The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most historic franchises in all of American sports, but that does not mean that the organization is perfect. In fact, it is far from that, and that was made evident by the most recent NFLPA report cards. Pittsburgh ranked dead last in the NFL when it came to an overall score. The Steelers have been scrutinized by these report cards in the past as it is a rough look to share a practice facility and home field with a college football team, especially when other teams around the league have some insanely futuristic and effective facilities.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan and Owner Art Rooney II on the field at a team practices while having a discussion.
There have been plenty of stories that have come out over the years from players that display just how far behind the eight ball Pittsburgh is when it comes to having everything that could possibly be needed for its players. Just a few years ago, former cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. shared how he had to travel back to West Virginia University to use his college football team's facility for the recovery equipment on his off days.
Former Steelers tight end and fullback Connor Heyward chose to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2026 free agency period, and the Raiders infamously spare no expense when it comes to their facilities and equipment. It might not translate to wins on the field, but the players have everything they need. Heyward was asked about this during an appearance on Not Just Football, where he spoke about the facilities.
"Yeah, it's one of those facilities where you're like, 'Wow, this is where I work at, I get to be here everyday,'" Heyward said. "And I haven't had that feeling, you know? I don't think, honestly, even in college. I would say there's a 150-yard turf field, three football fields out here, a pool, weight room, big treatment room, like everything. Obviously the locker room is top notch as well. Literally everything you could think of, they had. Like you don't have to go outside of the facility for anything. Everything's at your hands, and that's something I'm looking forward to."
Heyward was only in Las Vegas briefly while he signed his new contract and did some media for the team, but he was able to get a tour of the practice facility. It was clearly levels ahead of Pittsburgh's. While he didn't blatantly call out what the Steelers have going on, it's fair to assume he was speaking down on Pittsburgh's facilities just a little bit, which is completely fair.
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Former Steelers backfield duo Connor Heyward and Kenneth Gainwell celebrate a score against the Baltimore Ravens in 2025.
Heyward noted how in Las Vegas, he won't have to go outside of the facility for any sort of massage, chiropractic, or stretching work, which makes it seem like all of those things are not available in Pittsburgh. Most players around the league like to do their own thing when it comes to recovery and some guys might like to go to someone outside of the team by choice. In Pittsburgh however, it sounds like that might be a necessity.
This falls on the owners in Pittsburgh, specifically Team President Art Rooney II. Upgrades to the practice facility, locker room, and training room are absolutely necessary, and that is becoming clearer by the year.
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Steelers Team President Art Rooney II stands on the field while watching his team get ready for a regular season game.
Steelers Could End Up Losing Free Agents
As younger players continue to come up through the league, the importance of practice facilities is only going to grow. The Steelers are already behind, and the organization has to work to change that. Players in free agency might see how outdated everything is in Pittsburgh and decide to sign elsewhere. Granted, the Steel City has had a great free agent class during the 2026 offseason, but that might not continue in the future.
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