One of the keys to any great team is doing what’s best for the group, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are living proof of that. This is a team loaded with star power, especially on defense, yet they’ve managed to avoid the ego battles that can derail even the most talented squads.

T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward are the leaders of this group, two players seemingly destined for the Hall of Fame. Then there’s Minkah Fitzpatrick, once on a Hall of Fame trajectory himself. His role has evolved, and while the flashy plays may not come as often, his impact remains undeniable. Fitzpatrick has become more of a “supervisor” on the field, overseeing everything from deep in the secondary and ensuring no catastrophic plays happen. Opposing quarterbacks think twice before challenging his #39, often opting to look elsewhere. And when a running back breaks free, Fitzpatrick is there to make game-saving tackles. These aren’t the plays that dominate highlight reels, but they’re the kind that win games.

T.J. Watt continues to redefine selflessness. His sack numbers might not match those of past seasons, partially due to the immense attention he gets from opposing offenses. Watt hasn’t been as dominant in some one-on-one matchups as in previous seasons—a point he’d likely admit and aim to improve. Still, his presence alone impacts every game. Routinely battling double- and triple-teams, Watt’s effort opens opportunities for teammates like Alex Highsmith, Cam Heyward, and Nick Herbig to shine. I’m sure if Watt wanted to move around the defense to get more favorable matchups, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin and Head Coach Mike Tomlin would oblige. But his willingness to endure the extra attention for the team’s benefit speaks volumes about his character.

Elandon Roberts, or “E-Rob,” embodies the Steelers’ “do your job” mentality. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Roberts has one primary mission on defense: disrupt the run game. Against the Browns, he delivered a textbook example, shooting the gap to obliterate a much larger offensive lineman and clear the way for his teammates to make a tackle for loss. It’s the kind of play that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet but makes all the difference.

On offense, the same unselfish spirit shines. Ben Skowronek, a former Super Bowl champion, has embraced his role as a special teams player and blocking receiver. Though he only has two targets and two receptions this season, he approaches his job with pride. His hustle has paid off, as evidenced by recovering two muffed punts this season. Scotty Miller, another Super Bowl winner, has been a non-factor or inactive for much of the year but stepped up against the Browns with a few receptions, including a clutch third-down catch when his team needed it most. Before this past Sunday, Miller hadn’t recorded a reception since Week 3 against the Chargers.

Then there’s Mike Williams, acquired at the trade deadline. While his opportunities have been limited, his attitude has been exemplary. After scoring a touchdown on a single target in Week 9, Williams didn’t complain when weeks passed without another opportunity. Instead, he celebrated the team’s success. Following the win against the Bengals, he posted on Instagram, “F*ck it, we’re winning.” That’s the kind of player I want on my team! When the Steelers called on him against the Browns, Williams delivered, including a stunning one-handed catch on third down to keep a drive alive.

Finally, there’s Russell Wilson, who arrived in Pittsburgh under the cloud of a reputation for selfishness and the perception that he was washed up. Nearly every major outlet painted him as past his prime. Since joining the Steelers, Wilson has completely flipped that narrative. He’s been active in the community, a mentor to younger players like Justin Fields and a leader for the offense, offering advice, building confidence, and keeping everyone focused on the bigger picture. On top of that, he’s playing some of the best football of his career.

This team-first mindset runs deep in the Steelers locker room. From stars to role players, everyone has bought into the culture, and it shows in the way they play. Teams with this kind of cohesion often find themselves making deep playoff runs—and who knows? This 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers team could be something truly special.