The most significant social media controversies in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been marked by noteworthy tweets and incidents that grabbed headlines.
Mike Tomlin’s assertion that social media has transformed the NFL into a constant reality show finds validation in instances like the following:
In 2023, receiver Diontae Johnson’s enigmatic tweet during the offseason stirred speculation about his future with the team, eventually clarified by Calvin Austin III as an expression of Johnson’s personal expectations.
Ain gone say to much… but stay tuned 💯
— Diontae Johnson (@Juiceup__3) January 10, 2023
JuJu Smith-Schuster’s involvement in the milk crate challenge in 2021, just before the season, sparked fan outrage over the potential for injury and purist criticism of the modest height of his crate stack.
Juju doing the crate challenge 👀 pic.twitter.com/eXQp6MSr5N
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) August 30, 2021
The 2021 saga of Steven Nelson, who, facing trade talks due to the Steelers’ cap-saving efforts, took his case to Twitter. Less than an hour later, he was released by the team.
Making a public announcement is a little out of my character, but you guys made your decision please don’t hold me hostage #dontholdmeback
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) March 23, 2021
In 2020, JuJu Smith-Schuster’s TikTok logo dances drew controversy, seen by some as disrespectful and potentially making him a target on the field. Coach Tomlin intervened, leading to the end of the pre-game dances.
Juju's pregame logo dance became a massive talking point…
it didn't end well 🙈 pic.twitter.com/jQsSwq4LGk
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) February 20, 2021
The 2018 incident saw kicker Chris Boswell quitting Twitter after a string of missed field goals and resurfacing of past tweets with problematic language.
The crowded wide receivers room in 2017, following the drafting of JuJu Smith-Schuster, led to direct and heated social media exchanges between Martavis Bryant and Sammie Coates.
Martavis Bryant throws teammate Sammie Coates under the bus after Steelers draft WR 👀 https://t.co/jgvNasm9sH pic.twitter.com/Ho7kR1SnRk
— theScore (@theScore) April 29, 2017
Antonio Brown’s 2017 Facebook Live broadcast from the locker room, featuring Coach Mike Tomlin’s candid remarks about the New England Patriots, resulted in a rare public rebuke from Tomlin.
Safety Mike Mitchell faced a social media ban in 2014 after engaging with critics directly following a Monday Night Football win.
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In 2011, Rashard Mendenhall’s controversial remarks on Twitter, following Osama bin Laden’s death, prompted team owner Art Rooney II to release a statement disassociating from Mendenhall’s comments.
Remember when they finally killed Osama bin Laden, and Mendenhall tried to act like we were in the wrong for celebrating his death? Don’t give this dude the time of day when it comes to his point of view about AB, and Ben 🐸☕️ #Steelers pic.twitter.com/V1be7LpFDp
— ZG (@zgoulden14) April 11, 2019
These incidents collectively illustrate the pervasive influence of social media in shaping the narrative around the NFL, creating a continuous 24/7/365 reality show.
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