When you are talking to professional athletes in any sport, they will likely talk about how the profession takes away some of “love of the game” which got then involved in the sport in the first place.

The genesis of every athlete always goes back to when they got started. Back to when they played for fun, not money.

It’s difficult to back track on that path, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are capable of doing that for at least one night during training camp when they head to Latrobe High School for the Friday Night Lights practice.

It’s like stepping back in time for these players, back to their days in High School when all that mattered was football, friends and the fans in the seats.

Friday night was that annual practice, and players spoke about how special it is, both from a team building perspective and pure nostalgia.

“Oh, it’s so fun,” said offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr. “With the fans being out there, it’s almost like a little scrimmage that we do, especially under the lights at night. Just a different time of the day, a change of scenery.

“I always love going over there and having Friday Night Lights,” said Moore. “It reminds you of high school again. Honestly, it humbles you a little bit. Brings you back to those days when you didn’t have all the resources that you have now. It reminds you of when you were just playing a game, didn’t have too many worries, you were just out there having fun.”

A similar sentiment was echoed by a player who experienced the practice for the first time. That would be none other than quarterback Justin Fields.

“It definitely brought back high school memories,” said quarterback Justin Fields. “I haven’t experienced anything like that since high school. The atmosphere is crazy. It was a good thing for the fans, too.

“It takes you back, makes you appreciate things. When I was in high school, I never thought I would be here right now. It’s like a full circle moment being back on a high school field.”

As for new players, the Steelers 2024 rookie class also was able to experience the practice under the lights for the first time, a memorable experience indeed.

“It changes up the scenery,” said Fautanu. “To be able to play under the lights on a Friday night, it reminds me of how many years ago I was back in high school. It was a really cool atmosphere.

“I was just ready to go. Treated it like another day of practice, but a little bit more glow with the lights on.

“It took me back. Even when I go back home and visit my high school and see all my coaches and see how far I’ve come, how far I need to go in order to achieve my goals. It’s always good to remind yourself where you started and see how far you’ve come.”

The 2024 Steelers journey is just beginning, and the annual night practice is a stepping stone for the team as they prepare not just for the preseason, but when the games count in the regular season.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and updates surrounding the Steelers as they press on throughout training camp.