The Steelers are currently reworking contracts to try and get under the salary cap.

Ward has one year left on his contract worth $4 million.

On the field, he’s taken a back seat to younger players like Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.

Ward told reporters last week at the Super Bowl in Indianapolis he wanted to come back next season.

“I plan on playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and going from there,” he said.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
National Football League

For the second year in a row, he cut off his famous beard and it was all for a good cause.

Hundreds packed Diesel on the South Side for “Shear The Beard.” It’s a fundraiser that supports cancer programs at Children’s Hospital.

Celebrity barbers took turns cutting Keisel’s chestnut locks. Teammates like James Harrison and Aaron Smith, whose son Elijah underwent leukemia treatments at Children’s Hospital. Coach Mike Tomlin also took part.

When it was all over, Keisel was a new man.

“Even now, looking in the mirror it’s strange because I’ve had the beard for so long, but it was a great night down here,” Keisel said.

“Pittsburgh, of course, showed up. That’s what makes Pittsburgh special, though is they have grasped onto this idea and really made it what it is today.
“If the fans didn’t respond the way they did to it, I wouldn’t do it,” he added.

Last year, the event raised more than $40,000, and organizers say judging from this year’s crowd, they probably surpassed that benchmark.

RELATED LINKS
More Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers

Bouchette said Ben’s tone when talking about Haley was upbeat and that be came across as eager to see what kind of ideas Haley has for the offense.

Ben did admit to Ed that he heard some bad things from other players about Todd Haley, but said he will wait to form his own opinion of him.

We also got Ed’s thoughts on how often fans ask for the Steelers to use a fullback, and whether or not Haley will employ one here.

He takes over as the new offensive coordinator.

Haley has an impressive resume but has also earned the reputation of being tough to deal with.

“You know, one of the first things I’ll say to these guys is, ‘We’re not going to be real into a lot of sensitivity. If you’re sensitive, probably not the best place to be,’” he said.

“This is a passionate, emotional game,” Haley continued. “When I got let go in Kansas City and calls and texts I was getting from the players there … that’s what as a coach means something to you.”

“It’s about the end result and these guys really appreciate that. If they know you have their goals in mind and they all want to be great players, as good as they possibly can be,” he said. “Once they figure that out, that that’s what you care about, you now, it’s a non-issue.”

The biggest challenge for Haley is going to be his relationship with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who was clearly in favor of Bruce Arians coming back

Today, Roethlisberger was quoted in the Post-Gazette as saying he’s heard some good things and some bad things about Todd Haley, but will form his own opinion.

Here’s Haley’s opinion about his plan for Big Ben.

“There’s an uncomfortable aspect to newness, but that’s not always a bad thing,” he said. “I think it will be a great thing in this case and he’s going to figure that we’re just trying to make him as good as he possibly can be and not many players that I know of ever had an issue with that.”

Haley, from Upper St. Clair, almost became a Pittsburgh coach back in 2004 when he lost out to Bruce Arians as wide receivers coach.

He also almost took a job offer from Bill Cowher back in 1994.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
National Football League

Both are veterans and played limited roles for the Steelers in 2011.

McFadden started the year as the Steelers’ No. 2 cornerback but lost his job to nagging injuries that plagued him for nearly the entire season. William Gay took over the No. 2 role.

McFadden is a seven-year NFL veteran, drafted by the Steelers in 2005.

Battle played mostly on special teams for the Steelers.

Other roster moves:

• The Steelers also released tight end Miguel Chavis and linebacker Erik Clanton. Both were signed to futures contracts.
• Pittsburgh signed cornerback Myron Rolle, wide receiver Juamorris Stewart and linebacker Brandon Hicks.

RELATED LINKS
Steelers news
NFL news
CBS Steelers

They ended their contracts with CB Bryant McFadden and WR Arnez Battle. TE Miguel Chavis and LB Erik Clanton were waived.

The team added CB Myron Rolle who was released from the Tennessee Titans’ squad at the end of training camp in 2011.

They also signed WR Juamorris Stewart and LB Brandon Hicks.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
National Football League

Brown gives his opinion on Todd Haley, the new offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Listen to the full interview here:

Saunders can take part in all preseason games and practices up until his suspension begins Sept. 1.

Saunders made the Steelers roster as an undrafted rookie free agent out of South Carolina. He caught four passes for 29 yards and a touchdown for Pittsburgh in 2011.

RELATED LINKS
Steelers news
NFL news
CBS Steelers

When it comes to Haley’s personality, Somers said there are times where even his best friends want to punch him, but that doesn’t mean they don’t get along and respect him still.  Somers added that Haley’s demeanor can get on players’ nerves at times, but he asks a lot of his players, and the stars he has coached really seemed to have liked him.

Kansas City Chiefs Reporter Kent Babb also weighed in on Todd Haley and his story that painted Haley as a paranoid man who didn’t trust team administrators with the Chiefs.  Babb added that Haley’s paranoia was well founded based on the way the organization was run, and said it wasn’t a very healthy environment to work in.

Financial details and the length of the deal were not released by the team.

“I am excited about the opportunity to come back home and work for a tremendous organization,” Haley said in a statement. “It is an honor to work with the Rooney family and Coach Tomlin and continue the success that has become synonymous with the Steelers. My father has so many fond memories both from his playing days and his time in the personnel department with the team, and I look forward to helping bring more championships to Pittsburgh and to being a part of one of the storied franchises in the NFL.”

Haley has a good resume, including three years as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before then, he was offensive coordinator in Arizona and worked with Kurt Warner when the Cardinals got to the Super Bowl against the Steelers in 2008.

According to the statement, “[Haley] is the son of Dick Haley, who spent 44 seasons in the NFL including serving as the Steelers’ director of player personnel from 1971-90.”

RELATED LINKS

More Sports News
More Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers

Ditka discusses Tony Dorsett’s  revelations about the way the NFL handles concussions, as well as his thoughts on the Steelers’ potential pick for offensive coordinator, Todd Haley, and the Super Bowl.

Ed says that himself, and fellow PG beat writer, Gerry Dulac cannot confirm that Haley has been offered the job. However, he thinks it would be a good hire, and that Haley would be a good fit for the Steelers saying he has “no problem with that hire.”

As for who made or will make the decision on Haley, Ed says that it will be up to Coach Tomlin as it has been in the past. Ed thinks that Tomlin’s track record for hiring assistant coaches has been very good.

We also get Ed’s thoughts on the Hall of Fame inductees for 2012. And he tells us whether or not he thinks Jerome Bettis is next.

For the interview, click below:

According to a Kansas City radio station and Chris Mortenson of ESPN, the Steelers will announce Todd Haley as their next offensive coordinator.

To some, the hire is a surprise, but Haley has a good resume, including three years as head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Before then, he was offensive coordinator in Arizona and worked with Kurt Warner when the Cardinals got to the Super Bowl against the Steelers in 2008.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
National Football League

This year, those very expensive ads went gone to the dogs.

Early results suggest Doritos has two winners in the chase for super spots.

The commercial called “Man’s Best Friend features a Great Dane bribing his owner with a bag of Doritos to keep quiet about what happened to the cat.

A second spot with a baby in a sling also placed consistently in the top five.

In the dog-eat-dog world of advertising, a rescue dog named Weego fetches beer from the fridge for Bud Light.

Sketchers and Volkswagen also counted on canines to push their product.

A cute little dog sporting Sketchers’ new running shoe beat the greyhounds at the dog track.

Meanwhile Volkswagen featured a dog working out for months to fit through the doggie door to chase the new VW Bug.

Another popular spot came from the makers of M&M’s pushing its new line of chocolates.

Regardless of your favorite, they weren’t cheap to get on the air.

Thirty seconds set advertisers back $3.5 million so all of them hope they didn’t end up with a dog on their hands at the end of the big night.

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Super Bowl XLVI Coverage
More Reports From Rick Dayton

Four of the 17 nominees once wore the black and gold; and four of the six to make it into the Hall of Fame Class of 2012 have strong ties to Pittsburgh.

KDKA’s Kym Gable watched the ceremony live with fans at Jerome Bettis Grille 36 on the North Shore. Many were disappointed that Bettis, a Pittsburgh favorite, didn’t make the final cut.

“He gives 100 percent, then he goes back and gives some more,” said Janet Tarpley. “He’s got to get in next year!”

Jonathan Boyle added, “Jerome, he’s one of the best, greatest of all time. He’ll be in, in the next year or so, I think.”

But the announcement that former Steeler Dermontti Dawson and Pittsburgh native and former Pitt Panther Curtis Martin would join the Class of 2012 drew applause from the crowd.

“It’s wonderful, but they always say there’s too many Steelers in Canton. There can never be too many Steelers in Canton,” said Joanna Bednarofsky.

“We deserve our wing in the Football Hall of Fame,” Rick Smith agreed. “Why not?”

RELATED LINKS:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dawson, Butler, Martin Among Names Selected To Hall Of Fame
More Steelers News

This year’s list making it to Canton includes Curtis Martin, Dermontti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf and senior selection Jack Butler.

Four of those six, Martin, Dawson, Doleman and Butler have Pittsburgh ties.

A panel of 44 media members voted. The inductions are in early August in Canton, Ohio.

The bad news though, former Steeler and Pittsburgh favorite Jerome Bettis was among the finalist who didn’t make it. Cris Carter and Bill Parcells are other notables on that list.

Bettis didn’t make the top 10 in voting, so he is forced to continue waiting.

But for another Steeler, the wait is finally over. Dawson becomes the 21st Pittsburgh Steeler to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dawson retired in 2000. He didn’t become a finalist for the Hall until 2008 and was again in 2009, but not the following year, which had many worried he might not make it.

But this was the year for Dawson.

He made seven Pro Bowls as the Steelers’ center, that rare snapper who also could block defensive players one on one. He replaced a Hall of Famer, Mike Webster, and started for Pittsburgh for most of his 13 pro seasons.

“Well, I tell you what, it’s a great honor to be elected into the Class of 2012 for the Hall of Fame,” said Dawson. “But I tell you what it’s caused. It’s caused my phone to malfunction, I’ve had multiple texts, over 100 plus texts and phone calls, it’s been non-stop.”

It was also the year for another former Steeler, Jack Butler. He was voted in through the Senior Committee.

Butler also played for the Steelers as a cornerback from 1951-59, picking off 52 passes, at the time second most in NFL history. But he was best known for his tackling skills.

Martin and Doleman are both former Pitt Panthers.

Martin played his senior season at Taylor Allderdice, and then turned that into a college football career at the University of Pittsburgh. Then, he went on to become the fourth all-time leading rusher in NFL history.

He made it for his consistency and durability, rushing for 14,101 and 90 touchdowns. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons, the first three with New England and the others with the Jets. The 1995 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Martin won the NFL rushing title in 2004 with 1,697 yards.

Doleman had 25 sacks at Pitt. He went on to 150 1/2 sacks in his 15 seasons, mostly with Minnesota, and was one of the prototype agile yet powerful pass rushers who dominate the game today. He made the Pro Bowl eight times and was fourth on the sacks list when he retired.

RELATED LINKS:
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Associated Press: “Martin, 4 linemen make Hall of Fame”
More NFL News

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

Woodson said that for the players, the Friday before the Super Bowl is all about getting back into their regular routing now that all of the media requests are done.

We also broke down the Super Bowl matchup with Woodson looking at the New York Giants and Eli Manning’s performance which has gotten them where they are right now.  When discussing the Patriots and what they need to do to win, the focus was on Rob Gronkowski and what a difference maker he is.

We also got into Bill Belichick’s place amongst the top coaches in the history of the NFL and whether or not Spygate will affect his legacy.  Woodson said what you can’t take away from Belichick is his ability to get his teams to play at a consistently high level year after year like he has.

We wrapped things up with Rod getting his thoughts on a couple of other former Steelers who are up for Hall of Fame induction this year.

Greene talks about how difficult it is for him to be in Indianapolis without the Steelers involved.

He also discusses the fines and suspensions for hits. Greene says that football is a game of contact, and the game cannot be changed to minimize injuries.

The legendary Steeler tells the guys about the remake of his classic 1980 commercial that will run during the pregame show on Sunday. He also shares his Super Bowl prediction before he leaves.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

KDKA AM’s Larry Richert and John Shumway talk to Gladys Bettis, Jerome’s mom, about her son’s chances and his amazing career.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

Ward is not against taking a pay cut, but, with the departure of Bruce Arians and a possible re-emphasis on the run game, Ward becomes more important in the blocking game.

Ward told reporters today at the Super Bowl, “I plan on playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and going from there.”

Talks will begin between the Steelers and Ward in the next two weeks.

RELATED LINKS
Pittsburgh Steelers
National Football League

Donahoe said one of the biggest differences in the game will be Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski and if the Patriots have him, they’ll win, but without Gronkowski, Donahoe gives the edge to the Giants.

We also asked Tom for his insight on when the Rooney’s stepped in and make decisions under his watch, and whether or not he ever saw something like what Art Rooney II did with Bruce Arians.

We wrapped things up getting Donahoe’s memories of some old Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl moments.

KDKA AM’s Larry Richert and John Shumway talked to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette, who is in Indianapolis with the latest from Super Bowl XLVII.

While Sunday will be all about the New York Giants and the New England Patriots, Bouchette believes Saturday could be a big day for Pittsburgh. That’s when the Pro Football Hall Of Fame Class of 2012 will be announced.

“It really is a heavy Pittsburgh flavor, and I think we’re going to see two, maybe three of those guys make it into the Hall Of Fame,” said Bouchette. “Jack Butler’s going to make it, I think Dermontti Dawson has moved to the top of the class as maybe the prime candidate in this class; I think he’s going to make it. I think Curtis Martin has a shot. Certainly, Jerome Bettis has a shot. This is Kevin Greene’s first time so that will be interesting to see the reaction cause we debate everything back and forth, we discuss it all.”

As for Sunday’s game, Bouchette says he likes the Giants. He says they are a more balanced team and are playing better defense.

Click the link below to listen to the full interview:

On January 6, Wilson sustained burns on 30 to 50 percent of his body as flames ripped through his townhouse in Seven Fields.

Ryan Scarpino, a spokesman for the Steelers, said in a statement Wilson has started physical rehabilitation.

He is still in the burn center at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

“The Wilson family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and support,” the statement concluded.

RELATED LINKS
Steelers RB Coach Burned In Fire
More Butler County News

However, commercials are already being cranked out in preparation for kickoff.

Even though the Steelers are not in this year’s Super Bowl, they say they are going to play the game in Indianapolis nonetheless.

For advertisers, they say this is their time to shine.

Familiar faces are back, like the E-Trade baby who now plays the best man.

At $3.5 million per 30 second spot, even Super Bowl veteran Coca-Cola utilizes its logo and interactive polar bears talking about the game as it happens.

However, Honda may be rolling the dice with its spot that features a grown-up Matthew Broderick reliving his days as Ferris Bueller.

The full three-minute commercial mirrors the 1986 cult favorite comedy. The question is, will it play with generations who never saw the original?

Rival Chevrolet is also turning to comedy to sell its new Camaro.

The Chevrolet spot is really fully especially seeing as the parents put the big red bow on a dorm refrigerator for their son instead of the yellow car.

Exactly how well that money is spent is determined by how memorable the spots are with viewers and it could take weeks to determine which ones are the real winners on Super Sunday.

RELATED LINKS

More Local News
More Super Bowl XLVI Coverage
More Reports From Rick Dayton

Ed explains why it might be taking a while for Pittsburgh to find and name an offensive coordinator.

He also tells us if there’s a disconnect between Art Rooney II and Mike Tomlin, and looks at Dermontti Dawson and Jerome Bettis’ chances of getting into the Hall of Fame this week.