The Steelers traded off helmets and 'football in shorts' for video games and arcade fun on Monday when OTAs became team bonding at Dave & Buster's at the Waterfront.

"It's the ability to chill with your brothers," said linebacker Arthur Moats. "Every day we come out here and we are competing with each other in heated battles. Having an opportunity to let our hair down and game with each other is good."

It's become an annual tradition for Coach Mike Tomlin to give the players a day away from the field, a day where they have an opportunity to build team camaraderie in a fun setting.

"It's important we acknowledge the element of team play is the stuff we can't measure," said Tomlin. "Whether it's camaraderie or brotherhood, this is the ultimate team game. Have fun together, spend time together, and getting to know one another informally is invaluable to our efforts."

One thing that didn't change, though, was the competitive spirit the players brought with them. Things got competitive and there was no mercy shown as bragging rights were on the line.

"Any time you can get the guys together in an environment that's not on the field and have fun, and compete against each other it's fun," said receiver Antonio Brown. "It's always a good time."

And nothing got those competitive juices flowing more than basketball, as the players made a beeline to shoot hoops as soon as they arrived.

"It's getting the guys together, trying to loosen up a little bit and let everyone know we care about each other, have some fun, spend some time together," said linebacker Jarvis Jones. "We have a long season ahead of us and we need everybody for the ride.

"You see the guys on the hoops, they were competing when they walked in the door. We have a group of competitive young men, we know how to have fun yet at the same time compete."