Steelers Morning Huddle 5/15/13

May 22, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is interviewed by the media as he exits the field after organized team activities at the Steelers training facility. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Good morning Steeler Nation.  Hard to believe it is mid-May.  Is anyone else ready for the OTA’s to start next week?

First, some sad news.  Chuck Muncie passed away at age 60 on Tuesday from heart failure.  Muncie never played for the Steelers, but he’s a Yinzer, born and raised in southwestern Pennsylvania.  He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1971.  I graduated from Connellsville High School, just 12 miles away and still have the majority of my family living in the area.  You can read Paul Zeise’s write-up for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.  Condolences to the Muncie/Munsey family as they mourn a man who recovered from career-ending drug addiction to go on to try to be a positive influence in other’s lives.

Steelers President Art Rooney II was honored for his community contributions, according to Teresa Varley who writes for Steelers.com.  He received the 2013 Person of Vision Award for:

"his commitment to the Pittsburgh community, which includes serving on the boards of the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum, the Pittsburgh Public Theater, and the Extra Mile Education Foundation, as well as the former chairman of the board of the United Way of Allegheny County and numerous other ventures.”"

Bob Labriola writes about Steelers GM Kevin Colbert’s recent Fan Forum with Steelers season ticket holders.  He gives a summary of some of the questions asked and the answers, which is posted on Steelers.com.  It was a 30 minute Q&A with Colbert taking pre-submitted questions.  The topics ranged from Sean Spence’s status to draft stategy.  Labriola notes there was no earth shattering information passed along during the session.  He quote’s Colbert’s conclusion where he acknowledges the importance of the season ticket holders and the overall goals:

"The goal will never change. We’ll never be happy unless we’re Super Bowl Champions. Each and every year, that will be our approach and with your support, let’s try to get the job done together. Thanks for your interest, and you guys have a great summer. We look forward to you following us and seeing us at training camp in July.”"

Blah.  I realize it was a touchy-feely moment designed to “enhance the fan experience.”  However, blah.  I’ll bet most ticket holders who called in it feel like it is time they are never going to get back in their lives.  Maybe some feel they have gotten something special from the Steeler organization, but I’m guessing the majority felt let down.

Ike Taylor appeared on NBC’s Jim Rome show and discussed how he’s getting back into shape after recovering from his injury.  I didn’t get to see the interview, but saw Rome’s tweet following the taping:

I agree with Ike – I’m looking for the Steelers, including Ike Taylor, to have a hell of a season.

The Bleacher Report put together a list of 6 Steelers they feel need to step up in the 2013 season.  They focused on players with at least two years experience.  Antonio Brown and LaMarr Woodley made the list and I have to agree.  If you are getting paid more, you need to produce or you’re not earning your pay.  You’re being paid based on previous high-performance but you are expected to maintain that level.  Injuries happen and can end a season early, but that doesn’t change how the league has become a “what have you done for me lately” league.  The Steelers are no different and the expectations are high.  Produce or move on and make room for someone who has the potential and talent.  It’s a bit harsh I guess, but Brown has run his mouth lately and that reduces the amount of patience I have.  So too has Emmanuel Sanders and he’s on Bleacher Report’s list as well.

So, what do you think?  Be sure and let us know if we missed anything you want to hear about!