New wide receiver Michael Pittman embraces the Pittsburgh Steelers' "bully ball" mentality.
Michael Pittman is coming to a franchise long noted for its physicality.
That would not normally be a selling point for a wide receiver. Yet Pittman believes he is a perfect fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who acquired the 28-year-old from the Indianapolis Colts in a trade earlier this week and signed him to a three-year, $59-million contract extension, with $35 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $19.67 million.
"I love going out there and being tough and playing that brand of football," Pittman said. "I feel like I fit in well here with that bully-ball mentality they have here, which they've had for as long as I can remember. I feel like it fits me perfectly.
"Any way that I can add to this team, I'm going to do everything that I can to make this team better and learn from them and try to get it done. I bring energy, effort, and fire. Just that tenacity of getting everyone going and being that jumpstart whenever we need it."
Pittsburgh wants Pittman to be a reliable No. 2 receiver next to D.K. Metcalf. Last season, Pittman caught 80 passes for 784 yards and a career-high seven touchdowns.
Metcalf had 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns last season, a letdown after coming from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade and signing a five-year, $150-million deal.
The Steelers believe Metcalf’s production dropped due to double-teams. They hope Pittman will draw coverage away from him.
Pittman is excited to play for new Pittsburgh coach Mike McCarthy, who favors the West Coast offense. As a result, Pittman will likely see close to the 111 targets he received in each of the past two seasons with the Colts.
"I was telling Coach that I'm excited for this opportunity and that it's going to be great,” Pittman said. “He was telling me about his plans and everything for this offense, and the things that we are going to do, and everything just sounded great. I'm excited to turn those words into a reality. I am excited to meet everyone, and I can't wait to get out there."
Pittman spent all six years of his career with the Colts after being drafted in 2020 from USC. He recorded 485 catches for 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns.
"Obviously, there's a little bit of sadness when leaving your team and the people you've been with for six years, but then there is excitement after you realize you're going to one of the best franchises in all of sports," Pittman said. "I'm super excited.”
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