Steelers GM Omar Khan defines what makes a "Steeler"
Omar Khan has been GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers for over a year. But he's no newcomer to Pittsburgh or the organization, having been with the Steelers for two decades. Yet on a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Khan had a convoluted answer to what defines a "Steeler:" Omar Khan: "You Just Know" […]
Omar Khan has been GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers for over a year.
But he's no newcomer to Pittsburgh or the organization, having been with the Steelers for two decades.
Yet on a recent appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Khan had a convoluted answer to what defines a "Steeler:"
Omar Khan: "You Just Know"
"Do you have to think about that [finding lockerroom fits] when piecing your team together?" Asked McAfee.
"Absolutely. 100 percent," answered Khan. "They have got to fit into, you know, our building, our culture and…it's hard to explain in a few words, but we're trying to identify Steelers right? I mean, you guys are from Pittsburgh [PMS crew], you guys know Right? Like, you just know when you're around one. You know how a Pittsburgh Steeler is supposed to act, how he's supposed to play, what his demeanor should be. You just know. I mean, I'd like to put it into words, but it's hard to do. You just know."
And while I'd like to one-up the GM with some thoughtful definition of what makes successful football players in Pittsburgh, I too have no real answer.
There are certain traits and characteristics that all players must have to be Steelers. Think of grit, toughness, and the ability to grind day in and day out. The funny part is, none of those really have to do with play on the field.
That's because the Steelers' scouting staff is so detailed and dialed in, that if they miss on a player, it's usually because he is in fact, not a "Steeler."
And that's perhaps the most difficult part of player evaluation. Understanding the character of the human, not the skill set of the player.
But if training camp in Latrobe is any indication, Pittsburgh is on their way to one of the best draft classes of the year, with their first five picks proving to fully embrace the Steeler mentality.
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