In a move signaling a strategic shift towards dominating the field position battle, the Pittsburgh Steelers have swooped in to secure the services of the NFL’s premier kickoff return specialist, Cordarrelle Patterson. The electrifying former Atlanta Falcons running back brings with him a wealth of experience and a record-breaking resume that has left opponents in awe.
Reports from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicate that the Steelers and Patterson have inked a lucrative two-year, $6 million deal, cementing his place in the black and gold as they gear up for an exciting season ahead.
Patterson’s arrival in Pittsburgh is set to inject a jolt of energy into the Steelers’ special teams unit, which is poised to become a game-changer in the upcoming campaign. With a knack for turning every kickoff into a potential scoring opportunity, Patterson boasts an impressive record as the NFL’s all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns. His breathtaking speed, elusive moves, and uncanny ability to find openings in opposing coverage have made him a nightmare for defenses across the league.
For the Steelers, Patterson represents more than just a dynamic return specialist. His versatility as a playmaker adds an extra dimension to their offensive arsenal, providing head coach Mike Tomlin with a valuable weapon to exploit mismatches and create scoring chances. Whether lining up in the backfield, split out wide, or returning kicks, Patterson’s mere presence on the field commands attention and demands respect from adversaries.
Speaking on the acquisition, Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert expressed his excitement at adding such a prolific talent to the roster. “Cordarrelle Patterson is a game-changer, plain and simple. His track record speaks for itself, and we believe he can make a significant impact for us in all phases of the game,” Colbert remarked.
Meanwhile, Patterson himself expressed his enthusiasm for joining the storied franchise and embracing the challenge of contributing to their winning tradition. “I’m thrilled to be joining the Pittsburgh Steelers and eager to do whatever it takes to help this team succeed,” Patterson stated. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and ready to hit the ground running.”
As the Steelers gear up for the new season, the addition of Cordarrelle Patterson looms large as a testament to their commitment to excellence and their relentless pursuit of victory. With Patterson in their ranks, Pittsburgh’s special teams unit is primed to become a force to be reckoned with, setting the stage for thrilling moments and unforgettable highlights on the road to glory.
Steelers past, present and future will all become one this week as a part of the NFL Draft festivities.
Steelers legends and current players will be among those announcing the team’s selections during coverage of the NFL Draft, which will be held in Kansas City on April 27-29.
Hall of Famer Alan Faneca will announce the Steelers second round pick in the NFL Draft, while current linebacker Alex Highsmith, joined by former linebacker LaMarr Woodley, will announce the team’s fourth round pick from the Steelers Youth Flag Football Tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Faneca will be attending the draft in person in Kansas City on Friday night along with his son, Burton.
“It’s always nice to get back in and be a part of anything NFL related, anything Steelers related,” said Faneca. “It’s fun to step back into that world a little bit. And I’m bringing my son, Burton, with me. It’s nice to really share those moments with my kids who weren’t around much at all when I was playing. He’s been asking lots of questions just randomly in the car. It shows me he’s been thinking about it. He’s excited. He loves to get back and be a part of it. To see that excitement and to be able to share with him gets me excited.”
Faneca was drafted by the Steelers in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played 10 seasons for the Steelers and 13 overall in the NFL. He was a first team All-Pro selection an impressive six times (2001-02, 2004-07) and twice a second team selection (2003, 2008), and selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2021.
He remembers the excitement when he was drafted in 1998, even though he didn’t know a lot about Pittsburgh at the time.
“It was such a crazy, exciting, uncertain time,” said Faneca. “You’re sitting around with your friends and family and you’re waiting to find this big answer to your question. It was kind of a nerve wracking a little bit, but exciting day.
“I knew about football, but I didn’t know anything about Pittsburgh. You know about what you see on television about the team, but that is about it. Once the excitement of getting drafted by the Steelers first died down, we were all sitting at the house, and I asked if anyone knows anything about Pittsburgh. I didn’t get any answers. It was wild.”
Faneca said he feels a similar type of excitement as he prepares to announce the arrival of one of the newest Steelers players.
“You’re forever attached to that moment,” said Faneca. “If I had been announced by a Steelers legend, I would definitely have felt a connection to them. I hope that whoever I announce feels a connection with me, because I know I will feel one with them.”
With the announcement by the NFL of a new kickoff rule, the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time in signing Cordarrelle Patterson, one of the best kick returners available in free agency.
According to the NFL Network report, the Steelers got Patterson to sign on the dotted line for a two-year, six million dollar deal. The return man is a four time All-Pro.
More tantalizing still is that the former Atlanta Falcon could be a key ingredient to Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme, having spent three years with Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, and former Falcons head coach. During his time in Georgia, Patterson generated 2,202 yards from scrimmage, with 20 end zone visits on 429 plays from scrimmage.
Patterson, 33, is entering his 12th season in the NFL. The University of Tennessee graduate was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 Draft. His journey in the league includes stops in Oakland, New England, and Chicago before Atlanta.
With Patterson’s arrival, the Steelers will have three reliable running backs, along with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. Looking to recapture the hard-nosed, between the tackles style of Steelers football, a solid running game will be the key to success for either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, whoever ends up as the starting quarterback.
One of Patterson’s biggest assets is his specialization as a punt and kick returner. The former Falcons player holds the record for most kick return touchdowns with nine in his career. The previous mark was eight and was held by Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington. In 11 seasons as a professional he has accumulated 7,989 yards in kickoff returns.
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