December 18, 2024 • 20 mins
Michael is joined by Sky Sports NFL analyst Jeff Reinebold for a special podcast from the spiritual home of the Pittsburgh Steelers in Newry. Jeff and Michael talk about the Rooney family, hopes for future growth in the future and look ahead to the game this weekend, which you can watch on Sky Sports NFL this Saturday from 21:30. Go Steelers!
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Hi, everybody, Welcome into the Irish Hitters podcast. Michael McCree here,
delighted to be joined with a guide that we all
know very very well from TV in Ireland in the
UK before I bring him in. We are here in Newey.
We're actually a pub called the Brass Monkey in Newry.
Newee is actually if you're not aware of folks, if
you're a Staters fun or an NFL fan, it's the
ancestral home of the Pittsburgh Steeters. So it's pretty special
(00:27):
to have a little podcast here for the first time,
I believe from Newey and delighted to be joined by
a guy from SkySports NFL, among many other things, a
guy that you'll see on your TV this Saturday night
for the Steelers Ravens game, Jeff Ryan Will Jeff Falter.
Welcome to Newey.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
I appreciate that. Michael. How are you doing?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Do an outstanding We've had a great I guess this
is a fifth show we've done around Island, Ireland in
the last two weeks and it's been great reception and great,
as you say, great crack.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Every place we've been.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
We've seen a number of Staeters on seat. We were
actually in trone last night, and we've seen actually Davo
from the podcast as there shout out to him. He
doesn't live too far from there. But I've seen four
or five Stuitters fans of Hiloso Feydas, some guys with
like Troy, Paulamali, Jerseys, Ratro guys as well.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
There seems to be a real buzz.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Around the Stears fans of the moment on you know,
just first off, Jeff, you're sitting here behind the Terrible Tale,
You're very, very passionate about the passion of the passion
of these Steeters fans. Bring.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
You know, Michael, I grew up in a time when
you know, it was Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw and
frank O Harris and Rocky Bayer, and you know, it
was amazing time to be a football fan. And while
I wasn't a Steelers fan per se, you certainly had
great respect for the organization, for the passion of the
Steeler fans. And you know what they've been able to
(01:44):
accomplish as an organization, the consistency, the continuous winning. You know,
Mike Tomlin is the only head coach that I've ever
seen in the National Football League that has.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Never had a losing season.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
I mean, that's that's incredible and a credit to not
only the Mic and his players, but to the organization.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Talking about the Staters and talking about the Rooney family
and obviously they left this part of the island many
many years ago now, but the Steeters to this stage
have have looked back upon and continue to look upon
Newry in such a positive light. And we've seen they've
stopped off and many visits to Neuri. They've done a
clinic actually in Park Gazer, which is the home of
(02:24):
County don Ga in recent months. When you obviously look,
this is your first time in Newiey today, you have
me here before, But when you drive through like a
little time, does it surprise you that's somewhere so far
away can have such an impact on not just the
Steters but the league overall.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
No, I not really, Michael, because particularly between the Rooney
family and this island, there are such a deep, long
term relationship. And we have a saying in America that
everybody's a little Irish, and that's certainly true when it
comes to the Steeler fans. And you know, I think
(02:59):
that one of the things that the Steeler fans and
I saw the eight hundred people come to a Steelers
watch party and just the passion and all of a
sudden they start waiving those terrible toils and you don't know,
you know, whether you're in Three Rivers Stadium or whether
you're in you know, whether you're in in you know, Ireland.
(03:21):
It's it was phenomenal the reception that you know, the
Steelers watch party got. And you know, they the Steelers
have invested in this island, They've got a presence on
this island. And you know, one of the greatest players,
you know, Woodson came came here and did a series
of clinics.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
He's worked to help grow the game in Ireland.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
You've done an amazing job with Pro Football Ireland and
that you know, association with the Steelers is certainly really
really runs deep here in Ireland.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
It's great to see what they're doing in Ireland. I
think for me it really hit home when we had
Thattnican Park Hasler, and of course it hit home when
you've seen guys like Alan Faneca and Antonio Owns among
others in the last two years and and you're you're
buying all the money they are standing up at one
hundred people. There's so many Steeters fans in Ireland that
I think the exciting thing for me Ejef as a
fan of the NFL first and foremost is seeing that
next generation of fans come through. And this is why
(04:12):
I wanted to bring this up. You know, you obviously
have a for people that aren't aware. You're not just
a guy who's been on TV with Sky Sports. You've
a deep history with NFL International and the old NFL.
You're a league. And you know, if somebody hadn't told
you in the year two thousand when you had a
had an office in London, that's the Steelers will have
like an activation, like a like a party in crow
Park and different things that got there. It's really grown
(04:34):
to a point where anything's really possible.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Yeah, I think it is.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
And you know, you see that there is sentiment amongst
people in the front office in New York and certainly
the front office in Pittsburgh to continue to grow the
game internationally. And I think, you know, I guess we
can all dream, but certainly I think one of the
one of the big dreams that we have for this
(04:59):
island is one day, see whether it would be at
Aviva or Croke Parker wherever. See those black helmets and
you know, come on in the field and let you
know the eighty thousand people waving terrible towels, and I
think that would just be I might get emotional and
break down and cry, just to be honest with you.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, hopefully at some point in the future will happen,
and the time will tell over the next few years
and whenever it happens, if it's in the year, if
it is in fifteen years, it'll be pretty cool to
see in that sense. And I know a lot of
the Rooney family will look done, smile, and especially Don Runey,
who was the former embossador to the island as well,
first to visit all thirty two counties, including the one
(05:39):
that you're in right now as you have. So it's
pretty cool to see, you know.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
That is and I think that the thing, the investment
that the Steelers have made in this is this country
is really kind of the blueprint, if you will, for
what teams can get done in their forum marketplace. And
I don't see any time soon that that's going to
change and go the other way. I think it's just
(06:03):
going to continue to grow and be enhanced by the
Steeler presence on the island. And you know, every time
you guys do a function, every time a podcast is made,
every time you know somebody waves that, you know that
yellow towel, it's it's you know, just builds the bond
much stronger between Ireland and the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
We've had a chance, Jeff, to see a lot of
different Staters games the sky Sports this season and one
that wasn't onne last weekend, but I do want to
recap on it for the podcast very quickly, Jeff. Is
the game between that Eagles team on the Steels last weekend.
Steelers didn't go out on top on the day and
actually fall the ten and four in the season. But
we'll talk about the important stretch that they now face,
(06:43):
not just this week but a short week in Christmas. Look,
Staeters fans, the organization of know one from the gat
go this year that they would have a late AFC
RF timetable, they would have a lith finish, a difficult
finish of this season. You know, there's no surprise there
in not sense, but obviously it Took's alwaysappointing when you
don't win. They weren't too far off last week. It
just it just didn't seem like an edge off against
(07:05):
the Eagles.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Well, the Eagles are a good football team. I mean,
there's no mistake there. And Philadelphia historically has been a
hard place for.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
The Steelers to win.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
I think it's nineteen sixty five was the last time
they've won their So, you know, I was really interested
at Mike Tomlin's reaction post game. I think he's very
much understands that it was just one game.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
It doesn't define you.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
It doesn't dictate how the rest of these games are
going to come. They know they have to get ready
to play again this Sunday. And you know, the greatest
thing that I think Mike Tomlin has been able to
do in his history with the Steelers, and this is
very difficult to do in pro football, in the National
Football League because the message can get stale. But he
keeps his message fresh. You know, you watch him coach
(07:47):
his team, you watch him talk to his team. They
will be ready to play, they don't. You know, you
don't have to worry about that. The Steelers will be
ready to play every week. But from now and through
however long they play in the playoff, hopefully through the
Super Bowl Saturday.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
On Saturday.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Here we go Saturday night. Here's the rented plans some day,
hopefully rented plans Saturday, and I'm sure it will Saturday.
Hoffman Sky Sports excited the break out game done.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Yeah, I am, because I you know, I love to
watch them. They've They've been a favorite of mine for
a long time. You know, all the way back to
the Dick Lebo days and when he was running all
the zone blitzes and they were so far ahead of
the curve in terms of what they did structurally on defense.
And now with Russell, you see, you know, their offense
has now started to show itself and now they struggle
(08:32):
a little bit last week, but you know, everybody's gonna
have one of those or two of those during the
course of the season. I think this is an opportunity
for him this week to bounce back and you know,
put more good you know, just put more good tape
out there. And that's what you try and do every week.
And in the league that's really competitive and it's really
hard to.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Wear it win every week.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Just before we look at the Eagles that are the
we even sorry Jeff of a couple of things that
the woman ask you. But you're a special teams guy,
you know what it's like and how hard it is
to have a good special teams know how impressed that
you've bet him Chris ballsball this season before.
Speaker 3 (09:08):
Well, you know it's here's the thing too, that you
got to understand. Pittsburgh is not an easy place to kick.
It's it's traditionally has a reputation is one of the toughest,
you know, toughest environments to kick in because of the win,
because of the cold, you're right on the water, all
that stuff, and Boswell just seems to be able to
work you know through those things. Those things are just
(09:30):
you know, distractions to him. I think Danny Smith, the
special teams coach that the Steelers, has done an absolutely
fantastic job. Now he is really at one of the
NFL's great characters. And uh, you know, he reminds me
of you know, I'm gonna say something. I take that
as a compliment because Danny Smith is truly one of
the best football coaches you know, that I've ever been around.
(09:51):
And his ability to motivate and this is difficult, right
because you've got to remember, special teams is not what
these guys do find themselves as I mean, on their
football guard. It doesn't say I'm the left guard on
the punt team. It says I'm a linebacker or tight
end or whatever. And so you know, he's able to
create an environment and an identity inside that football team
(10:15):
and you watch how they take pride in their special
teams plays and it's been those have been, you know,
some plays that have turned the season for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
You mentioned coach Tumlar earlier on. He was not scared
or not. You know, you didn't have any shape of
changing the quarterback there whenever Rosse was s fith. I impressed,
not just with Russell Wilson coming in, but also really
the decision making of Mike Tomlin to sort of put
the team first and the what's right in that moment.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Well, you know, obviously he's he's done it for an
awful long long time and had tremendous success.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
He has a great pulse on people.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
That's one of the things that I think defines Mike
is that he is very much, you know, tuned in
to his players to where they're at. And you know,
both individually and collectively as a football team. So I
was I'm not surprised that, you know, he made that decision.
I think it was the right decision. It's been proven
that now over time that it's the right it's the
right decision, and he handled it I thought, really, really
(11:10):
well because dealing with the quarterback position and dealing with
your quarterback room that is the highest profile room on
your football team, and how you handle that sends a
message to the entire team. And again, Mike is In
is a master at making sure that he controls the
narrative and he sends the message that what that he
(11:31):
wants to send not only to the media, but also
to his own football team.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Do you feel like coming into I will talk with
his Ravens given to we second. But when you got
the Ravens and you got the Chiefs and you're finishing
off that season in short weeks, do you feel like
this team from what you've seen over the last few
weeks isn't a good position to You'll see that out
and get the best position possible.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Well, Mike, you know again, I think one of the
things that things of fans, and stupid fans in particular,
have to feel good about going into the playoffs, is
you know football chain when you get to the playoffs, right,
I mean, it's just the way it is. You know,
we talk about all the time and coaching about there's
three speeds of a season.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Right. You got preseason speed.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Right, and then you got game you know, then you
got regular season speed, and then you got playoff speed.
And playoff speed is much faster, it's much more violent.
It's the games typically tend to be much closer. Now,
sometimes a wildcard game can get you know, can get
a lot of hand, but usually those games are very close.
And how do you win close games? You win them
(12:30):
on defense. And I think the Steelers that's always been
a hallmark of the Steelers. And you don't turn the
ball over and play great complimentary football offense, defense, and
special teams. And that sounds kind of like coach speak,
but it's really true. In the playoffs, that's the way
you win football games. You think about it, Mike, there
have been a lot of different teams that won Super Bowls,
but very few teams have won Super Bowls without having
(12:52):
a very good defense.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
And you mentioned a number of guys for people on
joing have actually been on the road for a few
days of jaff here and very high up on her
big last night as well. It's being really some SONI
guys on that defense. You know TJ is always going
to be up there for Defensive Player of the Year.
But do you think Haasaksal this year to be an
opposition or he'd at least being a talk towards the
end of these last few weeks.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
I don't. I don't think there's any question. You know,
the league is filled now with outstanding edge rushers. You
know the Bosa brothers, you got the two guys in
with the Texans that are having an outstanding year, and
Will Anderson and Daniel Hunter. But when you look at
consistency over time, and that's to me how you measure greatness.
It's consistency over time. It's not just one flash season.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Who you know, TJ.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Watt has been one of the most consistent, one of
the most dynamic edge pass rushers ever. And it's funny.
I remember going to watch him play his senior year.
I watched the Wisconsin came to Purdue and I went
and watched the game, and during that game it was
a close game, and all of a sudden, he rushes
(13:58):
the passer and sticks his hands up in the air
and tips the ball to himself and scores about a
forty yard touchdown to break the game open. And that's
the kind of thing that he's been able to do.
There's nobody in the league who's better at, you know,
not only attacking the quarterback, but attacking the ball as
you attack the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
He's the master of the strips at.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
And her big guys would know you quite well, Jaffter.
Hawaii kids. Have you been able to see much of
them as they grow up? And have you I impressed
to be Have you been from this Well.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Those young guys come from the island of Kawai, which
is where my brother lives, and so they are obviously
legends on that island. But you know, I think that
it's really amazing. You know, you talk about kind of
different things. There's two guys from the same family and
a small little actually one of the smallest islands in
(14:50):
the Hawaiian chain, are playing for the same team in
pro football. And you see the same same thing with
the Hayward brothers. And how many times have you ever
and the Watt brothers, So how many many times have
you ever seen that. First of all, it's so hard
to get to the National Football League, but to have
two boys from the same home and the same parents
playing in the league and sets of brothers, multiple sets
(15:12):
of brothers for an organization, I think it's, you know,
really a cool story. And you know, the Steelers are
kind of a throwback, you know, they're kind of.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
A little bit. Is they consistent over Yeah, there've.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
Been obviously consistently one and they've been consistent in their
organization and they don't change coaches every week. And you know,
but I think one of the things they're they're very
and I don't want to say traditional, but I think
they value things at a different rate in a different
way than certain other teams do. And that sense of
(15:45):
family and that sense of you know, once you're a Steeler,
you're always a Steeler.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
You know.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
You see that when we go do the Super Bowl Mic.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
I think it's really you really do see that sense
of in being a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
And just a couple of ones to finish off here,
jeft this we haven't seen this weekend, a shorter week
for both teams, having a day asks the prep game,
obviously coming in to Baltimore a road game, and I
have seen North matchup. It's always difficult in terms of
a Staeters point of view, What are your keys to
the game for both just for both stats obviously offense
defense here to try and really pull off a big win.
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Well, I think the first thing is they got to
continue their you know, their domination if you will, of
Lamar Jackson, because the team that he has been his
kryptonite has been the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they need to
continue that. I think they've got to do a great
job up front of winning on first and second down
and making Lamar navigate third and long because that's not
(16:46):
his strength. If they can get you in third and
three where he you know, he can use his feet
to get a first down, he can throw it to
get a first down, or he can turn around handed
to Derek Henry for first down.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
That's when it's tough.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
These matchups between the Steelers and the Ravens have for
the last thirty years tough ben physical, physical games. These
two teams take pride in their ability to be physical,
and you know this will be an outstanding hitting game.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
There's no question about it. In my mind.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Yeah, and look, it's really really important. We've got a
big game coming up against the Kansas City Chiefs on
wet and say on Christmas Day, I'm going to be there, Jeff.
So if for everyone listening to the podcast, really really
excited to get the Pittsburgh and you appreciate the opportunity
to go out there for such a big game is
an honor, It really really is. And I know we'll
we'll hear and see you guys in sky Sports NFL
this Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Really looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
The game is also on OTV Sports radio across Ireland
if you'd like to listen to the Steelers TV or
Staters Radio Cruse Sorry break down the game, Jeff, And
whenever the leaders had a press conference park a couple
of years ago, they have and they continue to reiterate
that they would love to explore the idea of playing
a game in Ireland in the future. You touched on
(17:59):
it a little bit there, but as as an NFL
found never remained the coaches. Somebody has in ghost and football.
How important do you think it would be to see
and football come home?
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, I think you know, for the let's talk about
Ireland first. For the Irish fans and for the Steeler fans,
the thousands and thousands of Steeler fans that there are
on this island. To have the Pittsburgh Steelers here would
be a dream come try. Actually would be more than that,
(18:27):
because I'm sure five years ago they would have never
thought that they would have an see their team Now.
Then you factor in also that the Rooney family and
the Steelers have invested so much in this island. I
think it would be another step in their growth here
in the island, and for football in general, it is
(18:50):
huge because you know, when that game comes to town,
and when those international games come to town. We've seen
them in Germany, we've seen them in England. You know,
not only is an incredible boost for the local economy,
but it is a tremendous boost for football in that environment.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
It's it's exciting and whatever it happens is said it'll
be it'll be amazing. And I think you imagined earlier
on there is no story, there is no relationship deeper
than this in the league, which is pretty cool, and
it's look, it's an our hobby here in near You
just sort of break it down a little bit. Jeff
we got the terrible titles in the background. We appreciate it,
appreciate everything, and for people listening, Jeff is done an
awful lot for the game Internationally, we obviously appreciate you
(19:33):
and hopefully I'm sure we can talk maybe at the
Super Bowl Jeff about this team's chances when ended a game.
But for no Jeff is obviously a really, really important
few weeks. Looking forward to seeing how the Steelers teams plays,
and I hope everybody enjoys the game of this Saturday.
We're gonna have a little podcast at some point next
week breaking down the game of Christmas when I'm in Pittsburgh.
But for Jeffrey Ronbold, as I say, a meeting me
(19:54):
and my other thank you very much, my mom. I'm
appreciate joining us on the ur STUITI this podcast.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
I appreciate it, Michael and almost it. Like I said,
in Pittsburgh, gold stillers
Hi, everybody, Welcome into the Irish Hitters podcast. Michael McCree here,
delighted to be joined with a guide that we all
know very very well from TV in Ireland in the
UK before I bring him in. We are here in Newey.
We're actually a pub called the Brass Monkey in Newry.
Newee is actually if you're not aware of folks, if
you're a Staters fun or an NFL fan, it's the
ancestral home of the Pittsburgh Steeters. So it's pretty special
(00:27):
to have a little podcast here for the first time,
I believe from Newey and delighted to be joined by
a guy from SkySports NFL, among many other things, a
guy that you'll see on your TV this Saturday night
for the Steelers Ravens game, Jeff Ryan Will Jeff Falter.
Welcome to Newey.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
I appreciate that. Michael. How are you doing?
Speaker 3 (00:45):
Do an outstanding We've had a great I guess this
is a fifth show we've done around Island, Ireland in
the last two weeks and it's been great reception and great,
as you say, great crack.
Speaker 2 (00:54):
Every place we've been.
Speaker 1 (00:55):
We've seen a number of Staeters on seat. We were
actually in trone last night, and we've seen actually Davo
from the podcast as there shout out to him. He
doesn't live too far from there. But I've seen four
or five Stuitters fans of Hiloso Feydas, some guys with
like Troy, Paulamali, Jerseys, Ratro guys as well.
Speaker 2 (01:09):
There seems to be a real buzz.
Speaker 1 (01:10):
Around the Stears fans of the moment on you know,
just first off, Jeff, you're sitting here behind the Terrible Tale,
You're very, very passionate about the passion of the passion
of these Steeters fans. Bring.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (01:21):
You know, Michael, I grew up in a time when
you know, it was Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw and
frank O Harris and Rocky Bayer, and you know, it
was amazing time to be a football fan. And while
I wasn't a Steelers fan per se, you certainly had
great respect for the organization, for the passion of the
Steeler fans. And you know what they've been able to
(01:44):
accomplish as an organization, the consistency, the continuous winning. You know,
Mike Tomlin is the only head coach that I've ever
seen in the National Football League that has.
Speaker 2 (01:55):
Never had a losing season.
Speaker 3 (01:56):
I mean, that's that's incredible and a credit to not
only the Mic and his players, but to the organization.
Speaker 1 (02:03):
Talking about the Staters and talking about the Rooney family
and obviously they left this part of the island many
many years ago now, but the Steeters to this stage
have have looked back upon and continue to look upon
Newry in such a positive light. And we've seen they've
stopped off and many visits to Neuri. They've done a
clinic actually in Park Gazer, which is the home of
(02:24):
County don Ga in recent months. When you obviously look,
this is your first time in Newiey today, you have
me here before, But when you drive through like a
little time, does it surprise you that's somewhere so far
away can have such an impact on not just the
Steters but the league overall.
Speaker 3 (02:38):
No, I not really, Michael, because particularly between the Rooney
family and this island, there are such a deep, long
term relationship. And we have a saying in America that
everybody's a little Irish, and that's certainly true when it
comes to the Steeler fans. And you know, I think
(02:59):
that one of the things that the Steeler fans and
I saw the eight hundred people come to a Steelers
watch party and just the passion and all of a
sudden they start waiving those terrible toils and you don't know,
you know, whether you're in Three Rivers Stadium or whether
you're in you know, whether you're in in you know, Ireland.
(03:21):
It's it was phenomenal the reception that you know, the
Steelers watch party got. And you know, they the Steelers
have invested in this island, They've got a presence on
this island. And you know, one of the greatest players,
you know, Woodson came came here and did a series
of clinics.
Speaker 2 (03:38):
He's worked to help grow the game in Ireland.
Speaker 3 (03:40):
You've done an amazing job with Pro Football Ireland and
that you know, association with the Steelers is certainly really
really runs deep here in Ireland.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
It's great to see what they're doing in Ireland. I
think for me it really hit home when we had
Thattnican Park Hasler, and of course it hit home when
you've seen guys like Alan Faneca and Antonio Owns among
others in the last two years and and you're you're
buying all the money they are standing up at one
hundred people. There's so many Steeters fans in Ireland that
I think the exciting thing for me Ejef as a
fan of the NFL first and foremost is seeing that
next generation of fans come through. And this is why
(04:12):
I wanted to bring this up. You know, you obviously
have a for people that aren't aware. You're not just
a guy who's been on TV with Sky Sports. You've
a deep history with NFL International and the old NFL.
You're a league. And you know, if somebody hadn't told
you in the year two thousand when you had a
had an office in London, that's the Steelers will have
like an activation, like a like a party in crow
Park and different things that got there. It's really grown
(04:34):
to a point where anything's really possible.
Speaker 2 (04:37):
Yeah, I think it is.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
And you know, you see that there is sentiment amongst
people in the front office in New York and certainly
the front office in Pittsburgh to continue to grow the
game internationally. And I think, you know, I guess we
can all dream, but certainly I think one of the
one of the big dreams that we have for this
(04:59):
island is one day, see whether it would be at
Aviva or Croke Parker wherever. See those black helmets and
you know, come on in the field and let you
know the eighty thousand people waving terrible towels, and I
think that would just be I might get emotional and
break down and cry, just to be honest with you.
Speaker 1 (05:19):
Yeah, hopefully at some point in the future will happen,
and the time will tell over the next few years
and whenever it happens, if it's in the year, if
it is in fifteen years, it'll be pretty cool to
see in that sense. And I know a lot of
the Rooney family will look done, smile, and especially Don Runey,
who was the former embossador to the island as well,
first to visit all thirty two counties, including the one
(05:39):
that you're in right now as you have. So it's
pretty cool to see, you know.
Speaker 3 (05:42):
That is and I think that the thing, the investment
that the Steelers have made in this is this country
is really kind of the blueprint, if you will, for
what teams can get done in their forum marketplace. And
I don't see any time soon that that's going to
change and go the other way. I think it's just
(06:03):
going to continue to grow and be enhanced by the
Steeler presence on the island. And you know, every time
you guys do a function, every time a podcast is made,
every time you know somebody waves that, you know that
yellow towel, it's it's you know, just builds the bond
much stronger between Ireland and the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (06:23):
We've had a chance, Jeff, to see a lot of
different Staters games the sky Sports this season and one
that wasn't onne last weekend, but I do want to
recap on it for the podcast very quickly, Jeff. Is
the game between that Eagles team on the Steels last weekend.
Steelers didn't go out on top on the day and
actually fall the ten and four in the season. But
we'll talk about the important stretch that they now face,
(06:43):
not just this week but a short week in Christmas. Look,
Staeters fans, the organization of know one from the gat
go this year that they would have a late AFC
RF timetable, they would have a lith finish, a difficult
finish of this season. You know, there's no surprise there
in not sense, but obviously it Took's alwaysappointing when you
don't win. They weren't too far off last week. It
just it just didn't seem like an edge off against
(07:05):
the Eagles.
Speaker 3 (07:05):
Well, the Eagles are a good football team. I mean,
there's no mistake there. And Philadelphia historically has been a
hard place for.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
The Steelers to win.
Speaker 3 (07:12):
I think it's nineteen sixty five was the last time
they've won their So, you know, I was really interested
at Mike Tomlin's reaction post game. I think he's very
much understands that it was just one game.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
It doesn't define you.
Speaker 3 (07:24):
It doesn't dictate how the rest of these games are
going to come. They know they have to get ready
to play again this Sunday. And you know, the greatest
thing that I think Mike Tomlin has been able to
do in his history with the Steelers, and this is
very difficult to do in pro football, in the National
Football League because the message can get stale. But he
keeps his message fresh. You know, you watch him coach
(07:47):
his team, you watch him talk to his team. They
will be ready to play, they don't. You know, you
don't have to worry about that. The Steelers will be
ready to play every week. But from now and through
however long they play in the playoff, hopefully through the
Super Bowl Saturday.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
On Saturday.
Speaker 1 (08:03):
Here we go Saturday night. Here's the rented plans some day,
hopefully rented plans Saturday, and I'm sure it will Saturday.
Hoffman Sky Sports excited the break out game done.
Speaker 3 (08:09):
Yeah, I am, because I you know, I love to
watch them. They've They've been a favorite of mine for
a long time. You know, all the way back to
the Dick Lebo days and when he was running all
the zone blitzes and they were so far ahead of
the curve in terms of what they did structurally on defense.
And now with Russell, you see, you know, their offense
has now started to show itself and now they struggle
(08:32):
a little bit last week, but you know, everybody's gonna
have one of those or two of those during the
course of the season. I think this is an opportunity
for him this week to bounce back and you know,
put more good you know, just put more good tape
out there. And that's what you try and do every week.
And in the league that's really competitive and it's really
hard to.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Wear it win every week.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
Just before we look at the Eagles that are the
we even sorry Jeff of a couple of things that
the woman ask you. But you're a special teams guy,
you know what it's like and how hard it is
to have a good special teams know how impressed that
you've bet him Chris ballsball this season before.
Speaker 3 (09:08):
Well, you know it's here's the thing too, that you
got to understand. Pittsburgh is not an easy place to kick.
It's it's traditionally has a reputation is one of the toughest,
you know, toughest environments to kick in because of the win,
because of the cold, you're right on the water, all
that stuff, and Boswell just seems to be able to
work you know through those things. Those things are just
(09:30):
you know, distractions to him. I think Danny Smith, the
special teams coach that the Steelers, has done an absolutely
fantastic job. Now he is really at one of the
NFL's great characters. And uh, you know, he reminds me
of you know, I'm gonna say something. I take that
as a compliment because Danny Smith is truly one of
the best football coaches you know, that I've ever been around.
(09:51):
And his ability to motivate and this is difficult, right
because you've got to remember, special teams is not what
these guys do find themselves as I mean, on their
football guard. It doesn't say I'm the left guard on
the punt team. It says I'm a linebacker or tight
end or whatever. And so you know, he's able to
create an environment and an identity inside that football team
(10:15):
and you watch how they take pride in their special
teams plays and it's been those have been, you know,
some plays that have turned the season for the Steelers.
Speaker 1 (10:24):
You mentioned coach Tumlar earlier on. He was not scared
or not. You know, you didn't have any shape of
changing the quarterback there whenever Rosse was s fith. I impressed,
not just with Russell Wilson coming in, but also really
the decision making of Mike Tomlin to sort of put
the team first and the what's right in that moment.
Speaker 3 (10:40):
Well, you know, obviously he's he's done it for an
awful long long time and had tremendous success.
Speaker 2 (10:45):
He has a great pulse on people.
Speaker 3 (10:48):
That's one of the things that I think defines Mike
is that he is very much, you know, tuned in
to his players to where they're at. And you know,
both individually and collectively as a football team. So I
was I'm not surprised that, you know, he made that decision.
I think it was the right decision. It's been proven
that now over time that it's the right it's the
right decision, and he handled it I thought, really, really
(11:10):
well because dealing with the quarterback position and dealing with
your quarterback room that is the highest profile room on
your football team, and how you handle that sends a
message to the entire team. And again, Mike is In
is a master at making sure that he controls the
narrative and he sends the message that what that he
(11:31):
wants to send not only to the media, but also
to his own football team.
Speaker 1 (11:36):
Do you feel like coming into I will talk with
his Ravens given to we second. But when you got
the Ravens and you got the Chiefs and you're finishing
off that season in short weeks, do you feel like
this team from what you've seen over the last few
weeks isn't a good position to You'll see that out
and get the best position possible.
Speaker 3 (11:50):
Well, Mike, you know again, I think one of the
things that things of fans, and stupid fans in particular,
have to feel good about going into the playoffs, is
you know football chain when you get to the playoffs, right,
I mean, it's just the way it is. You know,
we talk about all the time and coaching about there's
three speeds of a season.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Right. You got preseason speed.
Speaker 3 (12:09):
Right, and then you got game you know, then you
got regular season speed, and then you got playoff speed.
And playoff speed is much faster, it's much more violent.
It's the games typically tend to be much closer. Now,
sometimes a wildcard game can get you know, can get
a lot of hand, but usually those games are very close.
And how do you win close games? You win them
(12:30):
on defense. And I think the Steelers that's always been
a hallmark of the Steelers. And you don't turn the
ball over and play great complimentary football offense, defense, and
special teams. And that sounds kind of like coach speak,
but it's really true. In the playoffs, that's the way
you win football games. You think about it, Mike, there
have been a lot of different teams that won Super Bowls,
but very few teams have won Super Bowls without having
(12:52):
a very good defense.
Speaker 1 (12:54):
And you mentioned a number of guys for people on
joing have actually been on the road for a few
days of jaff here and very high up on her
big last night as well. It's being really some SONI
guys on that defense. You know TJ is always going
to be up there for Defensive Player of the Year.
But do you think Haasaksal this year to be an
opposition or he'd at least being a talk towards the
end of these last few weeks.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
I don't. I don't think there's any question. You know,
the league is filled now with outstanding edge rushers. You
know the Bosa brothers, you got the two guys in
with the Texans that are having an outstanding year, and
Will Anderson and Daniel Hunter. But when you look at
consistency over time, and that's to me how you measure greatness.
It's consistency over time. It's not just one flash season.
Speaker 2 (13:35):
Who you know, TJ.
Speaker 3 (13:37):
Watt has been one of the most consistent, one of
the most dynamic edge pass rushers ever. And it's funny.
I remember going to watch him play his senior year.
I watched the Wisconsin came to Purdue and I went
and watched the game, and during that game it was
a close game, and all of a sudden, he rushes
(13:58):
the passer and sticks his hands up in the air
and tips the ball to himself and scores about a
forty yard touchdown to break the game open. And that's
the kind of thing that he's been able to do.
There's nobody in the league who's better at, you know,
not only attacking the quarterback, but attacking the ball as
you attack the quarterback.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
He's the master of the strips at.
Speaker 1 (14:21):
And her big guys would know you quite well, Jaffter.
Hawaii kids. Have you been able to see much of
them as they grow up? And have you I impressed
to be Have you been from this Well.
Speaker 3 (14:29):
Those young guys come from the island of Kawai, which
is where my brother lives, and so they are obviously
legends on that island. But you know, I think that
it's really amazing. You know, you talk about kind of
different things. There's two guys from the same family and
a small little actually one of the smallest islands in
(14:50):
the Hawaiian chain, are playing for the same team in
pro football. And you see the same same thing with
the Hayward brothers. And how many times have you ever
and the Watt brothers, So how many many times have
you ever seen that. First of all, it's so hard
to get to the National Football League, but to have
two boys from the same home and the same parents
playing in the league and sets of brothers, multiple sets
(15:12):
of brothers for an organization, I think it's, you know,
really a cool story. And you know, the Steelers are
kind of a throwback, you know, they're kind of.
Speaker 2 (15:21):
A little bit. Is they consistent over Yeah, there've.
Speaker 3 (15:23):
Been obviously consistently one and they've been consistent in their
organization and they don't change coaches every week. And you know,
but I think one of the things they're they're very
and I don't want to say traditional, but I think
they value things at a different rate in a different
way than certain other teams do. And that sense of
(15:45):
family and that sense of you know, once you're a Steeler,
you're always a Steeler.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
You know.
Speaker 3 (15:52):
You see that when we go do the Super Bowl Mic.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
I think it's really you really do see that sense
of in being a part of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.
Speaker 1 (16:03):
And just a couple of ones to finish off here,
jeft this we haven't seen this weekend, a shorter week
for both teams, having a day asks the prep game,
obviously coming in to Baltimore a road game, and I
have seen North matchup. It's always difficult in terms of
a Staeters point of view, What are your keys to
the game for both just for both stats obviously offense
defense here to try and really pull off a big win.
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Well, I think the first thing is they got to
continue their you know, their domination if you will, of
Lamar Jackson, because the team that he has been his
kryptonite has been the Pittsburgh Steelers, and they need to
continue that. I think they've got to do a great
job up front of winning on first and second down
and making Lamar navigate third and long because that's not
(16:46):
his strength. If they can get you in third and
three where he you know, he can use his feet
to get a first down, he can throw it to
get a first down, or he can turn around handed
to Derek Henry for first down.
Speaker 2 (16:57):
That's when it's tough.
Speaker 3 (16:58):
These matchups between the Steelers and the Ravens have for
the last thirty years tough ben physical, physical games. These
two teams take pride in their ability to be physical,
and you know this will be an outstanding hitting game.
Speaker 2 (17:15):
There's no question about it. In my mind.
Speaker 1 (17:17):
Yeah, and look, it's really really important. We've got a
big game coming up against the Kansas City Chiefs on
wet and say on Christmas Day, I'm going to be there, Jeff.
So if for everyone listening to the podcast, really really
excited to get the Pittsburgh and you appreciate the opportunity
to go out there for such a big game is
an honor, It really really is. And I know we'll
we'll hear and see you guys in sky Sports NFL
this Saturday night.
Speaker 2 (17:37):
Really looking forward to it.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
The game is also on OTV Sports radio across Ireland
if you'd like to listen to the Steelers TV or
Staters Radio Cruse Sorry break down the game, Jeff, And
whenever the leaders had a press conference park a couple
of years ago, they have and they continue to reiterate
that they would love to explore the idea of playing
a game in Ireland in the future. You touched on
(17:59):
it a little bit there, but as as an NFL
found never remained the coaches. Somebody has in ghost and football.
How important do you think it would be to see
and football come home?
Speaker 3 (18:07):
Well, I think you know, for the let's talk about
Ireland first. For the Irish fans and for the Steeler fans,
the thousands and thousands of Steeler fans that there are
on this island. To have the Pittsburgh Steelers here would
be a dream come try. Actually would be more than that,
(18:27):
because I'm sure five years ago they would have never
thought that they would have an see their team Now.
Then you factor in also that the Rooney family and
the Steelers have invested so much in this island. I
think it would be another step in their growth here
in the island, and for football in general, it is
(18:50):
huge because you know, when that game comes to town,
and when those international games come to town. We've seen
them in Germany, we've seen them in England. You know,
not only is an incredible boost for the local economy,
but it is a tremendous boost for football in that environment.
Speaker 1 (19:08):
It's it's exciting and whatever it happens is said it'll
be it'll be amazing. And I think you imagined earlier
on there is no story, there is no relationship deeper
than this in the league, which is pretty cool, and
it's look, it's an our hobby here in near You
just sort of break it down a little bit. Jeff
we got the terrible titles in the background. We appreciate it,
appreciate everything, and for people listening, Jeff is done an
awful lot for the game Internationally, we obviously appreciate you
(19:33):
and hopefully I'm sure we can talk maybe at the
Super Bowl Jeff about this team's chances when ended a game.
But for no Jeff is obviously a really, really important
few weeks. Looking forward to seeing how the Steelers teams plays,
and I hope everybody enjoys the game of this Saturday.
We're gonna have a little podcast at some point next
week breaking down the game of Christmas when I'm in Pittsburgh.
But for Jeffrey Ronbold, as I say, a meeting me
(19:54):
and my other thank you very much, my mom. I'm
appreciate joining us on the ur STUITI this podcast.
Speaker 2 (19:58):
I appreciate it, Michael and almost it. Like I said,
in Pittsburgh, gold stillers
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