NFLPA executive director sees Steelers making some progress in improving practice amenities

Slammed by players in an annual NFLPA survey that was released in February, the Pittsburgh Steelers have taken some steps toward upgrading the facilities at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, the union’s executive director said Wednesday.

Lloyd Howell Jr., who was hired in June 2023 to replace DeMaurice Smith, visited the practice facility as part of his annual tour to meet with players from each NFL team.

“There have been some changes made,” Howell said. “Part of my communication strategy is to talk to owners, is to talk to GMs. I’ve done that.”

The Steelers ranked No. 28 out of 32 teams in the 2023 survey in which 77% of the union’s membership participated. They received low marks for the quality of the locker room (No. 30 ranking), weight room (No. 24), training room (No. 29) and training staff (No. 28) at the facility. The Steelers revamped the strength and conditioning department in the offseason.

Ownership received an F-minus grade and No. 29 ranking with players feeling an unwillingness by team president Art Rooney II to invest more in the team facilities.

“I think we all agree working conditions matter and certainly where the guys work out, where they spent a large part of their time, they care about,” Howell said.

Howell acknowledged the Steelers are “constrained” by the practice facility’s location. It is nestled between the Allegheny River on one side and railroad tracks on the other.

“Over time, what we’re looking for is steady improvement,” Howell said. “We’re not looking for the Four Seasons of all training facilities, but certainly efforts to be responsive, starting with the training room, starting with the number of trainers and eventually we can get to the physical aspect of the facility when the economics and everything work out.”

At Acrisure Stadium, players knocked the Steelers in the treatment of families, giving the organization an F-minus grade and No. 29 ranking. The Steelers were one of 12 teams that did not provide a family room during games and one of seven without daycare support for players’ children.

Howell said when players’ families attend games, “they have the opportunity where they can watch the game safely and respectfully.”

Howell was optimistic about those improvements taking place before the home opener Sept. 22 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

“It’s in the works,” he said.