The World of Sports

New on Sports Illustrated: CJ Lewis Makes Insane Touchdown Catch After Boston College Draws Clemson Offsides

<a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/31/cj-lewis-touchdown-catch-boston-college-clemson-video">
The candidate for catch of the year came after a nifty fake field goal by Boston College's John Tessitore.
Boston College wide receiver CJ Lewis had one of the catches of the year in the Eagles' first-half surge against Clemson.
The action started with the Eagles' incredible fake field goal on 4th-and-2 to draw Clemson offsides. The Tigers called a timeout before Boston College's Phil Jurkovec connected with Lewis on an insane 18-yard touchdown pass. 
After a Clemson defender nearly knocked the ball from Lewis's hands, he bobbled it and managed to scoop it up before it fell to the ground. 
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Boston College placekicker John Tessitore's role in drawing Clemson offsides was crucial to the sequence leading to the score, and his father—ABC broadcaster Joe Tessitore—was ecstatic to call the moment.
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The Tigers were already scared by the Eagles' dominant performance on Halloween, but the end of the second quarter will certainly have them spooked.
Boston College entered halftime with a 28–13 lead over Clemson, which is playing without starter Trevor Lawrence after he <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/30/clemson-trevor-lawrence-tests-positive-coronavirus">tested positive for COVID-19 this week</a>. Freshman D.J. Uiagalelei started in his place on Saturday.

New on Sports Illustrated: CJ Lewis Makes Insane Touchdown Catch After Boston College Draws Clemson Offsides

The candidate for catch of the year came after a nifty fake field goal by Boston College's John Tessitore. Boston College wide receive...

New on Sports Illustrated: Alavés vs. Barcelona Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/31/alaves-vs-barcelona-live-stream-watch-online-tv-channel-start-time">
Barcelona has won eight straight games against Alavés in all match-ups while Alavés hasn't managed a clean sheet against Barcelona for 12 games.
FC Barcelona is looking to build on its victory over Juventus and continue to celebrate this week as the club takes on Deportivo Alavés on Saturday. 
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/28/bartomeu-resigns-barcelona-crisis-super-league-messi-koeman">Josep Bartomeu resigned as the President of Barcelona</a> on the eve of the club's Champions League group stage match vs. Juventus. This news came after 20,000 of the club's members signed a petition to enact a vote of no confidence on the president and the board. 
The next day, the Blaugranes swept Juventus 2-0. 
While things seem to be going well for Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, it's been more turbulent in La Liga. Barcelona sits at No. 12, with seven points out of a possible 15. Their last La Liga match was a  humiliating 3-1 loss against No. 2 Real Madrid where the VAR had a significant role.
Deportivo Alavés sits level on points with Barcelona. Alavés has lost four out of their seven games so far in La Liga but will host Barça. Alavés is coming off of a 2-0 win against Real Valladolid with Tomas Pina and Borja Sainz leading the way.
Alavés will be without Pere Pons due to a muscle injury, and Tomas Tavares, Rodrigo Ely, and Victor Laguardia will go through last-minute fitness tests to see if they are fit to face Barcelona. 
For Barcelona, Gerard Pique is fresh off of his suspension that he picked up against Ferencvaros, which sidelined him against Juventus. He's expected to start on Saturday with Clement Lenglet partnering with him in the backline. Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann are expected to start with Griezmann potentially taking the false-nine position and Messi being behind him. Then, there's Ansu Fati, who has tallied four goals in the span of five games.
How to Watch:
Time: 4 p.m. ET
TV Channel: beIN SPORTS
Live Stream: You can stream the match via <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-1-usa/">beIN SPORTS USA</a>, <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-en-espanol/">beIN SPORTS en Español</a> and <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-connect/">beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.</a>

New on Sports Illustrated: Alavés vs. Barcelona Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

Barcelona has won eight straight games against Alavés in all match-ups while Alavés hasn't managed a clean sheet against Barcelona for ...

New on Sports Illustrated: Christian Pulisic Suffers Injury in Warmup Before Match vs. Burnley

<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/31/christian-pulisic-injury-warmup-miss-chelsea-burnley-match">
Timo Werner replaced Pulisic for Chelsea's match against Burnley.
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTY5MDY1NTU1ODQ2NzY4MzY3/christian-pulisic-chelsea-bayern.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic suffered an injury in warmups ahead of Chelsea's match against Burnley on Saturday.
"There's a late change to our starting team. Timo Werner replaces Christian Pulisic and young goalkeeper Karlo Ziger is on the bench," the Blues announced on social media.
No additional details are known about his injury.
Chelsea will certainly miss Pulisic on Saturday after he
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/10/26/christian-pulisic-chelsea-first-goal-video-premier-league-burnley">scored a perfect hat trick</a> in the Blues' 4–2 victory over Burnley last year.
The 22-year-old recently returned from a hamstring injury and didn't start for Chelsea's Champions League match against Krasnodar on Wednesday. However, Pulisic came off the bench to <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/28/christian-pulisic-goal-video-champions-league-usmnt-reyna-dest">draw a penalty and score the final goal of a 4–0 rout</a> of Krasnodar. It marked his first goal of the season and tied DaMarcus Beasley's record for an American in the Champions League with his fourth career goal in the competition with his 90th-minute finish.
Pulisic will likely hope to return to the field with USMNT for a camp starting on Nov. 9. The camp will include a Nov. 12 friendly against Wales at Liberty Stadium in Swansea without fans in attendance.

New on Sports Illustrated: Christian Pulisic Suffers Injury in Warmup Before Match vs. Burnley

Timo Werner replaced Pulisic for Chelsea's match against Burnley. U.S. men's national team star Christian Pulisic suffered an inj...

New on Sports Illustrated: Illinois QB Brandon Peters Tests Positive for COVID-19, Out vs. Purdue

<a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/31/brandon-peters-illinois-tests-positive-covid-19-out-against-purdue">
Peters will be sidelined until Nov. 21 due to COVID-19 protocols.
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Illinois will face Purdue on Saturday without starting quarterback Brandon Peters, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The Illini announced on Saturday morning that Peters and redshirt freshman tight end Griffin Moore returned positive tests. "Several other players" will also be sidelined this weekend and next week against Minnesota due to contract tracing.
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Moore and Peters will miss 21 days due to Big Ten protocols and be eligible to return on Nov. 21 against Nebraska. 
Peters went 8-for-19 for 87 yards with zero touchdowns in Illinois's season-opening loss to Wisconsin.
The news of Illinois's two positive cases comes shortly after Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez announced the <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/31/wisconsin-covid-19-outbreak-22-positive-tests-purdue-game-jeopardy">Badgers' COVID-19 outbreak has grown to 22 cases.</a> Wisconsin canceled this weekend's game against Nebraska due to the outbreak.

New on Sports Illustrated: Illinois QB Brandon Peters Tests Positive for COVID-19, Out vs. Purdue

Peters will be sidelined until Nov. 21 due to COVID-19 protocols. Illinois will face Purdue on Saturday without starting quarterback Bran...

New on Sports Illustrated: Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez Says Football Program Has 22 Positive COVID-19 Tests

<a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/31/wisconsin-covid-19-outbreak-22-positive-tests-purdue-game-jeopardy">
The Badgers canceled Saturday's game against Nebraska due to the outbreak.
Wisconsin's COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow amid a rough week for the football program.
Athletic director Barry Alvarez provided an update on ESPN's College GameDay on Saturday morning and said the program has 22 positive COVID-19 tests. The results include 10 staff members and 12 players.
"So we are still having additions in our cases, and that's something we have to get our arms around and control of," Alvarez said,
</a><a href="https://saturdaytradition.com/wisconsin-football/wisconsin-ad-barry-alvarez-provides-saturday-am-update-to-badgers-covid-results/">per Saturday Tradition</a>.
He added that the Badgers are evaluating their upcoming game against Purdue on Nov. 7 and will make a decision on their Week 3 status on Tuesday.
If Wisconsin can't play Purdue, it will drop the team to a six-game schedule, which is the minimum needed to contend for the Big Ten championship. The league is playing an eight-game, conference-only schedule this fall and has no bye weeks to make up missed games. Since teams will be playing a different number of games, the Big Ten will determine division standings based on winning percentage.
The Badgers were forced to <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/28/wisconsin-nebraska-canceled-badgers-positive-coronavirus-tests">cancel Saturday's game against Nebraska</a> on Wednesday after they registered 12 positive COVID-19 tests within the program. Head coach Paul Chryst is among those who tested positive, and he has to self-isolate for 10 days. By Thursday, the team's number of cases grew to 16. 
The canceled game will result in a "no contest" ruling from the Big Ten. It will not be made up due to the conference's schedule constraints.
After the decision was announced, <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/29/big-ten-denies-nebraska-utc-game">Nebraska attempted to schedule a non-conference game against Chattanooga</a>. The Big Ten rejected it since its teams agreed to play a conference-only schedule.

New on Sports Illustrated: Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez Says Football Program Has 22 Positive COVID-19 Tests

The Badgers canceled Saturday's game against Nebraska due to the outbreak. Wisconsin's COVID-19 outbreak continues to grow amid a ...

New on Sports Illustrated: Michigan State vs. Michigan Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

<a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/31/michigan-state-michigan-live-stream-watch-online-tv-channel-time">
Michigan State and Michigan will meet in a rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor on Saturday.
No. 13 Michigan will welcome Michigan State to the Big House on Saturday in a rivalry that's turned up the heat in recent years. 
The two teams had vastly different results in their season openers last weekend. The Wolverines trounced Minnesota in a 49–24 victory, while the
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/24/rutgers-beats-michigan-state-score-highlights">Spartans shockingly fell 38–27 to Rutgers</a>.
First-time starter <a href="https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-football-joe-milton-jim-harbaugh-quarterback-minnesota-state">Joe Milton displayed his accuracy and poise</a> for Michigan while going for 15-for-22 with 225 yards and one touchdown. He also proved he's effective as a runner while rushing for 52 yards on eight carries.
Following Michigan's win over the Gophers, coach Jim Harbaugh praised Milton's performance.
"He was on target all night and played with the poise of a savvy veteran, had great command of the offense, ran the ball with authority and athleticism and speed and had great ball security," he said.
Meanwhile, turnovers played a huge role in Michigan State's loss last weekend. The Spartans finished with seven–four in the first half–compared to Rutgers' three. After Michigan State's first two possessions resulted in fumbles, Scarlet Knights took an early 14–0 lead. Although the Spartans eventually narrowed Rutgers' lead to 28–20 in the third quarter, they couldn't mount a comeback.
Michigan has won three of the last four rivalry meetings and is expected to topple the Spartans again on Saturday.
How to Watch:
Time: Noon ET
TV Channel: FOX 
Live Stream: You can stream the game on fuboTV. <a href="https://www.fubo.tv/lp/collegefootball/?irad=399332&irmp=376635">Sign up now for a free seven-day trial</a>. You can also view it via the FOX Sports app.

New on Sports Illustrated: Michigan State vs. Michigan Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

Michigan State and Michigan will meet in a rivalry showdown in Ann Arbor on Saturday. No. 13 Michigan will welcome Michigan State to the B...

New on Sports Illustrated: Real Madrid vs. Huesca Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/31/real-madrid-huesca-live-stream-watch-online-tv-channel-start-time">
Real Madrid rests at second in La Liga, just a single point behind Real Sociedad. Huesca is hanging on with zero wins after being promoted.
Reigning La Liga champions Real Madrid return to action after a rollercoaster week to take on underdogs Huesca. 
Zinedine Zidane's team beat FC Barcelona 3-1 in El Clasico, but they have been struggling in the Champions League. The squad lost to Shakhtar at home (2-3) but then scored two late goals to draw 2-2 with Borussia Monchengladbach on Tuesday. 
But in La Liga, Real Madrid is just a single point behind leaders Real Sociedad. Huesca, on the other hand, is winless with five draws and two defeats so far this season in La Liga, following promotion from the second division.
Real Madrid will be without Dani Carvajal, Alvaro Odriozola and Martin Odegaard, but 
</a><a href="https://en.as.com/en/2020/10/30/football/1604072464_666164.html">Mariano Diaz was brought back into the squad</a> ahead of Saturday's matchup. José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias, known as Nacho, is still doubtful after suffering a tight injury during the team's 3-1 win over Barcelona. Thibaut Courtois, who is overcoming a muscular strain, is likely to be in the starting IX. 
Huesca's Pedro Lopez and Mikel Rico are expected to miss the game due to injury and coronavirus respectively. Shinji Okazaki is also out due to injury, being replaced by Sandro Ramírez.
The Oscenses won the 2019-20 Segunda Division, earning their way to the top division, but fell to Real Sociedad 4-1 last weekend. They hope having Ramírez and Rafa Mir on the front lines will help catch Madrid off guard. 
Mir has contributed two of the team's five goals in their first seven games. He's taken 18 shots in the league so far, the same as Atletico Madrid’s Luis Suarez and Barca’s Lionel Messi.
How to Watch:
Time: 9 a.m. ET
TV Channel: beIN SPORTS
Live Stream: You can stream the match on <a href="https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=CU_JE_oOcX4F_jpKiBpz-kMAFksOk3ln2ycOllwucv_nk6ggIABABILlUYMmGgICkpMQRoAG8qeKdA8gBAcgD2CCqBEFP0DJamJXsnLgys-Bt2ohIRTf9z532gOmrEE7twKTS5tJh-9thhRJSmlZmK4pZZs5kSsT3nnCymxg8qnfiTSraoMAEoarM3p4BgAWQTqAGZoAH9tudYogHAZAHAagHpr4bqAfw2RuoB_LZG6gH89EbqAfu0huoB8rcG6gHwtobsAgB0ggFEAIghAGaCRxodHRwczovL3d3dy5mdWJvLnR2L2xwL2JlaW4vsQkt5GQ3U8OodbkJLeRkN1PDqHX4CQGKCrQBaHR0cHM6Ly9hZC5hdGRtdC5jb20vcy9nbzthZHY9MTEwMDIyMDQ5NzY3NDA7ZWM9MTEwMDIyMjE3NzU0NDk7Yy5hPTc1ODcyNTkxMDtzLmE9Z29vZ2xlO3AuYT03NTg3MjU5MTA7YXMuYT00MjYxMTE4NDkyOTtxcGI9MTs_Ymlka3c9JTJCcmVhbCUyMCUyQm1hZHJpZCUyMCUyQmNoYW5uZWwmZHZjPWMmaD17bHB1cmx9mAsB4AsBqgwCCAGIFAPIFP6uwsPztpngTpgWAQ&ae=2&ved=2ahUKEwiA6qDon93sAhVDc98KHbDCDM0Q0Qx6BAgZEAE&dct=1&dblrd=1&sival=AF15MEA8JjM9dJtVDTyv6fFM1zcHzcl-JG-DofWNah5VgIbtFWnB6MugIVx999V8mB_XtyACmJsigeTDvJ5rVMgTGYQWZ0X7Pt8Ukul4Gsd6Y1esCVQfuJzS7nbC9t9G2bohGXDxyuiS4kDdpFSEoq9ERNgaCSSxKQ&sig=AOD64_0YBtP23pJAP07ApU8QICC1dBqxkQ&adurl=https://www.fubo.tv/lp/bein/%3Ftitle%3DWatch%2520Real%2520Madrid%2520games%2520on%2520beIN%2520SPORTS%26ftv_campaign%3DUSA-SEM-Sports-Soccer-Team-Real-Madrid%26offer%3Dfamily-fubo-basic">fuboTV</a>. Live stream available via <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-1-usa/">beIN SPORTS USA</a>, <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-en-espanol/">beIN SPORTS en Español</a> and <a href="https://www.livesoccertv.com/channels/bein-sport-connect/">beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A.</a>

New on Sports Illustrated: Real Madrid vs. Huesca Live Stream: Watch Online, TV Channel, Start Time

Real Madrid rests at second in La Liga, just a single point behind Real Sociedad. Huesca is hanging on with zero wins after being promoted....

New on Sports Illustrated: Biopic on Randy Arozarena in the Works After Breakout Postseason

<a href="https://www.si.com/mlb/2020/10/31/randy-arozarena-movie-biopic-tampa-bay-rays">
Arozarena set records for most home runs and hits in a single postseason during Tampa Bay's World Series run.
Following his record-setting playoff run that saw him set a new record for home runs (10) and hits (29) in a single postseason, the Randy Arozarena story is reportedly on its way to the silver screen.
Wonderfilm Media is in early stages of production on a biopic around Arozarena,
</a><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/randy-arozarena-biopic-in-the-works-at-wonderfilm">according to The Hollywood Reporter</a>. The film's screenplay will be penned by Brad Gann, whose writing credits include 2006's 'Invincible' about the unlikely NFL career of Vince Papale; and 2011's 'Soul Surfer' about surfer Bethany Hamilton, who survived a horrific shark attack before recovering and returning to professional surfing.
<figure><img height="348" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDc1NzAyOTE5NDQwMDkx/randy-arozarena.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
Arozarena defected from Cuba to Mexico in 2015 before signing with the Cardinals in 2016. He made his major league debut in 2019 before getting traded to the Rays in January 2020. Arozarena missed the first five weeks of this season after contracting COVID-19, but eventually recovered and made his Tampa Bay debut on Aug. 30.
“Randy’s story is so inspirational—his journey grabs at your heart and this film will explore the triumphs of the human spirit when driven and focused,” Wonderfilm’s Bret Saxon said in a statement.
Arozarena grew up a talented soccer player in addition to his exploits on the diamond—his younger brother, Raiko, is a professional goalkeeper playing in Mexico. His father's death in 2014, when Aroznarena was just 15 years old, spurred him into pursuing a professional baseball carer in the U.S.
“You honestly just have to risk your life for your family,” Arozarena <a href="https://www.mlb.com/news/randy-arozarena-could-be-rays-star-in-the-making">said to Juan Toribio of MLB.com earlier this month</a>. “I took the chance and thankfully, I got here without any problems, and now I’m representing the Tampa Bay Rays.”
Production on the Arozarena film is expected to begin in late 2021. It will be produced by Jeff Bowler and Saxon, with William J. Macdonald, Alex Zakrzeski, John Lewis and Gregg Backer serving as executive producers.

New on Sports Illustrated: Biopic on Randy Arozarena in the Works After Breakout Postseason

Arozarena set records for most home runs and hits in a single postseason during Tampa Bay's World Series run. Following his record-set...

New on Sports Illustrated: 10 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players of All Time

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Best-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Defensive-Players">
These are the top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players of all time. The Steelers have always been known for tough defense and these are the men that built that reputation.
<figure><img height="413" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDc0NTE2NDM0OTIxMjI2/best-pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-players.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Linebacker James Harrison is one of the best defensive players in Steelers' history.</figcaption>
</figure>
There are two ways to win a football game: score more points than your opponent or prevent them from scoring more points than you. For the last fifty years, the Steelers have excelled at the latter.
During the ‘70s, the Steelers' Steel Curtain defense was a 4–3 scheme with a dominant front four, three athletic linebackers and hard-hitting defensive backs. The ‘90s ushered in the Blitzburgh era, marked by hyper-aggressive linebackers who relentlessly ran down quarterbacks. During the Super Bowl years of the mid-2000s, the addition of a roving, tenacious, strong safety made the Steelers defense even more dangerous.
The Steelers defense has ranked in the top five for points allowed in a season 17 times since 1972. During that same period, Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls and eight AFC championships. Even during the pre-Super Bowl era, when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season, they still fielded powerful defenses. In 1957, the Steelers ranked first in the NFL for yards allowed and second for points allowed.
<h3>Choosing the Top Defenders in Steelers History</h3>
The players on this list are the best Steelers defensive players of all time. They made the cut based on:
<ul>
<li>their dominance during the time in which they played,</li>
<li>stats and accolades,</li>
<li>contributions to championships,</li>
<li>and overall value to the Steelers organization.</li>
</ul>
Ultimately, these players on this list are not only the greatest defensive players in Steeler franchise history but also some of the best the NFL has ever seen.
<h2>10. Jack Butler</h2>
Defensive Back, 1951–59
Today, Jack Butler is somewhat of an unsung hero from pre-Super-Bowl-era Steelers lore. While it is true that the franchise struggled through most of its early history, there were bright spots and a few superstars, and Butler was one of them.
In nine seasons, he intercepted an impressive 52 passes and took four of them back for touchdowns. He ranks second in franchise history for career interceptions, behind only Mel Blount. He made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams even though the Steelers could only put together two winning seasons during Butler’s tenure.
Butler finally joined other great
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Hall-of-Fame">Steelers in the Hall of Fame</a> when he was enshrined with the class of 2012, more than 50 years after his retirement from the NFL. He is an all-time Steelers great from a time when greatness was hard to come by.
Jersey Number: 80
Accolades
<ul>
<li>4 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>3 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 2012</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>9 Seasons</li>
<li>104 Games</li>
<li>52 Interceptions for 827 Yards and 4 Touchdowns</li>
<li>10 Fumble Recoveries for 38 Yards and 1 Touchdown</li>
</ul>
<h2>9. Kevin Greene</h2>
Linebacker, 1993–95
It is tough to decide where Kevin Greene should rank among the best Steelers defensive players. He is a Hall of Famer and one of the top linebackers of all time, a pass-rushing machine with a nonstop motor. He played opposite fellow outside linebacker Greg Lloyd in an aggressive 3–4 defense, and the pair pummeled quarterbacks for three amazing seasons in Pittsburgh. Greene’s time in the Steel City culminated in a trip to Super Bowl XXX, an achievement he played no small part in.
On the other hand, he only spent three seasons in Pittsburgh before moving on to the Panthers after the Super Bowl season of 1995. For that reason alone, it seems unfair to rank him higher than other Steelers greats who spent all or most of their careers in the black and gold. Greene is one of those players that Steeler Nation sure would have liked to have stuck around longer.
Jersey Number: 91
Accolades
<ul>
<li>2 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>1 All-Pro Selection</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 2016</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>3 Seasons</li>
<li>48 Games</li>
<li>35.5 Sacks</li>
<li>1 Interception</li>
<li>6 Fumble Recoveries</li>
</ul>
<h2>8. Ernie Stautner</h2>
Defensive Tackle, 1950–63
Like Jack Butler, Ernie Stautner was a Hall-of-Fame-caliber defensive player during an era when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season. Undersized at only 230 pounds, he made up for it with toughness and tenacity. Thanks to his gritty style of play, Stautner and players like him began to cultivate the reputation for tough, hard-hitting defensive football that the Steelers are still known for today.
Stautner made the Pro Bowl roster nine times and the All-Pro team once in his 14-year career. In 1964, the Steelers retired his No. 70 jersey. For a long time, he was the only player in Steeler franchise history to have his jersey retired by the franchise, though Joe Greene joined him in that honor in 2014. Ernie Stautner was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1969.
Jersey Number: 70
Accolades
<ul>
<li>9 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>1 All-Pro Selection</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 1969</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>14 Seasons</li>
<li>173 Games</li>
<li>2 Interceptions</li>
<li>23 Fumble Recoveries</li>
<li>3 Safeties</li>
</ul>
<h2>7. Mel Blount</h2>
Cornerback, 1970–83
Mel Blount was one of the toughest cornerbacks of his era. At 6’3” tall, he towered over most wide receivers and his physical playing style fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense. Blount’s aggressive abuse of receivers eventually led to a rule change and today, defensive backs are no longer allowed to contact receivers more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage.
Blount played 200 games as a Steeler, intercepted 57 passes and made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. In 1975, he earned the award for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and throughout the ‘70s, he helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls. Blount was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1989.
Jersey Number: 47
Accolades
<ul>
<li>5 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>2 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>4 Super Bowl Championships</li>
<li>1975 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 1989</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>14 Seasons</li>
<li>200 Games</li>
<li>57 Interceptions for 736 Yards and 2 Touchdowns</li>
<li>13 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Touchdowns</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="520" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDc0NTE2NDM0NzI0NjE4/best-pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-players.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>James Harrison (92) is the Steelers' All-Time sack leader.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>6. James Harrison</h2>
Linebacker, 2002, 2004–12, 2014–2017
Linebacker James Harrison chased down quarterbacks for 14 seasons with the Steelers. He is the franchise’s all-time leading pass rusher with 80.5 sacks, and he played a major role in two Super Bowl championships. He made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during 177 games as a Steeler and he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Harrison's 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII helped solidify one of the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Greatest-Wins-in-Pittsburgh-Steelers-History">biggest wins in Steelers' history</a>.
Harrison took the long road to NFL stardom and struggled to make the roster with both the Steelers and Ravens as a young player. He spent some time with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe before returning to the Steelers and eventually becoming a full-time starter in 2007. The rest is history, as Harrison went on to become one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL and a major problem for any offensive coordinator that faced the Steelers.
Jersey Number: 92
Accolades
<ul>
<li>5 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>2 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>2 Super Bowl Championships</li>
<li>2008 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>14 Seasons</li>
<li>177 Games</li>
<li>80.5 Sacks</li>
<li>7 Interceptions for 86 Yards</li>
<li>8 Fumble Recoveries</li>
</ul>
<h2>5. Rod Woodson</h2>
Cornerback, 1987–96
Woodson was a cornerback and return man with blazing speed. Drafted by the Steelers in 1987, he made his first of six straight Pro Bowls in 1989. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, he made a total of seven Pro Bowls and was voted an All-Pro five times. He intercepted 38 passes and returned five for touchdowns. Woodson was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.
As a return man, Woodson ran back two kicks and two punts for scores during his time with the Steelers. He was a star player during a time when the Steelers had few and a scoring threat any time he got his hands on the ball. Because of Woodson and other players in the early ‘90s, the Steelers were able to return to their former glory and make the playoffs under new head coach Bill Cowher. Woodson missed the 1995 regular season with a knee injury but still managed to play in the Super Bowl that year. Woodson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Jersey Number: 26
Accolades
<ul>
<li>7 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>5 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>1993 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 2009</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>Seasons 10</li>
<li>134 Games</li>
<li>38 Interceptions for 779 Yards and 5 Touchdowns</li>
<li>21 Fumbles Recovered for 1 Touchdown</li>
<li>257 Punt Returns for 2,362 Yards and 2 Touchdowns</li>
<li>220 Kick Returns for 4,894 Yards and 2 Touchdowns</li>
</ul>
<h2>4. Jack Ham</h2>
Linebacker, 1971–82
Jack Ham was not only the best outside linebacker ever to put on a Steelers uniform, but he was also one of the best in NFL history. He came to the Steelers in 1971 as part of a draft class that included safety Mike Wagner and defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, two more defensive stars who, along with Ham, were part of the Steelers dynasty of the '70s.
Ham made eight straight Pro Bowls and six straight All-Pro teams in his 12 seasons with the Steelers. He was an excellent all-around athlete with the strength to handle blockers, the speed to cover running backs and the intelligence to make the right decisions. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1988.
Jersey Number: 59
Accolades
<ul>
<li>8 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>6 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>4 Super Bowl Championships</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 1988</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>12 Seasons</li>
<li>162 Games</li>
<li>32 Interceptions for 218 yards and 1 Touchdown</li>
<li>21 Fumble Recoveries for 1 Touchdown</li>
<li>3 Sacks</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="416" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDc0NTE2NDM0ODU1Njkw/best-pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-players.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Troy Polamalu (43) is one of the best defensive players in Steelers history.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>3. Troy Polamalu</h2>
Safety, 2003–14
As a Steelers fan, it is fun to imagine how much sleep offensive coordinators must have lost during the nights before facing Troy Polamalu and the Pittsburgh defense. While the Pittsburgh pass rush and run defense were highly ranked in the mid-2000s, Troy Polamalu was the heart and soul of the defense.
Polamalu was an unpredictable terror with the freedom to make made bold decisions that offenses often didn’t expect. In his prime, he seemed to be everywhere at once and there was little an opposing quarterback could do to avoid him. During 12 seasons, he helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and three AFC championships. He made eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. He intercepted 32 passes, recovered seven fumbles, and in 158 games, he scored five defensive touchdowns.
Jersey Number: 43
Accolades
<ul>
<li>8 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>4 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>2010 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>2 Super Bowl Championships</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>12 Seasons</li>
<li>158 Games</li>
<li>32 Interceptions for 398 Yards and 3 Touchdowns</li>
<li>7 Fumbles Recovered for 2 Touchdowns</li>
<li>12 Sacks</li>
</ul>
<h2>2. Jack Lambert</h2>
Linebacker, 1974–84
As a rookie, Jack Lambert filled in at middle linebacker when starter Henry Davis got injured. Davis never got his job back. Lambert earned Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974, and Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. Throughout 11 seasons, he made nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams.
Lambert was a terrifying presence with missing front teeth and a perpetual scowl on his face. He wore huge shoulder pads with a neck roll, and at 6’4”, he loomed over quarterbacks before the snap like a dark, menacing storm cloud. In reality, he was an undersized linebacker even for his era. Though listed at 220 pounds, according to some accounts, he was much lighter.
It didn’t matter. Lambert was ferocious on the field and seemed to treat every play like a street fight. He set the tone for an unforgiving Pittsburgh defense that won four <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Super-Bowl-Championships">Super Bowl championships for the Steelers</a>. Today he is regarded as one of the best middle linebackers ever to play the game.
Lambert was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1990.
Jersey Number: 58
Accolades
<ul>
<li>9 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>6 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year</li>
<li>1976 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>4 Super Bowl Championships</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 1990</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>11 Seasons</li>
<li>146 Games</li>
<li>28 Interceptions for 243 Yards</li>
<li>17 Fumble Recoveries</li>
<li>8 Sacks</li>
</ul>
<h2>1. Joe Greene</h2>
Defensive Tackle, 1969–81
Though it might be hard to imagine today, the years before the arrival of head coach Chuck Noll in 1969 were dark days for the Steelers. With the exception of a few years here and there, for the better part of four decades, the Steelers were rarely able to cobble together a winning season.
In 1969, Noll drafted a defensive tackle named Joe Greene, and the tide began to turn. Greene was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969, and the Steelers continued to draft well over the next few years. By 1972, the Steelers had their first winning season since 1963 and defeated the Raiders for the franchise’s first-ever playoff win. In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl.
The Steelers won three more Super Bowls during the 1970s and are widely considered the Team of the Decade. Today, Pittsburgh is one of the most successful NFL franchises in history. It all started with Joe Greene.
“Mean” Joe Greene played for 13 seasons in Pittsburgh. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1972 and '74, and he made an amazing 10 Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Greene was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2014, he joined Ernie Stautner as one of two Steelers to ever have their jersey numbers officially retired by the organization.
Jersey Number: 75
Accolades
<ul>
<li>10 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>4 All-Pro Selections</li>
<li>1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year</li>
<li>1972 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>1974 Defensive Player of the Year</li>
<li>4 Super Bowl Championships</li>
<li>Hall of Fame Class of 1987</li>
</ul>
Stats
<ul>
<li>13 Seasons</li>
<li>181 Games</li>
<li>1 Interception for 26 Yards</li>
<li>1 Fumble Recovery</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who Is the Best Steelers Defensive Player of All Time?</h2>
Joe Greene is the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Top-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Players-of-All-Time">greatest Steelers player of all time</a> and is regarded as one of the best defensive tackles ever to play in the NFL. He made more Pro Bowls than any other Steeler in history and earned Defensive Player of the Year twice. He was a hard-nosed player who didn’t tolerate losing and set the tone for the Steel Curtain defense.
<figure><img height="466" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDc0NTE2NDM0NzkwMTU0/best-pittsburgh-steelers-defensive-players.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Joey Porter, former player and linebackers coach for the Steelers, was a hard-charging linebacker who played with a ton of heart.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Honorable Mentions</h2>
<h3>L.C. Greenwood</h3>
Defensive End, 1969–81
Greenwood arrived in Pittsburgh with the 1969 draft—the same year as Joe Greene. The pair lined up alongside each other from 1969 to '81 and made up half of the original Steel Curtain defensive line. Greenwood made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro rosters. Many Steelers fans believe he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
<h3>Donnie Shell</h3>
Safety, 1974–87
Shell is an old-school Steeler who was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He helped win four Super Bowls and intercepted 51 passes in his 14-year career. He made the Pro Bowl five times and All-Pro three times.
<h3>Greg Lloyd</h3>
Linebacker, 1988–97
Lloyd was an intimidating linebacker with a bad on-field attitude who would have fit in perfectly with the Steelers of the 1970s. He made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams as a Steeler and racked up a total of 53.5 sacks. Lloyd helped the Steelers make it back to the Super Bowl in 1995 where they lost to the Cowboys.
<h3>Jason Gildon</h3>
Linebacker, 1994–2003
Gildon’s 77 career sacks rank him second behind James Harrison in franchise history. He was a prototypical Steelers pass rusher who made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his time in Pittsburgh.
<h3>Carnell Lake</h3>
Defensive Back, 1989–98
Lake was a linebacker in college who became a Pro-Bowl safety in the NFL. He had an All-Pro season at cornerback as well when Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson left and Coach Bill Cowher asked Lake to fill in. During his time in Pittsburgh, Lake made the Pro Bowl four times and All-Pro once.
<h3>Joey Porter</h3>
Linebacker, 1999–2006
Porter was an aggressive pass rusher who tallied 60 sacks during his eight years as a Steeler, putting him third in team history. He made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro roster as Steeler and helped Pittsburgh win a Super Bowl in 2005.
<h2>Steelers All-Time Sacks Leaders</h2>
<h2>Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Records</h2>
<h3>Interceptions All-Time</h3>
Mel Blount (1970-1983): 57
<h3>Interceptions in a Season</h3>
Mel Blount (1975): 11
<h3>Sacks All-Time</h3>
James Harrison (2002–17): 80.5
<h3>Sacks in a Season</h3>
James Harrison (2008): 16
<h3>Safeties All-Time</h3>
Ernie Stautner (1950–63): 3
Bill McPeak (1949–57): 3
<h2>Steelers All-Time Interception Leaders</h2>
<h2>What Was the Steel Curtain?</h2>
Most Steelers fans have heard about the Steel Curtain defense. It has become a term practically synonymous with Pittsburgh football, but it is occasionally misused and misunderstood. The era of the Steel Curtain was a specific time period in the 1970s, and while it is poetic to use the term for modern Steelers defenses, it really isn't accurate.
The Steel Curtain often is used to refer to the entire Steelers defense of the '70s Super Bowl period, a definition that is acceptable in the eyes of most Steelers fans. However, Steelers sticklers will tell you the term Steel Curtain refers only to the front four defensive linemen.
<h3>Who Were the Original Steel Curtain?</h3>
<ul>
<li>L.C. Greenwood: Defensive End</li>
<li>Joe Greene: Defensive Tackle</li>
<li>Ernie Holmes: Defensive Tackle</li>
<li>Dwight White: Defensive End</li>
</ul>
These four players teamed up from 1971 to '77, making for one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history. Holmes left the team in '77 and was replaced by defensive tackles John Banaszak, Gary Dunn and Steve Furness for the final two Super Bowls championships of the era.
<h2>Top-Ranked Steelers Defenses</h2>
<h2>Defense Wins Championships</h2>
They say that defense wins championships, but this may no longer be true in the modern NFL. I'm not convinced an NFL team can win a Super Bowl today without a great quarterback and a powerful offense. Even the best defenses struggle to contain the top-level, high-scoring offenses in the modern-era NFL.
But if you do happen to have a great quarterback and an offense capable of putting four touchdowns on the board every game, a strong defense can still make a big difference. Games in today's NFL are often battles of attrition, and stopping your opponent from scoring more points than you is still a valid game plan.
The Steelers of the '70s stopped offenses in their tracks with a tenacious front four called the Steel Curtain. Blitzburgh of the '90s relentlessly chased down quarterbacks. The Steelers defense of the mid-2000s confused opponents with a ferocious pass rush and an unpredictable All-Pro strong safety.
The Steelers of today still play great defense . . . maybe even championship caliber. But without an offense that can put points on the board, they may never achieve what their predecessors had.
Time will tell. The NFL is always changing, and defenses today have more to worry about than any other time in the history of the league.
<h2>Stats and Reference</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/">Pro Football Reference</a></li>
</ul>

New on Sports Illustrated: 10 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players of All Time

These are the top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players of all time. The Steelers have always been known for tough defense and these are...

New on Sports Illustrated: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe Get Engaged

<a href="https://www.si.com/wnba/2020/10/31/sue-bird-megan-rapinoe-engaged">
The power couple met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and were the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.
Power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are engaged. 
Bird posted a photo on Instagram of Rapinoe on one knee, putting a ring on the Seattle Storm guard's left hand ring finger. 
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The couple met at a sponsor event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and hit it off. They were the first openly gay couple to
</a><a href="https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/page/espnwbodybirdrapinoe/wnba-sue-bird-uswnt-megan-rapinoe-debate-better-athlete-body-issue-2018">appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue</a>. 
Since Bird revealed the two were dating, the Seattle sports stars became an iconic couple within the LGBTQ community. Bird's authentic history features three-time WNBA champion with the Storm, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time FIBA World Champion, and two NCAA titles at UConn.
Rapinoe has an equally impressive resume, boasting an Olympic gold medal along with two gold and one silver Women’s World Cup medals, and the 2005 NCAA title from her time at the University of Portland.
Rapinoe and Bird have been outspoken in their support of one another, both writing pieces in Player's Tribune within the last year. The soccer legend wrote a <a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/megan-rapinoe-seattle-storm-wnba-finals">WNBA Finals Preview</a> earlier this month while the basketball icon penned "<a href="https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/sue-bird-megan-rapinoe-uswnt">So the President F*cking Hates My Girlfriend</a>" as a World Cup Semifinals preview in July 2019. 
The two are often seen supporting each other on the sidelines, like when Bird cheered on as Rapinoe (who was a co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team) led her team to victory in the 2019 World Cup and vice versa when Bird and the Seattle Storm dominated the 2020 WNBA Finals. 
As the Seattle Storm tweeted, it's ring season for the two love birds. 
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New on Sports Illustrated: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe Get Engaged

The power couple met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and were the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body I...

New on Sports Illustrated: Five Sneaky Teams That Could Make a Run in the Second Half

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/30/sneaky-second-half-teams-lions-chargers">
The Lions and Chargers could make pushes, it's too early to count out the Patriots and more thoughts on the NFL's second half.
There is not a ton of middle ground in the NFL right now, which was safe to expect after emerging from the most unprecedented offseason in modern history. It seems the pandemic has (somewhat) rewarded established coach-quarterback relationships as we expected. Eight of the 10 best records in the league are held by coaches and quarterbacks who worked together last season, with the Tom Brady–Bruce Arians and Matt Nagy–Nick Foles pairings the two exceptions.
That said, now that everyone is in a groove, do we expect the tides to shift at all? There are always one or two good second-half teams and, thanks to
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/02/20/expanded-nfl-playoffs-14-teams">the additional playoff spot in each conference this year</a>, it would not be surprising to see a more significant trade deadline push to lift teams from middling to competitive.
So where is that middling team going to emerge from? We’ve got five options heading into this weekend, with the Panthers’ loss on Thursday to the Falcons narrowly edging them out of contention for this list …
<figure><img height="345" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2NzI4ODUzNzc2MzQ2/nfl-second-half-sleepers-lions-chargers.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
<h2>New England Patriots (2–4)</h2>
God bless the hosts on WEEI Friday morning who asked Bill Belichick about his team being sellers at the deadline. He seemed to have fun with the response, but obviously offered no inclination as to what he’s thinking about the short-term. We’re in a bizarre position with the Patriots, where no quarterback is currently effective enough to pilot the system. Where the defense is getting blown off the ball. Where they have sunk to third place in the division. The question about selling off pieces was a legitimate one, though it might have felt strange bouncing off the walls given how unprecedented of a situation we’re in. I still have a hard time counting out New England, though, for the simple reason that they have all but one of their divisional games remaining. I also don’t think that it’s possible for Cam Newton to continue in this funk, regardless of how poorly his surrounding set of skill position players are. Newton right now is floating in the Daniel Jones/Dwayne Haskins area of Defense-adjusted Value over Average, meaning that on a play-to-play basis he is costing New England (meanwhile, a neutral “average” this year is someone like Baker Mayfield). Of their remaining opponents only two, Baltimore and the Rams, have a top-10 defense. The rest, based on DVOA are 14, 32, 18, 12, 17, 21, 14 and 32. While the Bills come into this weekend’s matchup in first place, it seems a lot of what they are struggling with offensively can be countered by .
<h2>Miami Dolphins (3–3)</h2>
I’m <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/20/miami-dolphins-tua-tagovailoa-starter-playoffs-opportunity">on the record</a> as saying the move to Tua Tagovailoa will make this offense better and harder to contain immediately, which is saying a lot given that Ryan Fitzpatrick was flying above replacement level for a majority of this season. There has been nothing about Brian Flores’s Dolphins rebuild that has been irresponsibly microwaved, so Tagovailoa’s practice performances had to have been outrageously good for him to nab the baton at this point in the season. The Dolphins are 3–3 at the moment but have the fourth-best point differential in the conference (+47) behind only Baltimore, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. All of the things they do well on offense will theoretically get better when operating alongside a wildly accurate and situationally mobile quarterback. The running game is efficient enough but can get better. If they can survive this meaty portion of their schedule off the bye—Rams, at Cardinals, Chargers—they’ll get the Broncos, Jets and Bengals in a row.
<h2>Detroit Lions (3–3)</h2>
The Lions, a team that we expect will be somewhat active at the trade deadline, are working with a playoff mandate and have little choice but to throw everything they can at their remaining opponents. Detroit has won two straight and has a point differential close to even, reflecting some of the strange ways in which they’ve lost games late. They’re also disproportionately bad at home, which should change over the course of a longer season. Over Matthew Stafford’s last four games, he has averaged a quarterback rating over 100, completed 65% of his passes and posted a seven-to-two touchdown to interception ratio. Another interesting nugget there, via Pro Football Reference’s Advanced Passing stats: His on-target passing percentage is near 80%, but his dropped pass rate is almost 8%. That could even out over the second half of the season. Think about how much differently we’d be viewing the Lions if, say, D’Andre Swift had caught that ball in the end zone <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/21/bears-luckiest-team-in-football">against the Bears in Week 1</a>. At some point, the Lions are going to have to steal a game or two against top-tier opponents. Despite having one of the more favorable remaining strengths of schedule in the NFL, there are still more games that are perceived as difficult (Green Bay, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Tennessee and Indianapolis) than more obviously winnable (Houston, Minnesota twice, Washington and Carolina).
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<h2>Cleveland Browns (5–2)</h2>
At 5–2 I don’t imagine the Browns will be “sneaking up” on anybody, though the perception of them has been dinged due to a pair of blowout losses to the Steelers and Ravens. It’s impossible to discount them from the playoff race at this point, though, even <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/26/odell-beckham-jr-torn-acl-miss-rest-of-season-browns-injury">without Odell Beckham</a> in the offense. The Browns have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL, with games against the Jets, Jaguars, Texans, Giants and Eagles remaining. But I like their chances given that Baker Mayfield is ascending right now, while some of their more important roster pieces get healthier. Within the next few weeks, Kevin Stefanski can probably return to some semblance of his best two-tight end personnel sets and go back to charging Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt at defenses on a rotating basis. This is going to be exponentially more difficult to stop in November and December, especially with relatively fresh legs on Chubb.
<h2>Los Angeles Chargers (2–4)</h2>
Justin Herbert is trending in the right direction, with a soft spot in the team’s schedule continuing over the next few weeks. He is top 10 in points above expected completion percentage, he’s one of the more appropriately aggressive quarterbacks in the NFL and he’s posted quarterback ratings of more than 110 in each of his last three games (two of those opponents were the top-ranked Buccaneers defense and the New Orleans Saints). He is being pressured on nearly 30% of his snaps but still has an on-target percentage mirroring some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. The Chargers’ point differential is almost identical to that of the 5–2 Bills and Bears, meaning that there is an element of luck that simply has not generated to this point. I realize that luck is a dicey proposition for Chargers fans, but is there a chance they steal a few games they were unable to over the first half of the season?

New on Sports Illustrated: Five Sneaky Teams That Could Make a Run in the Second Half

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New on Sports Illustrated: 6 Pittsburgh Steelers Inexplicably Snubbed by the Hall of Fame

<a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Hall-of-Fame-Snubs">
Here are six Steelers players who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They haven't been enshrined yet for reasons that are hard to imagine, but they certainly deserve it.
<figure><img height="414" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2OTQ2ODI0MDg2NzQx/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-snubs.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Will Hines Ward make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>Biggest Steelers Hall of Fame Snubs</h2>
Every football fan wants to see their favorite team’s players enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. When beloved players are inducted, it is a source of pride for the entire franchise. For the player, it is the ultimate honor.
Pittsburgh fans don’t have a lot to complain about when it comes to the Hall of Fame, as there are 30 former Steelers players, coaches and contributors enshrined
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Hall-of-Fame">.</a> Then again, there are a few cases that make you wonder what in the heck is going on over there in Canton. Some great Steelers get snubbed year after year, even though they clearly have what it takes for Hall of Fame induction.
So what can you do about it? You can write articles like this one, for starters. Here are the worst Steelers Hall of Fame snubs. I’ve broken my list into two parts.
<ul>
<li>In the first section, I’ve listed six Steelers who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but haven’t made it yet. Maybe they will get there eventually, or maybe not, but it is hard to argue they aren’t deserving.</li>
<li>The second section is more like honorable mentions. These Steelers were great in their time and, while it would be wonderful to see them enshrined in the Hall of Fame, they probably don't have the necessary resumes.</li>
</ul>
This article could have been longer had a few deserving Steelers not made the cut recently. Steelers head coach Bill Cowher (1992–2006) and safety Donnie Shell (1974–87) joined their fellow <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Hall-of-Fame">Steelers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame</a> in 2020, along with safety Troy Polamalu (2003–14), who got in on his first ballot.
<h2>List of Steelers Hall of Fame Snubs</h2>
<h2>6. Gary Anderson</h2>
It is tough to make the Hall of Fame as a kicker. There are only two pure placekickers enshrined in Canton: Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud. (George Blanda kicked but also played quarterback, and Lou Groza played tackle.)
Morten Andersen was a contemporary of Gary Anderson, and they were probably the two best kickers in the league during their time. Comparing Gary to Morten gives us the greatest argument for Gary Anderson’s induction into the Hall of Fame.
<ul>
<li>Gary Anderson played for 23 seasons in the NFL. Morten played 25, but he was injured for most of his rookie year.</li>
<li>Gary scored 2,434 points in his career, only 110 behind Morten’s career total of 2,544.</li>
<li>Gary made one All-Pro team and four Pro Bowls, where Morten made three All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls.</li>
<li>Gary has a career field goal accuracy percentage of 80.1% where Morten’s is 79.7%.</li>
</ul>
Looking at the above stats, it seems like if Morten Andersen is in the Hall of Fame, Gary Anderson should at least merit consideration. Unfortunately, he has never even been a finalist.
Jersey Number: 1
Position: Kicker
Years as a Steeler: 1982–94
Career Statistics
<ul>
<li>197 games</li>
<li>672 field goal attempts</li>
<li>80.1% field goals made</li>
<li>827 extra point attempts</li>
<li>99.2% extra points made</li>
<li>2,434 career points scored</li>
</ul>
Career Accolades:
<ul>
<li>1 All-Pro team</li>
<li>4 Pro Bowls</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="815" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2OTQ2ODI0MTUyMjc3/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-snubs.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Greg Lloyd was a five-time Pro Bowler for the Steelers.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>5. Greg Lloyd</h2>
Lloyd is one of the greatest Steelers players of the 1990s and among the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Best-Linebackers-in-Pittsburgh-Steelers-History">best linebackers in Steelers history</a>. He was a ferocious pass rusher who racked up 53.5 sacks during his career. Like Jack Lambert before him, Lloyd was an intimidator who led the Steelers’ defense by example.
He was part of the Blitzburgh defense in the mid-1990s and lined up opposite fellow outside linebacker and Hall of Famer Kevin Greene. For three seasons, the duo abused and tormented every quarterback they faced. They led the team to the Super Bowl in 1995, where they lost to the Cowboys.
Lloyd left Pittsburgh after the 1997 season. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, he made three All-Pro rosters and five Pro Bowls. This is comparable to Steelers safety Donnie Shell’s All-Star accolades. Lloyd made more All-Pro teams and Pro Bowls than nine Steelers Hall of Famers including Lynn Swann, Terry Bradshaw and John Stallworth. He lacks the Super Bowl achievements of those players, but it still seems that Greg Lloyd is worthy of consideration.
Jersey Number: 95
Position: Outside Linebacker
Years as a Steeler: 1988–97
Career Stats
<ul>
<li>147 games</li>
<li>54.5 sacks</li>
<li>11 interceptions for 189 yards</li>
</ul>
Career Accolades
<ul>
<li>3 All-Pro teams</li>
<li>5 Pro Bowls</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="436" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2OTQ2ODI0MjgzMzQ5/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-snubs.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Former Steelers linebacker Andy Russell acknowledges the crowd during a halftime recognition for the Steelers Hall of Honor at Heinz Field in 2017.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>4. Andy Russell</h2>
Russell was a tough outside linebacker who played for the Steelers from 1963 to '76. His career spanned from the pre-Noll years (when the Steelers struggled) to the Super Bowl years of the 1970s. Russell never made an All-Pro roster, but he made an impressive seven Pro Bowls. He was also a starter for two <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Pittsburgh-Steelers-Super-Bowl-Championships">Steelers Super Bowl championships</a>.
The combination of Russell, outside linebacker Jack Ham and middle linebacker Jack Lambert was probably the greatest Steelers linebacking unit in team history. It is tough to argue there has been a better trio of linebackers in a 4–3 defense.
Russell retired in 1976 after 12 seasons as a Steeler. After his departure, the Steelers never really filled his shoes for the rest of the years they played a 4–3. Linebackers like Loren Toews, Dirt Winston and Robin Cole were very good, but Russell was one of the greatest Steelers linebackers of all time.
Jersey Number: 34
Position: Outside Linebacker
Years as a Steeler: 1963–76 (missed 1964 for military service)
Career Stats
<ul>
<li>168 games</li>
<li>18 interceptions for 238 yards and 1 touchdown</li>
<li>(Note: Sacks were not kept as an official statistic until 1982)</li>
</ul>
Career Accolades
<ul>
<li>7 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>2 Super Bowl championships</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="420" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2OTQ2ODI0MzQ4ODg1/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-snubs.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (19) talks with former receiver Hines Ward before playing the Jaguars in the 2018 AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>3. Hines Ward</h2>
Hines Ward is the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Best-Wide-Receivers-Pittsburgh-Steelers-History">best wide receiver in Steelers history</a>. He’s caught more passes for more yards and more touchdowns than any other player to wear the black and gold. He appeared in three Super Bowls, won two, and even earned a Super Bowl MVP trophy. Over his 14-year career in Pittsburgh, he made four Pro Bowls.
All of that looks pretty good, yet Ward isn’t in the Hall of Fame. In fact, he’s never even been a finalist. Ward’s statistics are only slightly less stellar than Isaac Bruce’s, a wide receiver who was a finalist three times before making it in 2020. Both players made the same number of Pro Bowls and neither was ever an All-Pro. Ward has one more Super Bowl ring than Bruce and was also a Super Bowl MVP.
Ward has more career catches and more Super Bowl rings than Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss, though comparisons stop there. Still, Ward was the best blocking wide receiver of his generation and a tremendous team player, something Hall-of-Fame receivers Moss and Terrell Owens can never claim.
So, why has Hines Ward never even been a finalist in the years since he has been eligible? Your guess is as good as mine.
Jersey Number: 86
Position: Wide Receiver
Years as a Steeler: 1998–2011
Career Stats:
<ul>
<li>217 games</li>
<li>1,000 receptions</li>
<li>12,083 yards</li>
<li>85 touchdowns</li>
</ul>
Career Accolades:
<ul>
<li>4 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>2 Super Bowl championships</li>
<li>Super Bowl XL MVP</li>
</ul>
<figure><img height="413" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDY2OTQ2ODI0MjE3ODEz/pittsburgh-steelers-hall-of-fame-snubs.jpg" width="620" />
<figcaption>Former Steelers guard Alan Faneca waves a terrible towel for the crowd on the field prior to the 2018 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Steelers and the Jaguars at Heinz Field.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>2. Alan Faneca</h2>
Steve Hutchinson was one of the best offensive guards of his generation. He made the Hall of Fame class of 2020, and he well deserved it. However, there is one Steeler not in the Hall of Fame who was a better guard than Hutchinson, and that’s Alan Faneca. Faneca was one of the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Best-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Offensive-Linemen">greatest offensive linemen in Steelers history</a>. He played for 10 seasons in Pittsburgh and helped win a Super Bowl in 2005.
Let’s compare the two players:
<ul>
<li>Faneca made six All-Pro rosters during his career. Hutchinson only made five.</li>
<li>Faneca was voted to nine Pro Bowls where Hutchinson made seven.</li>
<li>Faneca is a Super Bowl champion, where Hutchinson is not. In fact, Faneca’s Steelers beat Hutchinson’s Seahawks in Super Bowl XL.</li>
<li>Faneca played for 13 seasons, while Hutchinson played for 11.</li>
<li>Faneca has been a finalist for five years. Hutchinson was a finalist only three times before getting in.</li>
</ul>
These guys played the same position. How in the world did Hutchinson make the Hall of Fame in 2020 while they have snubbed Faneca five times in a row? Certainly, Hutchinson was a great player who deserves to be in the Hall, but Faneca was better by every measurable attribute. These are the situations that drive football fans nuts.
Jersey Number: 66
Position: Guard
Years as a Steeler: 1998–2007
Career Stats 
158 games
Career Accolades
<ul>
<li>6 All-Pro teams</li>
<li>9 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>1 Super Bowl championship</li>
</ul>
<h2>1. L.C. Greenwood</h2>
The Steelers of the 1970s were known for their Steel Curtain defensive line. While defensive tackle Joe Greene was the best overall player on the line, not to mention the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/Top-Pittsburgh-Steelers-Players-of-All-Time">greatest Steeler of all time</a>, defensive end L.C. Greenwood was the most formidable pass rusher. At six-foot-six and 245 pounds, he was built more like a modern tight end than a defensive lineman. But it was a different era, and no Steeler put the fear in a quarterback’s heart like L.C. Greenwood.
Greenwood’s career spanned from 1969 to '81. He started in and won four Super Bowls, made two All-Pro rosters and was voted to six Pro Bowls. In Super Bowl X, he sacked Cowboys’ quarterback Roger Staubach four times. While the NFL didn’t keep official sack statistics until 1982, Greenwood had an unofficial count of 73.5 sacks in his career.
It is hard to fathom how L.C. Greenwood isn’t in the Hall of Fame. He has the statistics, and he has the championships. He was a finalist six times, most recently in 2006. Greenwood passed away in 2013, and it is a travesty he was not recognized by the Hall in his lifetime.
Jersey Number: 68
Position: Defensive End
Years as a Steeler: 1969–81
Career Stats
<ul>
<li>170 games</li>
<li>73.5 sacks (unofficial)</li>
<li>14 fumbles recovered</li>
</ul>
Career Accolades
<ul>
<li>2 All-Pro teams</li>
<li>6 Pro Bowls</li>
<li>4 Super Bowl championships</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who Is the Worst Steelers Hall of Fame Snub?</h2>
It is heartbreaking to think that L.C. Greenwood didn’t make it into the Hall of Fame in his lifetime. To Steelers fans, this is an inexcusable error, one that will hopefully be corrected posthumously. Greenwood deserves to be in Canton.
It is also hard to swallow what has happened with Alan Faneca over the past five years. How he was snubbed in 2020 in favor of a less decorated player who played the exact same position seems almost criminal.
<h2>Honorable Mentions</h2>
These guys probably don’t have a realistic chance of making it into the Hall of Fame, but they were great players in their time. If Steelers Nation had its way, these players would have their busts on display in Canton.
<h3>Jason Gildon</h3>
Gildon is officially No. 2 in Steelers history when it comes to all-time quarterback sacks. He played for the Steelers from 1994 to 2003 and brought down quarterbacks 77 times. Gildon earned a spot on the All-Pro roster in 2001 and he made the Pro Bowl from 2000–02. He was also a member of the Steelers’ 1995 AFC Championship team that lost to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX.
<h3>Carnell Lake</h3>
Lake played for the Steelers from 1989 to '98. He was a speedy but undersized linebacker at UCLA and made the switch to strong safety in the NFL. As a safety, he made three Pro Bowls with the Steelers and one more in 1999 as a member of the Jaguars. However, Lake's most impressive feat came in 1995 when he filled in at cornerback for All-Pro Rod Woodson. Lake not only got the job done, but he also made the Pro Bowl and helped the Steelers make it to the Super Bowl. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, Lake intercepted 16 passes and returned three for touchdowns.
<h3>Joey Porter</h3>
Porter was a fierce pass rusher who is ranked number three in Steelers history with 60 official quarterback sacks. He played for the Steelers from 1999 to 2006 and was a powerful outside linebacker who served as an emotional leader for the Steelers’ defense. In 2005, Porter and the Steelers won the Super Bowl by defeating the Seahawks. He departed Pittsburgh after the 2006 season. Porter made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team as a Steeler and one Pro Bowl as a Dolphin.
<h3>Casey Hampton</h3>
Casey Hampton was the prototypical 3–4 nose tackle, an enormous man with tremendous strength who dominated the space in the middle of the line and didn’t give an inch. He played for the Steelers from 2001 to '12 and helped the team make it to three Super Bowls. Hampton started 164 games in his career while making five Pro Bowls.
<h2>Why Does the Pro Football Hall of Fame Snub Players?</h2>
Looking at some players on this list, I can’t imagine how they haven’t made it into the Hall of Fame. Every team has legendary players that somehow miss the cut. So, what gives? How does this happen?
I can only make guesses. If you pay close attention, you might notice there seem to be a couple of unwritten guidelines for selecting players.
<ol>
<li>The Pro Football Hall of Fame doesn't like admitting several players who play the same position in the same year. This explains why Steelers running back Jerome Bettis had to wait several years to get in, and it may be why Hines Ward is still patiently waiting in the wings while other receivers are admitted.</li>
<li>The Hall also seems to shy away from enshrining too many players from the same organization. In 2020, the Steelers had Coach Bill Cowher, safety Donnie Shell and safety Troy Polamalu enshrined. This might explain why they were reluctant to admit Faneca, yet one more Steeler. This might also explain why Greenwood has never been enshrined. During the late 1980s, when all the Steeler greats of the '70s were getting in, it was looking a little like a Steeler invasion. Of the 22 Steelers who started on offense and defense in Super Bowl XIII, 10 of them are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, along with Coach Chuck Noll. The fact that Shell has finally been inducted may be a good sign for Greenwood supporters.</li>
</ol>
Of course, this is all speculation. As far as I know, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee has never officially discussed such concerns. But, it explains why great players get snubbed every year.
For the NFL’s centennial year in 2020, the Hall tried to catch up on its backlog of deserving players by admitting 20 players, coaches and contributors instead of the usual seven or eight. Still, it seems like a lot of great players are left out.
<h2>Making the Hall of Fame</h2>
When a player is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, it is the final and most significant accolade that punctuates a career of NFL greatness. When their careers end, players must wonder where they stand in the long and storied history of the NFL. Once they put on that gold jacket, there can be no more questions: They are among the best who ever played.
What about the players who don’t make it? Most NFL players, even some very good ones, don’t even come close. NFL Hall of Famers are an elite group, and the barrier for entry is high. Many excellent players end their careers with no hope of Hall of Fame induction, yet they can feel good about the contributions they made to their teams and the League. You don’t have to make the Hall of Fame to call yourself a successful pro football player.
But the players who are on the cusp of Hall of Fame enshrinement have it tough. They live in a shadowy world of uncertainty, and they endure a roller coaster of emotions every year. Making it into the Hall of Fame is a life defining event. Finalists who don’t make it may say all the polite things to the media, but nobody can blame them for being frustrated.
It is tough to feel bad for pro athletes who get paid millions of dollars to play a game many of us would play for free. But if any of them deserve our sympathy, it’s those who were snubbed by the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
<h2>References and Resources</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.pro-football-reference.com/">Pro Football Reference</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.profootballhof.com/">Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site</a></li>
</ul>

New on Sports Illustrated: 6 Pittsburgh Steelers Inexplicably Snubbed by the Hall of Fame

Here are six Steelers players who should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. They haven't been enshrined yet for reasons that are hard...

New on Sports Illustrated: Weston McKennie Is Fighting for Something Bigger

<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/30/weston-mckennie-juventus-social-justice-racism-usmnt">
Proving he belongs at Juventus is just part of McKennie's mission. His experience with racism has shaped who he is and what he wants to become.
It was another day among hundreds that Weston McKennie spent on a soccer field. This particular field was unlike the majority since it was in a foreign country and surrounded by fans, but it was still familiar turf. The habits, instincts and reflexes that had been forged over a lifetime in the game probably kicked in as soon as he smelled the grass. The pitch was a place of structure and comfort—a place where he could focus on what he loved to do.
McKennie had recently returned to active duty after his summer break and entered as a second-half substitute in Schalke 04’s five-goal, DFB-Pokal rout of host SV Drochtersen/Assel, a team from Germany’s fourth tier. It was an early-August waltz for the Bundesliga club and a nice way for its young U.S. star to get his feet wet ahead of the 2019–20 season. Being on the field, in his element and among his teammates, afforded McKennie the time to focus on those things.
Privilege means, in part, being free from worry or burden. It absolves you from having to consider potentially dangerous, uncomfortable or burdensome possibilities. Some wander aimlessly through a store with privilege, while others don’t. Some drive their cars with privilege, while others don’t. Privilege allows you to be mindful only of what you’re doing, or to be mindful of nothing at all.
And that’s how McKennie, now 22, initially felt that day in Drochtersen. Being a pro and being part of a well-known team came with privilege, albeit the sort that’s earned. Stuff is taken care of for you, and people are expected behave a certain way. You think you know what to expect, and that’s what you prepare for. So after the match ended and McKennie realized he’d left his shinguards on the team bench, he simply wandered back out to get them. It was a quick, mindless detour. How could something so innocuous and innocent end with confrontation? It never occurred to him that something might be stirring in the postgame stands.
“I just walked back to the bench and this guy just over the fence, the fence separated us, and he was just calling me a ‘sh** ape’ and making monkey noises at me, and just a bunch of racial slurs,” McKennie recalls. “I always try to be bigger than what people stoop down to and their level, their mindset and their beliefs and things like that. I try not to pay attention to it as much. But that was like the first time, and it was so surreal to me that I was just like, I can’t understand this. And then I think back [now] to other players that have had it done to them and have walked off the field or have reacted to it, and I couldn’t hold myself back either from reacting to it. And I walked up to the fence and I just mentally—it was a bit hard for me in the moment.”
His subconscious expectation of privilege had been annihilated. There was confusion. McKennie says he remembers other fans yelling at the man to be quiet. And several Schalke teammates returned to pull him back away from the fence, preventing a possible physical confrontation.
“Before, I didn’t experience a lot as many other players have,” McKennie told Sports Illustrated. “That was my first real, real face of it. I’ve been called ‘Black’ or ‘you monkey’ or something like that. I’ve been called that. But to actually be right there in that moment, it just kind of clicked. This is what many people go through all the time, and not just on a soccer field, and not with a fence that separates them from reacting.
“It was my first real look and first real situation where I was like, ‘Holy crap,’” he continues. “This is really, really out there. And it’s not just something where people believe the media makes it big, or it’s not something where people think, ‘Oh, he’s just sensitive’ or anything like that. It’s actually happening.”
<figure><img height="349" src="https://www.si.com/.image/c_fit%2Ccs_srgb%2Cfl_progressive%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_620/MTc2NDUzMDQ0ODE5NDY5NTI1/weston-mckennie-juventus-social-justice.jpg" width="620" /></figure>
McKennie doesn’t really feel privileged anywhere anymore—not on the field, nor back in the U.S. There are potential problems over every fence, reminders that even if he’s accomplished—even though he’s a pro—he still might be unwelcome. But he’s not yielding. Instead, McKennie is motivated. The same fervor with which he approaches his role as a box-to-box midfielder will be funneled toward making an impact beyond the white lines, whether it’s with Juventus in Italy—which he acknowledged is an “exotic” destination for an American player—or at home.
“Barriers are meant to be broken down in certain ways,” he says.
McKennie’s way will be to use his voice, to leverage his platform and to take chances. That's what he did in late May, when he wore a custom armband in the aftermath of George Floyd's killing
</a><a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/06/01/weston-mckennie-george-floyd-armband-bundesliga-americans-abroad">and called it "my duty"</a> to raise awareness of social injustice. And after four years at Schalke, the Texan didn’t arrive in Turin only to keep his head down and remain quiet or deferential. Serie A represents relatively new territory to Americans, and it has an unfortunate, notorious reputation for racism in the stands and even institutionally (an antiracism campaign launched by the league last year <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/12/16/serie-a-anti-racism-campaign-monkey-paintings">featured paintings of monkeys</a>). Soccer superpowers like Juventus, Barcelona and Chelsea also are <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/01/usmnt-abroad-elite-clubs-dest-mckennie-pulisic-adams-reyna-steffen">welcoming U.S. players for the first time</a>. All that considered, some might suggest a cautious approach. McKennie suggests another.
“I’ve always stayed true to myself. I’ve always been my outgoing and outspoken self, and just a funny guy,” he says. “I always have the mindset, I’m going to be me. I’m not going to change just because I’m talking with [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I’m not going to change because I’m talking with [Gianluigi] Buffon. Of course these are guys I have massive respect for, and I’m not going to disrespect them. But I’m also not going to go from gear five to gear two just because I want to leave a good impression. For me, I’m a person if you accept me, you accept me. If you don’t, then that’s on you.”
So over the summer, while his club future was being determined, McKennie inserted himself into the conversation. He stayed true to himself. Working with Adidas, he shot a short video in which his name was presented with “Standing for Equality” written underneath. As images of McKennie training were presented alongside those of him as a boy and social justice protests around the world, he referenced the incident in Drochtersen and then said, “I went back home to Dallas and I’m afraid to drive at night, just because I don’t know what’s going to happen if I get pulled over.” Then he said, “I’m representing a country that possibly doesn’t even accept me just for the color of my skin.”
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McKennie doesn’t see this as a political issue. It’s one of dignity, or even survival. The video was released in early October, shortly after he’d played his first two games for the Bianconeri. His Italian adventure had only just started, yet he was willing to add the extra attention, and potential scrutiny, to his plate. A case could be made that the timing was awkward. McKennie is still a young player. He’d just signed for a Champions League contender. Perhaps he should focus on getting acclimated and securing his place before adding a potential distraction. That strategy didn’t interest him. He won’t deny who he’s become.
“As a professional soccer player, [scrutiny] comes with the job. You have to be able to adapt to these situations, and the situation that's going on is much bigger than me having to move and adapt to my new club and new environment and everything,” McKennie says. “There’s really no time to waste. We wanted to get the production done and get all my ideas and what I felt and how I felt about everything, and just try and put it out there for people to see and for people to just be able to watch and hopefully understand it a little bit more—where I come from and where the situation is and where I stand.”
It’s a point he made in the video, and one he was happy to expand upon.
“It’s as simple as this: I think in many people’s eyes, I’m seen as a soccer player and someone that can bring forward American soccer or be a pioneer in American soccer,” he says. “Before I’m a soccer player, I’m also a human being. You know if I get pulled over or something, I can’t be like, ‘Hey, I'm a soccer player. I represent the United States.’ That’s not going to change anything. For me, when I said representing a country that may not accept me, everyone accepts me as a soccer player, as the player that’s representing the crest when it’s game day. But it’s more so, how do they respect me? How do they treat me? How do they see me when I don’t have that on?”
Juventus has made an effort to convey its commitment to McKennie the person. The club tweeted his video, saying, “Together with you….” And on the day McKennie signed his contract, Juve’s director of communications gave him a book featuring Nelson Mandela.
“It’s a small gesture, but it’s still a monumental one for me,” McKennie says. “[The book] is just about the whole movement and everything, and [the club executive] was like, ‘I want you to have this also as a sign to know that we are with you, we stand behind you and that we support you as well. You’re not in this alone.’”
<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/09/10/weston-mckennie-juventus-move-details-schalke-nick-taitague-usmnt">Schalke and Juventus signed a €4.5 million loan agreement</a>, not a permanent transfer. The deal includes options and even potential obligations for the Serie A champs to acquire McKennie’s rights permanently. But none of that is inevitable. That leaves some space for uncertainty to creep in.
McKennie says he had those thoughts initially, but no longer. He’s ready to make himself at home in northwest Italy.
“In the beginning I was thinking, yeah, it’s a loan and it feels maybe like a year-long trial,” he acknowledged. “But [now] I feel like I belong here. I feel like I found my new home. I feel like this is a level that I can play at, and these guys of this caliber are the ones I’ve been dreaming about playing with. So to realize that I can keep up with these guys, I can play with these guys, I can play a role for this team and I can [make] an impact for this team, it doesn’t worry me as much as it may have in the beginning.”
There are photos of McKennie bumping fists and laughing with Ronaldo. He made fun of Buffon on Instagram over the renowned goalkeeper’s shampoo ad. McKennie is, as promised, being himself—confident and engaging. And he’s already got a handle on his famous teammates. Ronaldo, he says, isn’t the cocky and arrogant archetype one might see in goal celebrations or underwear ads.
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“He’s actually a really funny guy and he’s also like Buffon, he makes you feel part of the team. In the gym, you can see he puts in his work. He does what he has to do. On the field, whether it’s a shooting drill or whether it’s just lollygagging after practice, like this guy wants to do it 100% and mentally he’s always in it,” McKennie says.
Buffon uses an adjacent locker and likes to call McKennie “Big Mac” each day upon arrival. Giorgio Chiellini is “Il Capitano,” McKennie says, someone who “doesn’t make you feel like you have to respect him—you just feel like that just because you’re in the presence of him.” And then there’s manager Andrea Pirlo, who FaceTimed with McKennie before he left Schalke.
"The type of player he was says it all. He was that player who made everything look elegant. He played with grace, and that’s exactly how he coaches and how he is around the team and players,” McKennie says. "He doesn’t speak a lot. He doesn’t get outrageously mad or anything like that. But he knows what he’s talking about.”
Turin sounds like a good place to be, and it places the welcome he’s received at Juventus into starker contrast with the words, images and sentiments he’s shared—both in the video and subsequent conversation—about home. He’s still not sure whether his nation will accept or embrace him, even though he’s captained its national team. And this uncertainty comes at a fascinating time, just as there’s renewed optimism for a U.S. squad that’s anchored by young, talented and ambitious players starting to make their mark at the sport’s highest level.
McKennie hasn’t played for the USA since Concacaf Nations League group play concluded last November—<a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/09/22/usmnt-october-window-canceled-november-plans-wales-friendly-europe">not that he’s had the chance to</a>. But think about how much has happened in the world, and in his world, since then. He says his continuing commitment to the national team isn’t dependent on an election result or an incident here and there. But he does expect support and acceptance.
“I’m not forcing people to try and believe what I believe. Everyone has their own thing. The election for me, obviously, I have my beliefs and I have who I would prefer to win the election. But if it didn’t turn out that way, it’s not like I’m going to shut down and say ‘No, just because this guy was elected, I don’t want to play anymore.’ There’s challenges that come and you just have to learn which way to face them,” says McKennie, who voted in Texas via absentee ballot.
“[But] if things got out of hand and things came to fruition where it was like, the national team doesn’t support the movement, or the national team doesn’t try to actively show that they ... support the players that are going through situations like this, then I would, in my right mind, I probably would have a word first,” he continued. “I would have a word with my other teammates as well. First of all, because I’m battling on the field with those guys, and I would have a word. Initially, if I didn’t feel comfortable with the whole situation, then I could possibly, yeah, decide, 'Hey, I’m not coming into this camp.'”
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USA coach Gregg Berhalter has remained in touch with his players through the pandemic. Social justice, and potential ways the team could show its support for the cause, has been among the topics, according to U.S. Soccer. The women’s national team held similar conversations during their camp last week. In June, the federation repealed its policy requiring players and staffers to stand during the pregame national anthem, beginning its statement with the words, “U.S. Soccer affirms Black Lives Matter, and we support the fight against racial injustices.” The following month, it established a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, a group of employees from various departments that meets biweekly to shape U.S. Soccer’s efforts and evolution. Features on the USSF’s website include a recent Hispanic Heritage series, voting information and a Pride/LGBTQ+ hub.
Next week, a president will be elected and the first new U.S. men’s national team roster in 10 months will be announced. <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/23/usmnt-november-camp-wales-friendly-us-soccer">Berhalter expects to gather his players</a> in Wales ahead of a Nov. 12 friendly in Swansea. A second match in London might follow. McKennie should be rested and ready to go. Following his pair of appearances for Juve he was isolated for two weeks after testing positive for the coronavirus. But he appeared to <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/23/weston-mckennie-coronavirus-negative-test-juventus-usmnt">emerge from quarantine unscathed</a>, and he played as a substitute in this week’s <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/28/christian-pulisic-goal-video-champions-league-usmnt-reyna-dest">UEFA Champions League loss to Barcelona</a>. Next month’s <a href="https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/10/13/usmnt-roster-squad-projection-november-friendlies-wales-australia">international friendly against Wales</a> represents a long-awaited chance to see the likes of McKennie, Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, Giovanni Reyna and others—the present and future of American soccer—on the field together. The excitement surrounding this unprecedented generation of U.S. players isn’t lost on McKennie. It represents yet another narrative, another burden and another opportunity he’s eager to take on.
Change is coming on multiple fronts.
“It wasn’t so common for young players to be playing at a high, top level. And then to be able to come to Juve and hopefully be able to start that trend here in Italy, and at a superclub in general, hopefully I can show and prove that hey, times are changing and you know, there’s no need to feel like Juve’s an exotic club. There’s no need. They’re showing interest in me. They’re showing interest an American football as well now,” McKennie said.
“It’s obviously going to be a challenge. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy. But that’s something I’ve always loved. I’ve always loved a challenge,” he added. “I’ve always been a very competitive guy. Who can finish this water bottle first, even though I’m not thirsty? It’s always a competition. So the challenge for me is something I hit the ground running and I try to give my 100% and just be myself as well while I’m doing it. For me, this challenge is exciting, and it’s something new and it’s something that hopefully I can break through and show myself, and then show that American soccer is improving and show that just in general the type of person I am.”

New on Sports Illustrated: Weston McKennie Is Fighting for Something Bigger

Proving he belongs at Juventus is just part of McKennie's mission. His experience with racism has shaped who he is and what he wants to...

New on Sports Illustrated: NCAA Football Week 9 Betting Preview: Will Michigan and Ohio State Cover as Big Favorites?

<a href="https://www.si.com/gambling/2020/10/30/ncaa-betting-preview-week9-ats">
SI Gambling analyst Roy Larking runs through some of the most notable college football matchups of Week 9 from a betting perspective, as well as a few leans for picks against the spread.
<h3>College Football Week 9 Betting Preview</h3>
NCAA football action continues with a full slate of games on the Week 9 schedule. That includes 19 contests that involve at least one team currently ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. 
Featuring betting odds posted at the
</a><a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/yqk4?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D280890255&pcid=100987&psn=SportsIllustrated&pcn=ROSMedia">DraftKings Sportsbook</a> - here is a breakdown of two key Big Ten matchups that are scheduled for Saturday, October 31st.
Are you looking for PREMIUM picks for this week's college football slate? 
<a href="https://www.si.com/cap/prm.do?OID=039611">SI PRO</a> subscribers can get real-time betting alerts whenever information comes in. Become an SI PRO member and start "Beating the Books" today!
The Vegas Whispers sharp information has continued to dominate the sportsbooks, going 43-28 so far in 2020 on released NFL Plays. On Thursday Night, the sharps are 11-1 ATS in their plays shared here at Sports Illustrated.
The information <a href="https://twitter.com/Frankie_Fantasy/status/1319108061953339393?s=20">received from Frankie Taddeo</a>, Sports Illustrated’s Gambling Vegas Insider, finished the 2020 Major League Baseball (MLB) at 79-60-0 +16.66 units and is currently 13-8 ATS (62%) on NCAA College Football for all SI PRO members.
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<h3>Michigan State Spartans at #13 Michigan Wolverines</h3>
A classic in-state rivalry game opens the Week 9 NCAA football schedule. Meeting for the 113th time, Michigan State and <a href="https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/">Michigan</a> battle at The Big House in Ann Arbor at 12:00 p.m. ET. Playing for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, the Wolverines have won two straight in this series with a 21-7 win on the road in 2018 and a 44-10 victory at home last year. With their season start behind several conferences - <a href="https://www.si.com/college/2020/10/25/college-football-rankings-big-ten-party-crashers">Big Ten play began last week</a>. Michigan opened a 35-17 halftime lead and went on to a 49-24 win on the road over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Michigan State committed seven turnovers and lost 38-27 at home to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
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Wolverines junior QB Joe Milton played well during first college start. He posted 225 passing yards (1 TD) plus 52 rushing yards and one score. Michigan racked up 256 total rushing yards and five scores. Junior QB Rocky Lombardi made his fourth start for <a href="https://www.si.com/college/michiganstate/football/">Michigan State</a>. He posted 319 passing yards with 3 TD and 2 INT. The offensive line had a rough game as the Spartans managed just 50 rushing yards on 39 attempts (1.3 YPA) against Rutgers. While Michigan can’t expect to be gifted seven turnovers - they have a big advantage in the trenches on both sides of the ball. I like the Wolverines to cover the point spread at <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/yqk4?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D280890255&pcid=100987&psn=SportsIllustrated&pcn=ROSMedia">DraftKings</a>.
Pick: Michigan Wolverines (-24.5)
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<figcaption>Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook - Game Time 12:00 p.m.. ET</figcaption>
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<h3>#3 Ohio State Buckeyes at #18 Penn State Nittany Lions</h3>
Another Big Ten showdown features Ohio State heading to Happy Valley to battle Penn State. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. <a href="https://www.si.com/college/ohiostate/">The Buckeyes</a> rolled to a 52-17 win at home over the Nebraska Cornhuskers last week. QB Justin Fields showed why he is a Heisman Trophy candidate as he completed 20 of 21 passes for 276 yards with 2 TD and 0 INT. He added another 54 rushing yards and one score. The Buckeyes scored 14 unanswered fourth quarter points and covered as -27.5 favorites. Ohio State has won three straight in this series including a 28-17 win at home over Penn State last season.
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Penn State was a -6 point favorite on the road in Indiana and lost 36-35 in overtime. QB Sean Clifford posted 238 passing yards, with 3 TD and 2 INT, plus 119 rushing yards and a score. The Nittany Lions had an edge in total yards (488-211) and time of possession (40:25 to 19:35) but the Hoosiers tied the game late. A controversial two-point conversion led to the Indiana victory. Since it was difficult to tell if the officials made the right call - DraftKings <a href="https://www.si.com/college/indiana/football/report-draftkings-gambling-site-refund-penn-state-money">refunded Penn State moneyline bets</a>. The Nittany Lions have issues to sort out while the Buckeyes are the class of the Big Ten. Lay the line at DraftKings and bet on Ohio State.
Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes (-12)
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<figcaption>Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook - Game Time 7:30 p.m. ET</figcaption>
</figure>
<h3>NCAAF 2021 National Championship Futures Odds</h3>
Despite the constant COVID-19 threat, that has disrupted schedules across the league, the NCAA plans to crown a National Champion this season. Four teams will advance to the College Football Playoffs and they will play in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day to decide the finalists. Hard Rock Stadium, in Miami Gardens, Florida, will host the National Championship Game on January 11, 2021. Powerhouse squads Clemson (+150) and Alabama (+250) are listed as the top two favorites on the DraftKings <a href="https://dksb.sng.link/As9kz/yqk4?_dl=https%3A%2F%2Fsportsbook.draftkings.com%2Fgateway%3Fs%3D280890255&pcid=100987&psn=SportsIllustrated&pcn=ROSMedia">futures betting board</a>. Ohio State (+300) is not far back as the third favorite and Georgia (+1200) rounds out the top four.
Pick: Ohio State Buckeyes (+300)
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<figcaption>Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook on 10/30/20 </figcaption>
</figure>

New on Sports Illustrated: NCAA Football Week 9 Betting Preview: Will Michigan and Ohio State Cover as Big Favorites?

SI Gambling analyst Roy Larking runs through some of the most notable college football matchups of Week 9 from a betting perspective, as we...

New on Sports Illustrated: Brett Favre Says Fans Don't Want Politics Mixed With Sports, Endorses Presidential Candidate: TRAINA THOUGHTS

<a href="https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/10/30/brett-favre-endorses-donald-trump-for-president">
Brett Favre shows you 'stick to sports' means 'talk politics if you agree with me'
1. Hypocrisy: the practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform; pretense.
Hello, Brett Favre.
The Hall of Fame quarterback 
</a><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/10/22/brett-favre-trump-sports-politics/">said this to Donald Trump eight days ago</a>: “The NBA and the NFL are struggling with lower ratings, as fans clearly do not want political messaging mixed with their sports.”
Clearly, the irony of an athlete saying politics and sports shouldn't mix while said athlete is publicly speaking to the president of the United States was lost on Favre.
And now, eight days after Favre declared that fans don't want sports and politics to mix, he tweeted this: 
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First things first. <a href="https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2020/10/14/sports-cable-news-ratings-2020">If you read Traina Thoughts regularly, you know that almost every single sport is struggling with lower ratings</a>. MLB and NHL are coming off the lowest rated World Series and Stanley Cup ratings ever.
And while NFL ratings are down slightly, the league's viewership is still rock solid and draws better numbers than anything else on television.
So the premise of Favre's question was ridiculous.
Two, ALWAYS remember, whenever someone says, "Fans don't want to hear political messages," or "Stick to sports," they really mean, "I only want to hear someone's political beliefs if they are the same as mine."
Here's how America is supposed to work: NBA players, NFL players and any other athlete on the planet is allowed to speak out about social injustice, police reform and any other topic they want. Brett Favre is allowed to wax poetic about Trump and endorse him for president.
Nobody has to stick to sports. And nobody should be telling anyone to stick to sports.
2. One of the more underrated amusing things in sports is when a player or coach tries to pump up a terrible opponent and convince us that an awful team is dangerous.
Enter Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, who had this to say about the Jets, who are 19.5-point underdogs against Kansas City this Sunday: 
“That’s a very good football team. Sam Darnold… doesn’t get the credit, but he’s a very very good quarterback. I think people tend to forget that because of their record. But they have guys out there. They play really well. They’ve been in a lot of close games. And you can’t take those guys for granted. That’s a hell of a football team.”
3. Remember when Bill Belichick showed up a press conference a few weeks ago looking like this?
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Good Morning Football's Kyle Brandt used that look for his Halloween costume on today's show and couldn't have nailed it any better.
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4. World Series champions Cody Bellinger and Clayton Kershaw appeared on Thursday night's Jimmy Kimmel Live! The highlights come from Jimmy at the 2:30 mark and the 4:25 mark.
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5. This week's SI Media Podcast features an interview with Kirk Herbstreit. The college football analyst discusses what doing College GameDay without fans has been like this season, his relationship with Lee Corso, the infamous Eminem interview he did with Brent Musburger, whether he'd leave college football to call NFL games, the reaction to him getting emotional on air discussing social injustice, his favorite College GameDay guest picker, what happened when Corso dropped an f-bomb on College GameDay and much more.
You can listen to the podcast below or download it on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michael-mulvihill-and-conrad-thompson/id997819235?i=1000452993293">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Bvno6GHUWSuOLTAIWma1u">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sports-illustrated-media-podcast">Stitcher</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/Iq5rbvuoxjtxxns3fnal5ciyy4y">Google Play</a>.
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6. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: The only way to celebrate Halloween is by watching one of Curb Your Enthusiasm's greatest scenes.
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7. SPORTS VIDEO OF THE DAY: Still one of the worst plays in NFL history.
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Be sure to <a href="https://www.si.com/author/jimmy-traina">catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts</a> and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-illustrated-media-podcast/id997819235?mt=2">Apple</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4Bvno6GHUWSuOLTAIWma1u">Spotify</a> or <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/sports-illustrated-media-podcast#/">Stitcher</a>. You can also follow Jimmy on <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyTraina">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jimmytraina/">Instagram</a>

New on Sports Illustrated: Brett Favre Says Fans Don't Want Politics Mixed With Sports, Endorses Presidential Candidate: TRAINA THOUGHTS

Brett Favre shows you 'stick to sports' means 'talk politics if you agree with me' 1 . Hypocrisy: the practice of claiming...