The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history in the NFL, dating back to 1933, during which they’ve experienced significant highs and lows. Known for their aggressive style of play, the team has clinched six Lombardi trophies, which means they frequently travel and spend nights in hotels while playing away games, encountering various unpredictable situations along the way.
Cameron Heyward, a defensive tackle who just completed his 14th season with the Steelers, noted that football players have a different experience compared to athletes in other sports, as they generally only stay one night at away games. Despite that, he understands the uncertainties of being on the road and takes precautions, such as not opening his hotel room door to strangers. On his podcast, Not Just Football with Cam Heyward, he recounted an incident from this year in Cincinnati where a woman and her companion were knocking at his door late at night. Heyward remembered the past experience of a teammate, Vance McDonald, who was robbed in Denver after answering his door, which influenced his decision to remain cautious.
Fans often recall Denver for other notorious events as well. In 2003, prior to the season, Joey Porter Sr. was shot in the buttocks outside a bar in Denver. This period featured one of Pittsburgh’s strongest defenses, and the players thrived on finding motivation through anger before games. Although his injury was minor and only sidelined him for a few games, the 2005 Steelers used the incident as motivation to defeat the Broncos in the AFC Championship, propelling them to Super Bowl XL. Porter famously inspired his teammates with a rallying cry, reminding them that he had been shot during his last visit to Denver, which, despite having no actual connection to the game, fueled their determination.
