The Steelers are set to embark on training camp at Saint Vincent College, a time some players love, and others dread. But it's a must, and for the Steelers it's something they will be doing for the 51st time at Saint Vincent College.
Several former players shared their take on what training camp was like for them at Saint Vincent College, and for the most part they are happy they don't have to go back. Up until the start of training camp we will be bringing you their fun stories and thoughts.
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Dermontti Dawson, C, 1988-2000**
"We were in the older dorms, no air conditioning, dark, musty. But that's the true essence of training camp. I don't think any player likes training camp, but it's essential, you have to have it. I heard about Coach (Chuck) Noll's three 50s after practice, which I always hated. At that time I didn't like to run distance. I'd rather do sprints. But training camp then was different than it is now because you had more players, full pads both morning and afternoon, and I think more physical than what they are now. When Coach (Bill) Cowher came in, the rules had changed as far as how many players. You had the salary cap so you can't beat players up as much throughout training camp as you could when I was first drafted. You have to be more careful now. That's basically the difference.
"But training camp is training camp. I don't care who's coaching, what era. Training camp is training camp. I hated training camp. Honestly."
