

What does Christmas means to you:

"It's time to spend with the family. Especially with what we have going on. A lot of family comes up, close friends, but that's all it is. We're close-knit on the team, but I feel like it's a special moment for everybody because everyone has a different type of Christmas in their own special way."

What's your favorite Christmas memory:

"Just always coming to Pittsburgh as a kid and having Christmas with my grandma in Highland Park. And that's still my favorite thing, just spending time with her. My whole family would go there, whether that's Christmas or the day after Christmas. We just divided up, Cam's house one day, my mom's house one day, my grandma's house one day, my house one day. So, Christmas is a fun time. Christmas dinner obviously is a special time as well, just catching up with people you don't always get to see all the time and just spend time with people that you truly care about."

Alex Highsmith:

What does Christmas means to you:

"It means everything. This is my favorite season of the year. Not just because of everything that just the season brings, but just the reason for the season, the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Him coming to this earth and everything He did from His death and resurrection, and Him being the reason for the season. I also love being with family and celebrating."

What's your favorite Christmas memory:

"We would always do Christmas Day with my immediate family, so me and my sister and my parents, and then we would always go to see my dad's family the next day up in North Carolina. Then we'd drive to the mountains after that to see Mamaw on my mom's side of the family. That's my favorite Christmas memory."

Calvin Austin III:

What does Christmas mean to you:

"I will be honest, I'm not the biggest holiday guy. So, just in terms of holidays I just think about being with my family most of all and just keeping my values."

What's your favorite Christmas memory:

"When I was younger, growing up for Christmas, getting my video games. Those were the things I looked forward to. The new Madden game and the new 2K. If there was a new game console, like when got my PS2 or my PS3, those were my most fun Christmases."

Something special:When you are a rookie in the NFL, you know sometimes there is one way, and one way only, to make your mark on the team.

And that is on special teams.

Linebacker Carson Bruener has taken that to heart.

Bruener, the Steelers seventh round pick out of the University of Washington, takes his role on special teams to heart, making sure he is right in the mix of things on every snap he gets.

"I know that's my role that was given to me for right now and for this year, and it's something I've taken on with full pride and confidence in my ability to go out there and make plays," said Bruener. "I feel like that's the biggest thing, especially as a young guy.

"And I take it on. Some people might think start slow, don't make mistakes. That doesn't allow you to go make plays. I know what I'm supposed to do. We have the best special teams coach (Danny Smith) in the world, so I trust in him, I trust in his coaching that he's given me and allows me to go out there and just make plays."

Bruener knows there is a certain mentality you must have to play special teams, as you are often giving it all for just a handful of plays every game.

"I feel like the biggest attitude is, just screw it," said Bruener. "Don't think about your body, don't think about the person in front of you.

"Just find ball, get ball, tackle.

"That's the biggest thing. You've got to have aggression. You've got to have passion out there. You can't just go through the motions because everyone in the NFL, no matter special teams, defense, offense, everyone's here for a reason, everyone's good. If you go and you take a play off, then you're not going to be able to succeed."

One player who didn't take a play off against the Ravens was receiver DK Metcalf.

Metcalf was in on special teams at the gunner position when the Steelers were forced to punt with 2:08 to play in the game. With him in the game, he drew additional attention, and the Ravens were called for holding, pushing them back to their own 26-yard line to start their final drive.

Seeing him out there was something Bruener might not have expected, but it spoke volumes.

"It was awesome," said Bruener. "It shows who he is as a person. When the game comes down to the end and you have people get hurt, he's the one putting his name in, saying let me go take it. Let me go take it.

"It shows a lot about him as a player, him as a person, as a leader, but also this organization where it doesn't matter how big of a name you are, if you're willing to contribute, then get out there and contribute."

He also feels like it shines a light on how important special teams are when your top receiver jumps in to the mix like that.

"I feel sometimes special teams is overlooked," said Bruener. "I talk to my family, and sometimes they say watching the games on television is hard because sometimes during a commercial one of our plays happen, a kickoff or kickoff return.

"But at the end of the day, a lot of people overlook it. But for me, it's just as important as any other play in football."

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Wednesday, December 24

Buying in:The Steelers run defense has battened down the hatches the last few weeks, shutting down some dynamic runners on a consistent basis.

It was an area they talked about for weeks, always putting stopping the run first and foremost.

"I think there's a buy-in," said defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. "It hasn't been what it's supposed to be. But it's about addressing that each week and understanding the opponent.

"Three or four weeks ago, we knew it was going to be a run challenge just trying to get to the point where we're at.

"But the job's not done yet."

Heyward aid he doesn't know if something changed or not internally, or just more of a mindset and guys simply doing their jobs.

"I think if you want to win games, you have to make teams one dimensional," said Heyward. "Guys getting healthy at the right time, other guys stepping up in those moments.

"And it's a collective believing in that."

Among those who did step up later were the outside linebackers. With T.J. Watt missing time because of his lung, and Nick Herbig with his hamstring, it was Alex Highsmith, Jack Sawyer and Jeremiah Moon who held down the fort against the Lions.

"(They) flew downhill," said Heyward. "You watch Jack and Alex, the way they played this past week. Just attacked everything. And if they're going to block you one-on-one in the run game or pass, you've got to make plays."

Watt's status for this week against the Browns is still up in the air, but as Coach Mike Tomlin noted on Tuesday during his weekly press conference he is back in the building with the guys.

And whether he is on the field or not, his presence is noticed.

"He provides a lot of knowledge," said Heyward. "It's something not a lot of people talk about, but T.J. is a student of the game. When you share stuff with the outside linebackers, with the group, it just heightens our awareness."

And if there is one thing that is heightened right now, it's the team's awareness of what they still need to accomplish. A year ago, they finished the season on a four-game losing streak. This year, they want to continue to change that narrative.

"Haven't gotten too high or too low," said Heyward. "Understanding this game, you want to get high at the right time. I feel like we're doing that.

"It's not overlooking opponents. It's locking in, understanding it's a team effort. It's not one man doing a job. And we don't care who gets the credit.

"I think the main thing about this group is it's an unselfish group that really thrives on everybody's having success."

Long-time fan:Following the Steelers win over the Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Cameron Heyward presented Coach Mike Tomlin with a game ball, honoring his 200th overall win, combining regular and postseason.

The win also secured the 19th non-losing season for Tomlin, the second longest streak to Hall of Fame Coach Tom Landry, who had 21 non-losing seasons.

Seeing Tomlin receive the game ball likely meant a lot to his players, even ones who haven't been around him that long, like running back Kenneth Gainwell.

"I've been a fan of Coach T ever since I was a kid," said Gainwell. "He's one of the coaches I've wanted to play football for a long time. And just to see 19 seasons, 19 non-losing seasons, that's a long record to hold as a coach.

"It was just amazing to see him smile, getting that ball, and us cheering him on. It was amazing.

"He's a great coach, and he'll bring in dawgs to come in and do exactly what we need to do to get a win this season. And I'm happy for him."

Tomlin has been the driving force behind the Steelers fight in 'December football,' always preaching the importance of games this time of year and it's paying off.

"I see that every day, and every time we go in meetings, that's the number one goal we talk about," said Gainwell. "I just think winning in December will lead into January and January leading into February."

Talk is good, but:Last week linebacker Patrick Queen talked about the defense getting together with coordinator Teryl Austin to talk things out, open the lines of communication more.

And some of that conversation was aided by Coach Mike Tomlin.

"Patrick is a heck of a player, but being the defensive quarterback is a new role for him," said Tomlin. "He didn't have that responsibility, although he was a significant player for the Ravens. Roquan (Smith) had those responsibilities.

"So, it's my job as a leader to help guys grow where necessary, and certainly identified that as a space of growth for him. It's really got nothing to do with playing. It's about absorbing the responsibility or the informal responsibility that comes with being defensive quarterback.

"To his credit, he's not been resistant in any way and he's embraced the challenges. I'm pretty transparent in challenging him in that way. But it's been a fun process. I like being a part of someone's individual growth and development, particularly the development of a leader. There is benefit for him and benefit for the collective when you pour into that."

While the play of the defense as of late might be a small side effect of that conversation, it certainly isn't the only aspect.

"I think I could point to a lot of things that's a component of that," said Tomlin. "We have established some more stability within the unit over this journey. We absorbed a lot of attrition, acquired new players that weren't with us in training camp, et cetera.

"So. to attribute that would be a stretch. There are many variables and layers to that discussion."

Making moves:The Steelers signed receiver Brandon Johnson to the practice squad. In a related move the team released defensive lineman Kyler Baugh.

Johnson spent time on the Steelers practice squad during the 2024 season Johnson was elevated for the Week 7 game against the New York Jets and the Week 8 game against the New York Giants. He was with the Steelers throughout the offseason and into training camp.

Johnson originally signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent time on the practice squad and active roster over two seasons. He also spent time on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad this year.

Johnson has played in 23 games, starting three, and has 26 receptions for 335 yards and five touchdowns. He played in 13 games in 2023, pulling in 19 receptions for 284 yards and four touchdowns for the Broncos.

Johnson played college football at the University of Central Florida.

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.

Monday, December 22

Something special:Special teams ace Ben Skowronek finished first in the fan voting for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, and while the Pro Bowl Games roster has yet to be announced, he doesn't take the love from the fans for granted.

"It's cool," said Skowronek. "It's something I've had as my goal, to be All-Pro, a Pro Bowl guy, so it's cool.

"I just want to keep winning. That's cooler to me."

Skowronek said the love Coach Mike Tomlin gives to special teams is something that means a lot too, knowing the head coach puts a huge emphasis on it.

"It's in the limelight to Mike Tomlin," said Skowronek. "Every Thursday we spend a lot of time doing special teams. I take great pride in it. It's something that I've realized the fans recognize too.

"Even my first couple weeks here, I was going out to eat and the bartender said, hey, you're the gunner, aren't you? So, it's cool, man. The City of Pittsburgh, they appreciate football players."

Skowronek is one of the gunners on special teams, a role he embraces and knows comes with a certain mindset.

"You've got to have a relentless mindset," said Skowronek. "You're going to lose some reps. You're going to get double teamed if you're worth something in this league. To have two guys on you and to fail, to get beat, but to keep going. And I'm talking about in the same rep. You're going to lose part of the rep and at the end of the day you want to win the last part of it. So just got to have the grit and determination."

It's a mindset that Skowronek said he always had from the time he was a kid.

"My parents always joke that I was a bulldog," said Skowronek. "I'd never quit. I was the youngest kid in my neighborhood. I had an older brother, and he'd always have his friends over and I just played with them. So, I was always the youngest guy. I'd go to his practices. When I was kid, four or five years old, I would always go to his practice, and they'd let me practice against the older guys. So, now I'm just used to that.

"When I started playing basketball, my dad always put me the age group above on the worst team. I remember being 0-28 one year and then winning the last game of the season.

"So, I give it as a testament to my environment growing up. My parents always put me in hard situations, and I appreciate them for that."

Getting along great:Sometimes the reason a unit can work together as one can be something really simple.

Such is the case for the Steelers offensive line.

"We actually like each other," said tackle Dylan Cook.

Now before you think that isn't a big deal, think again.

Relationships on the offensive line are some of the most important ones in football, a unit that has to work together as one to get the job done.

"We hang out outside the building," continued Cook. "Chemistry, can't say enough about chemistry. We're all cool."

And the person that leads the charge is offensive line coach Pat Meyer. While he might not be out there hanging out with the linemen outside the building, what he brings in the building to the unit is invaluable.

"Really great offensive line coach," said Cook. "He knows what he's talking about. Super reliable source for information, obviously, otherwise he wouldn't have his job, right.

"So, he definitely just brings us together and gets us working in duos, gets us working as an offensive line as a unit.

"Major credit to him."

Major credit to the whole line was flying after the Steelers win over the Lions on Sunday at Ford Field. The ground game exploded for 230 yards, including 143 from running back Jaylen Warren.

And it came one week after Cook said he wanted to improve his run blocking.

Mission accomplished all around.

"We preach finishing all week," said Cook. "Coach (Mike) Tomlin called them a bully group, so we kind of took it upon ourselves to make sure we're the bullies. And we just had that mentality going in the game."

Steelers playoff scenarios:While the NFL has yet to release the Week 17 Playoff Scenarios yet, the Steelers can clinch a playoff berth and the AFC North title with a win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday at Huntington Bank Field. Kickoff for the game is set for 1 p.m.

This will be the second meeting this season against the Browns, who the Steelers defeated, 23-9, in Week 6 at Acrisure Stadium.

The Steelers head into the game with a 9-6 record and a two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens, 7-8, in the AFC North, with two games remaining.

The Steelers could also know their playoff fate before they take the field on Sunday.

If the Green Bay Packers defeat the Ravens on Saturday night at Lambeau Field at 8 p.m., the Steelers would also clinch the AFC North. The Packers are 9-5 and also fighting for a playoff spot.

Give him your support:Linebacker Alex Highsmith understands the impact he can have in the community.

He knows the platform he has been entrusted with to touch the lives of others.

And he has taken advantage of it, making a significant difference in the communities that matter the most to him.

Through the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, he has opened his arms and his heart to three places that are important to him, including Pittsburgh, his hometown of Wilmington, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C., where he played college football.

He uses his work in his foundation to empower the next generation through fitness, education and community.

And that is why Highsmith is the Steelers Club Winner for the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, presented by Nationwide. Every team selects a player as the Club Winner for the award, and the overall winner is announced at NFL Honors ahead of the Super Bowl.

"I am so humbled, honored, and grateful to be the Steelers' nominee for this year's Walter Payton Man of The Year," said Highsmith. "I truly believe that God has given me this platform to be a blessing to others, especially in the communities that I love. Walter Payton is one of the best football players of all time, but his true impact and legacy is felt today through the way he lifted up his community. I'm grateful to be able to make an impact off the field like he did.

"I believe that my purpose in life is to bring glory to God by serving others. He gave me this platform for that reason. To be a light and to serve others through the love of Christ. I love what I get to do on the field, but what I do off the field to make a positive impact in my community will always be most important to me."

Fans can help Highsmith's charity, the Alex Highsmith Family Foundation, through Nationwide's Charity Challenge.

Voting for the Charity Challenge runs through Jan. 5, with winner announced on Jan. 7.

Fans have the option to vote online or via X.

- Vote directly at NFL.com/manoftheyear.

- Post #WPMOYChallenge on X along with Highsmith's full name: #WPMOYChallenge Alex Highsmith

- All votes count twice during Double Vote Days on Tuesday, December 16 and Friday, January 2.

- Nationwide will donate $35,000, $10,000, and $5,000 to the nonprofit organizations designated by the first, second, and third-place finishers, respectively.

Bringing you the action:For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place.

**Sign up today**.