PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - There were 91 Steelers on the field Sunday night. And one Panther. A Black Panther, to be specific.
Movie star Chadwick Boseman, known for his role as the Black Panther in various Marvel movies, was in attendance as the Steelers held their annual Fan Fest night practice at Heinz Field.
“Man, it was amazing,” Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds said. “I almost didn’t recognize him at first because he lost a lot of weight for his new role, but man, it was amazing. I watch that movie two nights ago. So that’s crazy that I got to see him tonight.”
Wakanda Forever.Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman is here for #Steelers practice. @937theFan pic.twitter.com/YJ3SGhuaMf
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32)
August 4, 2019 Boseman, who is in town to film an upcoming movie, “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” was accompanied by Steelers minority owner Thomas Tull, the former CEO of Legendary Entertainment, the company that made “42,” starring Boseman as Jackie Robinson.
“I was fired up," Edmunds added. "I was excited to meet him, he was excited to meet me. It seemed like he knew me. He asked me a few questions. It was a good vibe.”
A couple of Panthers. @JamesConner_ @chadwickboseman pic.twitter.com/fctVQJFeXf
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32)
August 4, 2019 But Boseman was not the only notable attendee. Former Steelers Santonio Holmes, Rod Woodson, Merril Hoge and Will Allen were spotted on the sidelines.
There was plenty of football to be practiced, as well, including some interesting developments.
Mike Tomlin had a kicker battle between Chris Boswell and Matthew Wright. It is the third time during camp that Tomlin has done something like this, after saying he wanted to put both kickers through pressure situations leading into the season.
Terrell Edmunds and Joe Haden playing catch... with one hand. #Steelers @937theFan pic.twitter.com/eK6bLhNkmB
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32)
August 4, 2019 Boswell, for the most part, has performed well, making all 14 kicks he had attempted leading into Sunday night. Wright was perfect, as well, with the exception of a botched snap earlier this week.
Dealing with an NFL stadium venue and a raucus crowd, Boswell made seven of eight attempts, with the only miss coming from 50 yards out. Wright, however, missed three of his eight attempts, showing less leg strength than his opponent and pulling numerous kicks to the left.
“We’re just getting started with exposing (Boswell) to some pressure,” Tomlin said. “I think one of you guys asked how can we create it in a training camp or a team development setting. I think you saw examples of that tonight.”
Good crowd here for #Steelers Fan Fest practice at Heinz Field @937theFan pic.twitter.com/JSfFFOAT7R
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32)
August 4, 2019 On the injury front, rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson experienced a groin injury after sustaining a hip injury Friday night. Center Maurkice Pouncey left with a "minor" injury, according to Tomlin, who did not have further details.
Another center, J.C. Hassenauer, has a knee issue and cornerback Artie Burns underwent a groin ailment.
Steelers linebacker TJ Watt, who has not practiced yet but was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list Sunday, worked back in limited role, but did not finish the evening. Ben Roethlisberger, who did not participate in the last two practices, did throw the football some, but was used minimally in full team drills.
Tomlin likes to use this night to not only engage with fans in Pittsburgh, some of whom are unable to make the trek to Latrobe for training camp, but also to get young players familiar with Heinz Field in advance of Friday’s preseason opener against Tampa.
“It’s just good to get our young people in this stadium, so when they’re walking in here later in the week, it won’t be their first time,” he said. “They can just focus on what they need to focus on and that’s the quality of their performance.”
The Steelers will have Monday off before returning to Saint Vincent College for practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. An off day is scheduled Thursday before Friday’s game.
Hear more from Mike Tomlin below.
