Pregame Blog: Steelers vs. Cowboys

Published: Oct 06, 2024 at 06:00 PM Updated: Oct 06, 2024 at 06:00 PM

Teresa Varley

Steelers.com

A forever rivalry: Steelers-Cowboys.

NBC's Sunday Night Football.

Does it get any better?

"I feel like it's the history of the teams itself and the fan bases on both sides," said cornerback Joey Porter Jr. "Both teams have great fan bases that are going to show up and show out every time.

"Here's one instance where we got them coming to town and it's going to be it's a great show."

It's a matchup of two storied franchises who want nothing more than to come out on top in front of a national television audience.

"It's the classic matchup," said linebacker T.J. Watt. "It's two historic franchises. I am sure there will be a lot of eyeballs on this game, and deservedly so."

And while some of the best games played between the two teams took place before many in the Steelers locker room were even born, they still understand the significance of the matchup between the two historic franchises.

"When you look at the two teams, (they were ones) that everybody always went for back in the day," said linebacker Patrick Queen. "It was always the Cowboys and the Steelers.

"Sunday Night Football, the whole world is watching. The moments that everybody lived for growing up.

"You've got the whole world watching, what are you going to do about it?"

Acrisure Stadium will be packed on Sunday night, and that will just be a small sampling of those watching. The national television audience should push ratings through the roof and the black and gold are ready for it.

"It's special," said cornerback Donte Jackson. "Two of the best fan bases in all of sports come together for a primetime game. Definitely big, definitely a lot of tradition.

"You are the only game on, it's primetime. And you're playing against a great opponent like the Cowboys, a balanced offense, really good defense. So, it should be fun."

Safety Damontae Kazee can look at the matchup from both sides, as he played for the Cowboys for a season in 2021 before signing with the Steelers. And he is ready for it.

"It's going to be fun," said Kazee. "To say I came from the Cowboys makes it a little more fun. Great guys over there, good team. It's going to be a great night.

"The rivalry always exists. It's going to stay that way. A lot of eyes watching on Sunday night."

Rookie Beanie Bishop will be playing in his first NFL primetime game and knows it's going to live up to the hype.

"There is only one game on Sunday night," said Bishop. "It's a highlight every week. Having the whole world watching. Everybody is going to be tuned into the game. We have the chance to be the most watched game. It's going to be a huge game.

"These two teams have played each other in Super Bowls, so that rivalry is there. It's two historic football organizations.

"It's going to be great and something for the fans to keep an eye on."

Crucial catch: The NFL has partnered with the American Cancer Society for the 16th consecutive season for 'Crucial Catch,' and the Steelers will be taking part in it today when they host the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium.

The initiative is designed to bring attention to the importance of early detection and risk reduction, things that can be life saving for individuals who are diagnosed early.

Since the inception of the partnership, the NFL has contributed more than $30 million to the American Cancer Society through sales of Crucial Catch branded merchandise, NFL Auction items, and general fundraising.

"Since the launch of Crucial Catch 16 years ago, we've seen an increase in awareness of fans understanding their cancer risk and the importance of getting screened early," said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. "As the NFL amplifies cancer awareness through the voices of players, on-field branding and community activations, we are proud to continue our partnership with the American Cancer Society and deepen the impact being made through Crucial Catch."

Steelers players will be supporting the cause when they wear Crucial Catch sideline gear, including hats, hoodies and t-shirts, during the game. The items are available to be purchased on Steelers.com, with a portion of the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.

It doesn't stop there by a longshot for the team. To kick things off, the team's highly successful 50/50 raffle will benefit cancer charities.

Fans entering Acrisure Stadium will be given an Intercept Cancer Terrible Towel, which will be distributed by UPMC volunteers. UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and UPMC Magee Womens Hospital are the presenting sponsors for the game.

There will be no shortage of support throughout Acrisure Stadium with on-field stencils and goal posts wraps being among the featured items supporting Crucial Catch. Players and coaches will also show their support, from the sideline apparel, which will also include pins, gloves, wristbands, sideline caps and other items.

The community organization of the game will be 412Thrive, which is a community support system where individuals impacted by breast cancer and genetic mutations feel confident, informed, and included at every age and stage of their cancer journey.

The Ford Warriors in Pink Quilt will be presented to the Alumni Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho. The Quilt was made by Sue Brichacek of Pittsburgh, a Quilt for the Cure volunteer.

UPMC will present a $10,000 check to Diana Napper of Glimmer of Hope.

UPMC cancer survivors will stand on the field for the National Anthem.

The 50/50 raffle will benefit UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and Cancer Bridges.

The Steelers will also use their digital and social platforms to share the importance of the initiative.

Get ready for Sunday Night Football with the collection of the week: Crucial Catch!

Shop Now ➡️ https://t.co/YcLw8nvLaI pic.twitter.com/81jroLxMMs
— Steelers Pro Shop (@SteelersShop) October 1, 2024

What's new at Acrisure Stadium: A new season brings changes on the football field, and at Acrisure Stadium, it brings changes off the field as well.

Each year, to make the fan experience better for Steelers Nation, new additions and upgrades are provided to enhance the game day experience.

The changes bring new technology, tasty culinary items, fun features and in-stadium entertainment, all part of the elevated experience you will have during the 2024 Steelers season at Acrisure Stadium.

Before you even enter Acrisure Stadium, stop by the Steel Yard, a fun area located outside of Gate A that gives you the feeling of being in your own backyard, with all of the game day excitement. Admission is free for all guests to enjoy a perfect tailgate spot.

Once you are in stadium, the new look Terrible Towel Wall, located in the FedEx Great Hall, is a must-see pregame. You can learn about the history of the towel and snap some unforgettable photos with the massive 400-square-foot Terrible Towel.

There are also more unique food and beverage options than ever before, including the Miller Lite Renegade Pub, located in the West Main Concourse. The spacious area includes a Pittsburgh mural, large TV screens so you don't miss any action, and a full-service bar.

With technology constantly changing, Acrisure Stadium is staying on the cutting edge, with an Acrisure Stadium mode added to the Steelers mobile app for easy access to stadium maps, parking information, mobile ticketing, and more. And with the need to access details on your phone, as well as capture fun memories in stadium, new ChargeFuze Stations are located throughout the stadium to keep your mobile device charged.

This is just the beginning of what you will enjoy this year at Acrisure Stadium.

For more details, click here.

Acrisure_Stadium_Terrible_Towel_Wall_2024

Twirl the Towel: The Terrible Towel Twirl will be started by legendary rapper and Steelers fan, Snoop Dogg, who is in town as part of the NBC Sunday Night Football broadcast.

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Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) prior to a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)