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

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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.

Former Offensive Tackle Returns to Sign One-Day Contract, Retire as a Philadelphia Eagles
He thought he had said goodbye to football for good back in February. After 19 seasons, multiple Pro Bowls, and a career that will almost certainly lead to Canton, the legendary offensive tackle quietly walked away from the game—without fanfare, without a ceremony. But for him, something never quite felt finished. That changed this week. On Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles announced that Jason Peters has returned to sign a ceremonial one-day contract with the team, officially retiring in midnight green—the colors that defined his legacy. It’s not a comeback on the field. It’s closure. And for a player who gave over a decade of greatness to the city of Philadelphia, it’s the only ending that ever made sense. “This city shaped my career and gave me a home. It’s only right that I finish it where it all truly mattered,” Peters said in a short statement through the team. “Midnight green forever.” Save 20% on all Eagles collection: https://shoevoque.com/product-category/philadelphia-eagleswoo/   Peters spent 12 seasons with the Eagles from 2009 to 2020, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and solidifying himself as one of the most dominant left tackles of his era. His presence on the offensive line helped stabilize the franchise through multiple quarterback eras, culminating in the Eagles’ Super Bowl LII run, even though he was injured during that postseason. Though he finished his career with short stints in Chicago, Dallas, and Seattle, Peters always made it clear that Philadelphia was home. When asked why he wanted to come back just to retire, Peters said simply, “It didn’t feel right ending my career without the Eagles. This team, this city—they gave me everything.” Current players and coaches echoed that sentiment. Lane Johnson referred to him as “a blueprint for what an offensive lineman should be,” and Nick Sirianni called the signing “a moment the whole organization stands behind.” Peters is expected to be honored during the Eagles’ 2025 home opener, where fans will finally get to salute one of the franchise’s greatest linemen. And while he may have played his final snap years ago, the closing of his story couldn’t have come at a better place—or with a better jersey on his back. Jason Peters is officially, and forever, an Eagle.