LATROBE - Today marked the official start of football season as the Steelers reported to St.Vincent for the first day of camp. Players did their run tests and got settled into their dorm.
Tomlin talks quarterback
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media about the quarterback situation heading into camp.
"It is irregular. It is unique," Tomlin said. "But such is life in the NFL. You're always presented with challenges to that end. "
As for how things will go, considering Ben Roethlisberger, who is suspended at least the first four games is allowed to practice, while he said he will make camp productive for him, but also added this.
"We're going to be somewhat non-rhythmic," Tomlin said. "Our focus, of course, is who's going to be playing quarterback for us the week of the opener."
Roethlisberger speaks
It was brief, but Roethlisberger spoke of his one goal, to win a championship.
"I'm ready to be around the guys. It's good to be back. It's all about football right now and focus on that," Roethlisberger said. "It's good to be able to put a lot of things in the off-season behind you and move on, and that's what this is about. It's about doing that and getting ready to play football; that's my number one focus and winning a championship. That's what this year is about, and that's what starting tonight is about is winning a championship."
MINI ME
The offensive line all pulled up in Mini coopers, the brainchild of tackle Max Starks.
"Driving this is like driving a souped-up go-kart on the highway," Starks said. "People are just looking at you the whole way."
Trai Essex was surprised at how fast the small car could go.
"We had a good time," Essex said. "The thing actually gets up pretty fast, to 65"
Steelers come to terms with last two picks
The Steelers today agreed to terms on a five-year deal with 2010 first-round draft pick center Maurkice Pouncey. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
"This is a guy who's committed to winning and doing what it takes to be a winner," Tomlin said. " He's always been associated with winning, and we like those kind of guys and putting them into the mix."
The 6-foot-4, 304-pound Pouncey was the 18th overall selection in the 2010 draft and was the first center tabbed in the first round by the Steelers since they took Mike Basrak in 1937, he will not miss any time in camp.
The team also announced they signed rookie linebacker Jason Worilds, Pittsburgh's second-round pick (52nd overall) in the 2010 draft, for four years.
Worilds played three seasons at Virginia Tech, where he started 25 games and had 15 1/2 career sacks. He was an All-ACC second-team selection in 2009, when he tied a school record with 38 quarterback pressures.
Gates for fans open at 3 p.m. Saturday.
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