PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – While initially saying they wouldn't be at Organized Team Activities (OTA) a pair of the Steelers captains were at the first workouts Tuesday on the South Side.
Ben Roethlisberger had a very active role in working with the young offensive players on the field Tuesday. While Cam Heyward says they were able to work through some issues to make it more voluntary for the rest of the veterans.
Just because the two most prominent Steelers were there on Tuesday doesn't mean you will see a huge veteran presence over the couple weeks of OTAs.
"I'm happy with whoever shows up," Heyward said. "It doesn't really matter who shows up. If we are going to be here, we are going to take advantage of this time. It's going to change constantly."
"Guys are going to come in and out. This is a voluntary period. I don't think we've ever judged guys off attending a voluntary period. When we get to mini-camp I think we will have full, 100% participation."
As a strong players' union member, Heyward was part of the Steelers leadership council that sat down to talk with team brass including Art Rooney, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin. They don't believe there should be voluntary workouts during the Spring, saying their bodies need rest especially with adding a game to the regular season starting in 2021.
"Everybody has great routines now," Heyward said. "The pandemic has created that. Now more than ever, players have the freedom to choose. We are the only league that has this type of participation in an offseason program."
Heyward is correct about that, while other leagues have workouts in the off-season, none have been attended like football. The voluntary was almost a misnomer and attendance judged by decision-makers. Most other sports those activities are for younger players only or for veterans needing to rehabilitate injuries.
"Mini-camp (also held in the Spring) is a different thing, but OTAs," Heyward said. "I think it's a big time for learning, a lot of young guys tend to improve in this time, whether it's first year or second year guys. This time is really about getting those guys up to speed and teaching those guys."
So Heyward believes there is value in these voluntary sessions for young players, especially rookies. Not so much for the older players and now after a year of COVID restrictions, the 10-year vet believes players are knowledgeable in setting up their own programs. Adding hearing different voices can also be a good learning tool.
Heyward said he and Roethlisberger were at the first practice beginning the process of cultivating relationships. Learning some new names and giving those players an idea of the standard.
"Younger guys like to emulate older guys during this time," Heyward said. "Going forward, I tell my guys. This is voluntary. I know everyone is working. I'm not going to put all of my eggs in a basket for voluntary time. Guys can get good work wherever they go. It's about where they feel like they need to be."
The next item on the agenda is to change a fairly, unthinkable rule. Insurance for NFL players does not cover injuries while working out away from the team facilities.
Players believe it's an outdated system that they are trying to change piece by piece.
