Steelers Nation came out in full force on Friday night at Stage AE for the team's AFC Championship Game Pep Rally.
The energy level was through the roof as the crowd, all clad in black and gold, waved Terrible Towels and kept the "Here We Go Steelers" chant a constant.
Former Steelers Charlie Batch, Kevin Greene, Chris Hoke, Brett Keisel and Hines Ward were on hand, and let's just say their presence turned up the heat.
Steelers Nation gathers for a pep rally at Stage AE before the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
"I had the time of my life playing in front of Steelers Nation," said Greene, who was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016. "They love football. They love Steelers football. And they love Steelers defensive football and playoff football. It was awesome to play in front of them and now to be back and be a part of the pep rally for my Steelers, it's awesome to be standing in front of them.
"All of that energy returned to me again. I was looking for someone to knock out."
Keisel felt that same energy, and loves seeing the excitement in the City of Pittsburgh during the postseason run.
"It's like a second Christmas for us here in Pittsburgh," said Keisel. "It's an exciting time. You feel it in the city. Everyone has flags flying from their cars, and signs in their houses. Everyone is talking about it on the radio shows and the television shows. It's a great time to feel that again. It's been a while since we have felt that.
"The best past about being in Pittsburgh is Steelers Nation. They are the best in the world. We have the best fans, the most loyal fans. It's fantastic not only to play for them, but to see them out here tonight. They are pumped up, you are fired up."
Steelers' game day public address announcer Larry Richert and Hoke hosted the event will emcee, bringing the same energy that he does over the PA at games at Heinz Field. The Steeline drumline and DJ Steve Maffei Jr. provided entertainment throughout the evening, and no pep rally would be complete without Renegade blaring.
"I feel the excitement," said Greene. "We are peaking at the right time. I think the fans know the Steelers have gelled and are hitting on all cylinders at the right time. They are excited and I am excited. The team feels that energy. The pep rally is an awesome idea. There will be an ample supply of Terrible Towels waving in Foxboro. The fans will be there.
"The fan impact is huge. They talk about Seattle having the 12th man, but I think the original 12th man is Steelers Nation.
"This is like a single heartbeat. Everybody is thinking the same thing. Go out and win. It's exciting to be in the middle of it and a part of it."
