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Steelers’ $12 Million Offensive Unsung Hero Quietly Fuels Team’s Wins

The Pittsburgh Steelers have opened the season battling inconsistency on offense, but hidden beneath the highlight touchdowns and splash plays has been a steady contributor doing the dirty work. While fans have cheered the explosive moments from stars like Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, it’s another piece of the offense who has been quietly tilting the balance in Pittsburgh’s favor.

From Week 1’s dramatic 34-32 win over the Jets, to grinding through a tough loss against Seattle, and bouncing back with a hard-fought victory in New England, this player’s fingerprints have been all over the offense. His impact doesn’t always show up in fantasy box scores, but teammates know exactly how vital his role has been.

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Whether it’s sealing blocks in the run game, catching tough passes on third down, or keeping drives alive in critical situations, he’s been an unsung hero. The $12 million man of the Steelers offense has been the glue holding together drives, often sacrificing the spotlight for the sake of team success.

That player is tight end Pat Freiermuth. Through the first three games of 2025, Freiermuth has just 7 receptions for 65 yards. On paper, those numbers might look modest. But every one of those catches has been high-leverage – on third downs, in tight coverage, and in moments that kept Pittsburgh’s offense breathing. Add in his relentless blocking in the trenches, and suddenly his value becomes impossible to ignore.

Mike Tomlin made sure to highlight the importance of Freiermuth’s role. “He embodies what it means to play Steelers football,” Tomlin said. “He does the dirty work without complaint, whether it’s blocking in the run game or making a tough catch when we need it. That’s the kind of effort that wins games, even if it doesn’t make headlines.”

For Steelers Nation, it’s another reminder that not every hero wears the spotlight. Some do their work in the shadows of the line of scrimmage – and for Pittsburgh, that’s exactly what has helped secure victories in 2025.

Panthers Legend Furious, Calls for Team to Reclaim His Rights Because NFL is So Unfair!
Can you believe it? Cam Newton, the immortal icon of the Carolina Panthers, is absolutely raging! Overnight, the bombshell from Philip Rivers has pushed the 2015 MVP legend to speak out, accusing the NFL of playing "double standards" and urging his old team, the Panthers, to stand up and demand justice for him! Imagine this: Philip Rivers, the 44 year old veteran who's been retired for a full 5 years, suddenly signs a contract to return with the Indianapolis Colts after Daniel Jones' horrific injury (torn Achilles). This isn't Hollywood fiction, it's a shocking NFL reality! Rivers, once a "family member" of the Colts, is welcomed back like a hero, while Cam Newton, the guy who led the Panthers to Super Bowl 50 and still has a burning passion, is tossed aside like yesterday's trash. In the latest episode of his podcast 4th and 1 (released on 12/10/2025), Newton couldn't hold back anymore. He roared: "Did Philip Rivers send any signals that he's ready? I haven't and won't retire! For an opportunity like this! I don't care if he's 'family' to them. He's 44, bro! Why do you hold Cam Newton to sky high standards that you don't apply to everyone else?" Newton's words are like a punch straight to the NFL's face! He feels this is a "slap in the face" to his illustrious career, from being the No. 1 pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, to 2015 MVP, to being "discarded" after the 2021 season. Newton has never officially retired, and now he's calling on the Panthers, the team that was once his home, to take action! "Demand my rights back! The NFL is unfair, and Panthers fans deserve a legend's return!", That's the implicit message Newton is sending, shattering the hearts of millions of fans. Cam Says CALL HIM After Rivers Returns, Shedeur DISRESPECT Continues & Richard Sherman WRONGNew episode of 4th&1 out now!📺: https://t.co/hdru5DuZV7 pic.twitter.com/or8TykRhYd — 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) December 10, 2025 Remember? Newton returned to the Panthers in 2021 as a PR stunt, but the terrible head coach Matt Rhule ruined it all. Rhule blamed Newton, firing offensive coordinator Joe Brady right after Brady spent the entire bye week working with him. The result? Newton failed, and the NFL turned its back. Now, with Rivers being "resurrected" at 44, Newton sees the bias clearly: "Connections" and "family ties" are the key, not talent! Panthers fans are boiling over! They've idolized Newton from day one, and now this story is like a tragedy: Their hero forgotten, while "old man" Rivers gets a golden chance. Newton still has the passion, still wants to play, so why not give him a shot? Is this the moment the Panthers rise up and push the NFL to reconsider? Or will we see Newton explode even more on media?