Michael Pittman Jr. spoke to the media for the first time since becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler this week, and he came across as a very likeable guy. Pittman was down to earth, spoke about some things personal to him, and seemed genuinely grateful to be a Steeler.
To CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala, the Steelers should be just as grateful to have Pittman in the building. She spoke about some time she spent with Pittman when covering a stretch of Indianapolis Colts games, and she was amazed with how much of a leader the receiver was.
“We had a series of Colts’ games, he had hurt his back, and he was going through every sort of arduous effort to make himself available to his teammates. He told me he spent over $100,000 on medical equipment in his house to prepare his body. He was going to physical therapy three days a week,” Kinkhabwala said Wednesday on CBS Sports HQ. “And Michael Pittman had told me, he felt like he owed it to his teammates, to give them his best, even when he wasn’t at his best… That is the type of tone setter the Steelers absolutely need and want in their locker room.”
That type of leadership would be a welcome change in Pittsburgh, especially at receiver. That position certainly hasn’t been stable in recent years. Things weren’t too bad in terms of character concerns in 2025, but we aren’t that far removed from darker days.
Most players are always going to try and come back from injury as quickly as possible. It doesn’t help any player to spend time sitting out with injuries. But according to Kinkhabwala, Pittman clearly made quite the effort to return, spending tons of money for his own equipment in an effort to get back on the field quicker. That’s an extra effort most players aren’t willing to go to.
His words about wanting to be there for his teammates are admirable as well. And if he can carry that into Pittsburgh, it’d be a great thing. Even though the Steelers added him, it’s almost certain they’ll still take a receiver early in the draft. That’s something Pittman already knows. Being mentored by Pittman, with that attitude, would be excellent for any young receiver the Steelers select.
There’s still a long way to go, and Michael Pittman Jr. won’t take the field in a Steelers uniform for a while. But he already seems to be happy, and off to a good start in Pittsburgh. Judging by Kinkhabwala’s words, there’s a good chance it remains that way.
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