I attended the postgame press conference of the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy after the New York Jets dismantled the Steelers, 17-0, in the Steelers’ second preseason game, Aug. 21, 2026. The Steelers appeared as if they were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Although the game was supposed to be meaningless from a statistical point of view, it didn’t appear as if the Jets looked at the game as meaningless.
I have attended press conferences featuring McCarthy before. So far, I really like his style and his presence. Since he was hired by the Steelers, many people of color have asked me if I felt that Coach McCarthy was hired to appease Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers served as the starting quarterback under head coach Mike McCarthy at the Green Bay Packers from the 2008 NFL season through the 2018 season. So, for 11 years Rodgers was the primary quarterback for the Green Bay Packers under McCarthy’s leadership, and they have an extensive history of working together. Why was McCarthy retained by the Pittsburgh Steelers? Let me put it this way: You’re going to have to pose that question to someone far above my grade because I can only speculate, but I sure cannot in good faith try to educate.
Mike McCarthy cannot and should not be blamed for being an heir and a recipient of the spoils of a system that was, is and will remain as a primary source of success for those who have been on the receiving end of “confirmative action.” Now may be the perfect time for a Pittsburgh Steelers head coach to come from the offensive side of the ball because the previous two head coaches of the Steelers, Mike Tomlin and Bill Cowher, were defensive gurus.
When it came to rewarding linebacker Nick Herbig for his having evolved into what I am sure will be (if he remains healthy) an all-pro player, there was barely a whimper or whisper of dissonance by the fans or the team. But negotiating a new contract with linebacker Alex Highsmith seems to have morphed into a trip to the oral surgeon with not one anesthesiologist to be found.
It’s always like pulling teeth when it comes to paying Black players on the Steelers what they’re worth. As soon as they are due to be paid, the “troublemaker card” is extracted from the bottom of the psychological and social deck of life, just in time for salary negotiations and production valuations to begin. Ask George Pickens, hell, just ask any Black player that has worn black and gold over the previous couple of decades. If Black players don’t make waves and don’t ask for more money, that might help them avoid being vilified by the media, sometimes. Don’t believe me, ask George Pickens, James Harrison, Antonio Brown, Juju Smith-Schuster and a few other ex-Steelers.
Please read the following excerpts from the “Heavy on Steelers” website…“Mike McCarthy Admits Reality of Joey Porter Jr. Situation for Steelers.” From the very beginning of the article, it seemed to exhibit disdain and disrespect for the talent and contribution of Joey Porter Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers over the past three seasons.
The article began by the author posting: “After months of trying to come to terms, the Pittsburgh Steelers are ready to admit the current reality of their negotiations with Joey Porter Jr. Head coach Mike McCarthy said they are now at an ‘impasse’ with the Steelers’ legacy safety.”
First of all, maybe I have been misinformed, but I was under the impression that Joey Porter Jr. is a cornerback, isn’t he? Mike McCarthy offered these thoughts up when he began to discuss the subject: “I’ve always—and I learned this in my early years as a head coach —you have to be separate the business and football. Sometimes it’s easier in others. This is a challenge for both Joey (Porter) and us because we’re a first-year staff. We’ve seen them play, compete against Joey. I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter. I know our defensive guys would love the opportunity. So we’re at an impasse right here and you gotta respect that.” Remember when Mike Tomlin’s so-called “Tomlin-isms” would quickly be placed under the “guillotine for quotes?” When Mike McCarthy said, “I would love the opportunity to coach Joey Porter. I know our defensive guys would love the opportunity. So we’re at an impasse right here and you gotta respect that.” What in the hell is that supposed to mean? Why does an impasse even exist with retaining the services of one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL? Oh, I can see clearly now, only in “yinzerville.” What is there to respect about an impasse?
The article went on to say that, “Just a few days before these words from McCarthy, Jordan Schultz reported that NFL teams are wondering if Porter could be available in a trade. Of course, this stems from Porter in search of a new long-term contract and the Steelers’ long-standing tradition of refusing to negotiate once the season kicks off.”
With time running out and the price going up after recent deals for other similar players, the trade conversation was inevitable. Alex Highsmith wants money, he may end up on the trade block. Joey Porter Jr. wants money, he may end up on the trade block. So that means that they may be traded, sooner than later, Schultz has reported.
If you don’t get it by now, you are either simpletons, delusional Steelers fans, or #1 USDA Certified Nuts. I now take my leave.