Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers officially named Mitchell Trubisky as the team’s starting quarterback for 2022. It was always his job to lose after the Steelers signed him for $14.285 million over two years, including a $5.25 million signing bonus. With all three quarterbacks playing well during the preseason, Trubisky did enough to solidify himself as the starter.
The Steelers listed Mason Rudolph as his backup with Kenny Pickett as the third string quarterback. Pretty surprising considering how well Pickett performed in his three preseason games and training camp.
After months of speculation head coach Mike Tomlin would gradually dodge who would lead the Steelers in the post-Big-Ben era. Even when all signs pointed to Trubisky. In the end, Tomlin let his players announce the decision as Trubisky was voted team captain for the 2022 season. Alongside Trubisky, defensive lineman Cam Heyward, reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt, running back Najee Harris and special teamer Miles Killebrew were also named captains for the upcoming season.
Trubisky has said and done all the right things since joining the black and gold. He reached out in the spring to all the returning skill position players on offense and invited them down to his South Florida home in hopes of building team chemistry.
“I just think he’s a guy who people rally around,” said Cam Heyward. “He’s all about team. He’s very brought in. He understands and coach T says it, he’s carrying our hopes and dreams on every single play.”
The Steelers begin the 2022 regular season on Sunday, September 11th against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.