The pain of a Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss doesn’t end on game day One of my son’s best friends

He’s a college student and a impressive anime artist. You really wouldn’t know he was autistic unless you got to spend some time getting to know him http://www.pittsburghsteelersteamstore.com/sean-davis-jersey , then you’d realize he has difficulty communicating with others. He’s gearing his college education with consideration for his artistic abilities, but he’s also taking public speaking classes to help improve his communications skills. That happens to be a skill which we, as Steelers fans, could all look to improve on.I’ve always hated every Steelers’ loss since I was a kid, but I admit I hate them even more now. Each Steelers’ loss brings out the absolute worst in our fan base. The comment boards light up with disgruntled fans wanting to voice their displeasure, and that’s usually a good thing. That’s what BTSC and other Black-and-gold sites are for — a place were we can all come together and discuss all things Steelers, both good and bad. Many times we will voice our opinions and realize we’re not alone — that others are seeing the same deficiencies and shortcomings we are. This can have a therapeutic effect and help each person vent their frustrations. Often times you’ll experience a special kinship with other commenters and learn to truly value their insights.Pittsburgh Steelers fans are one of the most knowledgeable fan bases in all the NFL, without a doubt. We are also one of the most passionate groups around. Each loss is painful in is own way, but some hurt worse than others. Losing to the New England Patriots, in what has been a yearly occurrence, always stings — but usually I could chalk it up to being defeated by a superior opponent. That’s why last season’s loss was so extremely painful, because I felt like the Steelers were the superior team. Maybe Tom Brady would have driven the team down the field for another last-second, game-winning play if the instant replay officials would have let Jesse James’ touchdown catch stand as it was called on the field — but alas, we’ll never know. It sure would have made the loss a little easier for me to accept. I can handle the Steelers being beaten by a superior opponent, but I can’t accept losing due to a lack of effort on the field or being out-coached.Up to that point, I thought the Steelers were playing with house money last season. Though apparently most fans failed to appreciate it, seemingly every break or bounce of the ball went the Steelers’ way last year. I even felt fortunate when Ryan Shazier’s injury didn’t result with him being paralyzed, or worse. With every last-second drive, game-winning field goal, miraculous sideline, toe-dragging catch, backup quarterback faced and weakened opponent defeated, it just seemed like the Steelers were a team of destiny. As things turned out, though, the Steelers squandered a great opportunity last year. Boy how times have changed.This season has been off-kilter from the start. Preseason injuries and new faces in new places affected team chemistry right off the bat. Bell’s continued absence, the self-inflicted national title of ‘Team Turmoil’ and the inability to get on the same page as a team has the Steelers looking like anything but a team of destiny at the moment. Nothing has come easy for this team, or for the fans. But no matter how this season plays out, real Steelers fans will continue to love the Steelers, while the fair-weather fans will cut and run like a bunch of rats from a sinking ship. It’s easy to be a fan when your team is playing well and winning games. Anybody can do that. This is another situation where football imitates life. If you want to find out who your real friends are, wait for tough times to happen in your life. When you might not be your fun-loving self or might need a shoulder to lean on or perhaps an understanding ear to listen. Your real friends will be there to lift you up and carry you forward if need be until you find your footing. Your fake friends will be strangely absent — suddenly hard to find. The Pittsburgh Steelers are struggling mightily at the moment. They are being outplayed, outclassed, and out-coached on a weekly basis. They’re absolutely no fun to watch and even harder to root for this season. Their off-field antics are hard to defend Authentic Antonio Brown Jersey , but they’re still our team and we must continue to support the individuals trying their best to turn this season around. I totally understand criticism, it’s more than warranted in this situation, but let us try to at least be constructive when we do. You know the old saying, “You attract more flies with honey than you do vinegar.”I’m not on Twitter, but I saw somewhere that Stephon Tuitt called out some especially critical fans after the game Sunday night on social media. He said something to the effect that, if we claim to be Steelers fans, then we’re all in this together and we all need to improve — the fans included. First, let me say I was happy to hear from him because he was nowhere to be found during the game (that might not have been constructive, but it was my attempt to bring a little humor to this subject). You know what — he actually has a point. If we’re all part of Steelers Nation, then we’re a member of a family and family doesn’t run away during hard times. Family supports, encourages, and fights for each other until the bitter end.One thing that Steelers Nation should want to avoid is to ever resemble Dallas Cowboy fans. If you’ve ever worked with, went to school with, or grown up with Cowboys fans, you know what I’m talking about. They are the definition of fair-weather fans. When the Cowboys are winning, you see them everywhere. They can’t stop crowing about how great the team is and how they’re going to win the Super Bowl. However, when the team is losing, they’re nowhere to be found.Please Steelers Nation, we don’t ever want to become that. We are better than that. I’m not saying don’t voice your displeasure when the product on the field doesn’t meet the franchise standards, but merely suggesting to temper your comments with a modicum of logic and intelligence.Never stop believing and as always, Go Steelers!L.J. Fort is the Pittsburgh Steelers version of Rocky Balboa A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins. Growing up most individuals are taught this valuable life lesson. My dad wasn’t a fan of sports, playing or watching. He viewed sports as a waste of valuable time that could be spent working. Hard work was an honest, productive endeavor and a means to an end. It was a way to make a living and provide for your family. I have never met or witnessed a harder worker than my father when he was living and he was perfectly happy out in nature working the farm. He was content and at peace with his life, envious of no man. How many people can make that statement about their life? My father lived it everyday, and all that mattered to him was his faith and his family. That is a priceless testimony and legacy to leave behind for your children. My father was always my hero, still is. The example I strive daily to be, but sadly fall short of.Thanks to each of you for indulging me for a moment. I recalled so many cherished memories of his guidance while outlining this article. One that immediately came to mind was “You don’t ever start a fight, but you better make sure you finish it.” This was consistent with the mentality he was determined to instill in me, “You finish what you started.” He may not have liked sports, but he didn’t try to stop me from participating, as long as my chores were done first. He seemed disinterested when it came to my success on the field or court Authentic JuJu Smith-Schuster Jersey , because he was more concerned with my faithfulness and commitment to my team, and the integrity I displayed in the process. I would want to talk about my stats, but my dad was more interested in the hustle plays. In his wisdom he understood what parts of a child’s game actually had value and merit in a man’s life.
If my dad was still with us, he would have loved to hear the incredible story of perseverance and determination of Pittsburgh Steelers player L.J. Fort. He represents the very best of what the NFL has to offer and exemplifies the never-say-die attitude my dad would have loved. A modern day Rocky story, my favorite movie series all time.Anybody who has been reading my articles, or have noticed my posts on BTSC comment boards, knows I have been campaigning for Fort to receive more playing time. I was admittedly shocked when the Steelers signed Sean Spence off the couch after Ryan Shazier went down last season, but I trusted the Steelers brass knew the caliber of their players far better than I. Fort had proven to be a strong special teams performer by that point, but that was about it. I assumed Spence must have recovered the step he lost after his devastating knee injury, but the Steelers were mistaken. Fort would actually receive only a few opportunities to see the field last season, and they were uneventful to say the least.After an off season that witnessed the Steelers seemingly fail to address their issues at inside linebacker; the team only added free agent Jon Bostic and UDFA Matthew Thomas at the position, things were finally looking up for Fort to not only make the roster but actually receive meaningful playing time. Fort has most definitely made the most of that opportunity.There were whispers coming out of OTA’s and the early portion of camp that Fort looked like a new player. Then the preseason started and in my opinion Fort immediately resembled the most complete inside backer the Steelers have on the roster. I would watch the film and Fort would always stand out, in a good way. He flowed to the ball, shedding blockers on his way, and arrived at the ball carrier with an impact. His quickness really stood out on a defense that desperately needed it. But it was in coverage where he definitely stands out from the rest of the linebackers on the roster. Thomas also has that same type of athleticism, but he is still a raw prospect that is being brought along slowly.Fort has endured the roller coaster ride that the NFL experience has to offer. He has been signed and released multiple times. He knows what it feels like to be labeled a camp body. He tried his hand first as a outside linebacker, then as a fullback, before finally settling in as a inside linebacker. There has been an impressive list of franchises that have kicked the tires so to speak on Fort since he came into the league as a undrafted free agent with the Browns back in 2012, further evidence of his talents and athletic ability. Many times his path to an NFL roster was blocked by the proven talents already on the rosters ahead of him at the time. This year it seems the light may have finally came on for L.J. Fort. Sometimes a man just needs an chance, other times he just needs the maturity level required to actually seize the opportunity. A former player better known as Deebo followed a similar path to success.Fort didn’t get the start on Sunday against the Falcons, but he made his presence known not long after seeing the field. He was all over the field once inserted, flying to the ball with violent intentions. He picked up a sack on a well timed delayed blitz up the middle, displayed his excellent coverage skills whenever the ball was in the air; once making a picture perfect tackle on one of Atlanta’s speedy running backs that resulted in a fourth down punting situation, and fittingly recovered a fumble in the endzone for a touchdown to close out his evening.Hopefully his outstanding performance has opened the eyes of the defensive coaching staff, especially Keith Butler, to the point he will continue to receive meaningful minutes even after Vince Williams returns. I hate to say it, but I believe the combination of Jon Bostic and L.J. Fort gives the Steelers defense the best chance for sustained success this season. Williams could still receive valuable minutes backing up Bostic and Thomas could continue his learning process behind Fort. I believe Thomas has NFL starter potential if properly focused and motivated. This rotation would allow Dirty Red to focus his efforts toward his valuable position of special teams standout.The size of Vince Williams contract extension shouldn’t matter when doling out playing time, nor should the fact that Fort up to this point has been an NFL journeyman. All that matters is who gives the team the best chance to stop the opposition and win the game.One thing we have learned about Mr. Fort is that when the going gets tough, it isn’t in his nature to quit. My dad would have liked that.