“A one-night stand is a single sexual encounter without an expectation of further relations between the sexual participants. This is regardless of whether a single encounter was originally intended by either participant to be a one-night stand, or whether further relations between the participants subsequently occur. Critics of the practice describe it as “sexual activity without emotional commitment or future involvement.” (Wikipedia)
Playing football may not be like being intimate, but the emotional attachment can be sorta, kinda similar. When the Pittsburgh Steelers hold their annual night practice at Latrobe Area High School it is in many ways, cruel and unusual punishment for many of the perimeter players. It is the one time that all eyes are upon them and they better be ready for the spotlight or the “Turk” or the man bringing bad news, as Chuck Noll used to say.
Any training camp held by the Steelers at St. Vincent’s campus in Latrobe has always been more about the survival of the “fittest gladiator,” whether it be on offense, defense or special teams, camp at Latrobe will either make you, break you or fake you out. There are often free agent signings that show up without the slightest warning.
In 2002 James Farrior, former first round pick of the New York Jets, came to the Steelers after a disappointing stint with the junior team in Gotham City. “He went on to spend the next decade as a vital part of one of the league’s best linebacking corps. Farrior was part of three Steelers teams which advanced to the Super Bowl, including two that emerged triumphant.”(www.nfl.com)
The great Steelers safety Donnie Shell talked to Teresa Varley in May of this year and had this to say about free agency. “It was awesome to have the opportunity to come up like I did as an undrafted free agent and for them to give me an opportunity, a chance,” said Shell. “It was special. That was all I was looking for. Coach (Chuck) Noll was that type of coach. He was looking for people that were self-motivated and wanted to do well and do well for the team.”
“Donnie Shell, who signed with the Steelers as an undrafted rookie free agent in 1974 and 14 years later retired as one of the best safeties ever to play for the Steelers.” There was plenty of hitting and smack talking to go around but aside from the Steeler veterans, the younger players seemed to hit and worry as opposed to being worried about being hit.
The Steelers currently don’t sport names on the back of their jerseys because you never know who is going to have to be reassigned that number. Camp Gladiator is what Latrobe should be renamed. These are not just football players trying out for a position, they are trying out for life. (The sources for this article were www.nfl.com and www.steelers.com)
Aubrey Bruce can be reached at: abruce@newpittsburghcourier.com or 412.583.6741
Follow him on Twitter@ultrascribe
About Post Author
