When the Steelers signed free agent Eric Ebron, we had a pretty good idea of what Pittsburgh might be getting – a receiving tight end to complement Vance McDonald and give Ben Roethlisberger a big target to improve a touchdown-challenged red zone offense.
That's what the 6"6' Ebron had done two seasons ago when he scored 13 TDs after signing a 2-year, $15-million deal with the Colts. The might be part was because Ebron's 2019 season was slowed by injuries until he was shut down in November after surgery on not one, but both, knees.
So there was certainly no guarantee that Ebron would live up to the 2-year, $12 million contract he signed with the Steelers. But, so far, he is. After a spotty start Ebron is tied for third on the team with 4 touchdown catches, 3 over the last 4 games, as the Steelers continue to win.
That means Ebron has never lost as a Steeler and he has no plans to start. But if they do stumble, be it against the Ravens, Bills, Colts or even the Browns, that's okay. As long as it's in the regular season.
"If we were to lose a game, as long we keep winning (otherwise), we're not too concerned about it," Ebron explains, smacking his hands for emphasis. "We really don't care that we're 10-0; we have one purpose (to win the Super Bowl)."
Mike Tomlin was hoping for the production but he had no doubts what Ebron would bring to the locker room
"It's no secret the zest for life that Eric has, the energy he brings to play and the fact that it's a daily occurrence with him," says Tomlin. "That was one of the things that was attractive for us; not only his playmaking ability but the energy he brings to daily tasks."
So, even though he is a newcomer, Ebron has embraced this role as a leader.
"We have so many talented young receivers," gushes Ebron who is only 27 years old himself, "I keep telling Ike (Hilliard WR coach) and Mike T that when these dudes get older and understand the intricacies and nuances of route running and things like that this room is going to be crazy."
One of those dudes is Chase Claypool, who leads all NFL rookies with 10 touchdowns in his first 10 NFL games.
"He's probably the funniest guy on the team," according to Claypool. "People on TikTok love him.
"I think his energy helps the team get closer and closer together."
Ebron continues to love life as a Steeler but there is one downside. Pittsburgh's tight ends start every practice hitting the blocking sled.
"I can tell you it's knocked years off my life. I've definitely been a lot more sore," then he pauses. "It's definitely helping our team win. So whatever I have to do, that's it."
