Steelers arrive at training camp armed with snacks, songs

When rookie Steelers tackle Troy Fautanu prepares for 10:30 a.m. training camp practice at Saint Vincent College, he may be cranking up Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love.”

“It’s probably my shower song,” he said Wednesday as he moved into Rooney Hall for the team’s annual summer camp. “It’s a great song.”

He might also get in the mood for working out at Chuck Noll Field with some smooth R&B tunes.

“I like to listen to a lot of relaxing music,” he said. “My mind kind of takes me to that place, so I kind of have to bring myself down.”

He brought along a guitar to supply his own music.

Coming to the college campus in Unity, Fautanu admitted he had butterflies.

“It felt like the first day of school,” he said.

But, he added, he was pleasantly surprised with the dorm accommodations.

“I had thought we were going to go with bunk beds, somebody sleeping on top and somebody sleeping on the bottom, but I got my own. That’s pretty cool.”

Linebacker Elandon Roberts, a nine-year NFL veteran who joined the Steelers in March 2023, proved he was ready to get down to work in attire befitting a Texas native. He arrived at Rooney Hall sporting Dickie overalls and a black cowboy hat.

“It’s time to get to work and get goals accomplished,” he said of training camp.

Roberts, who earned two Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots, bought the hat at a rodeo. It’s a type of event he enjoys attending but isn’t likely to join as a competitor, though he is skilled in horsemanship.

In Texas, he said, “We just do it different. I might wear (the hat) around; I might throw it in my locker.”

Stocking up on snacks

Arriving players came equipped with food, refreshments and entertainment to see them through between practice sessions.

“As the years go on, I pack less and less,” veteran linebacker T.J. Watt said. But he does include some munchies: sunflower seeds and sour cream-and-onion Pringles.

Fautanu stocked up on a sparkling energy drink for himself and some teammates.

“We all had a group chat, making sure the fridges are full with stuff everybody needs and wants,” he said. “I went to Costco yesterday and bought about eight packs of Celsius. It ran me up a good chunk of my signing bonus.”

Cornerback Donte Jackson thanked rookie teammates in advance for keeping his taste buds content during camp.

“I don’t have to load up my room with snacks,” he said. “The young boys took care of me.

“I’m a honey bun guy, and I like hot Cheetos and a big bag of sunflower seeds.”

Players also unpacked some practical things, including items meant to enhance their sleep.

A mattress pad is a must for linebacker Alex Highsmith and quarterback Russell Wilson.

“Sleeping well is key,” Wilson said.

A pillow with a silk cover does the trick for defensive lineman Keeanu Benton.

For Donte Jackson, a bedside fan is a necessity.

“I like to be cool at night,” he said. “That’s one thing I never forget, ever since college.”

Gearing up for dorm room entertainment, several players noted their gaming systems made the trip with them to Saint Vincent.

“We’ll be playing in our free time,” said Highsmith. “There’s a lot of competition in that.”

“I brought my PlayStation,” said running back Jaylen Warren. “With these long days, I want to get my mind off football sometimes.”

Watt said he’s content to look at photos of his wife and dog during his downtime.

“I don’t have a chair,” he said. “I have a TV that I don’t think I’ll even turn on.

“Its not very homey, but it’s a place to sleep.”

Providing an assist

A cadre of young workers in yellow shirts helped the players park and unload their cars.

Among them were Jack and Manny Stynchula of Latrobe, rising seniors at Greater Latrobe Senior High and two members of an 18-year-old sibling triplet.

This is the third year the Stynchula brothers have worked at Steelers camp, and they’re hoping to return next summer.

Working largely outdoors on the Saint Vincent campus provides Jack a welcome change from his usual job at a fast-food restaurant.

“It’s nice,” he said. “It’s a little break.”

The brothers enjoy joking with the players and have collected some treasured autographs.

“Last year, some of the guys signed my phone case,” Jack said. “They’re all really nice.”

“I love helping them because they’re so cool,” said Manny. “It’s a fun place to work.”