The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason continues to deliver storylines that grab headlines—from blockbuster trades and surprise workouts to long-awaited uniform changes. Here’s a breakdown of three of the most buzzworthy developments as training camp approaches.
Jalen Ramsey Keeps His No. 5 in Pittsburgh—But at What Cost?
Jalen Ramsey hasn’t wasted any time making his presence felt in Pittsburgh—and that includes solidifying his signature look. Following the blockbuster trade that sent Minkah Fitzpatrick to Miami in exchange for Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith, the All-Pro cornerback is reportedly keeping the same jersey number he wore with the Dolphins and Rams: No. 5.
Ramsey teased the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), sharing a Steelers jersey with his name and the No. 5 emblazoned on it, alongside a smiley-face cap. While the post stopped short of making it official, the message was clear—he’s staking his claim.
But that number didn’t come free. Punter Cameron Johnston previously wore No. 5 after signing with the Steelers last offseason. Johnston suffered a season-ending leg injury but is now competing with Corliss Waitman for the punting job this year. Ahead of that competition, Johnston has apparently ceded his number—raising speculation about whether a cash incentive was involved in the number swap.
Ramsey now becomes just the third player on the Steelers’ defense to wear a single-digit number since the NFL relaxed jersey number restrictions by position. He joins Melvin Ingram (No. 8) and current teammate Patrick Queen (No. 6) in the exclusive club.
Read more from Pro Football Talk here:
🔗 Jalen Ramsey will continue wearing No. 5 jersey in Pittsburgh (NBC Sports)
Read our full breakdown of the trade involving Ramsey, Minkah, and Jonnu Smith:
🟡 Steelers blockbuster trade: Ramsey, Jonnu in, Minkah out
Aaron Rodgers Hosts Steelers Receivers in Malibu for Private Workouts
Aaron Rodgers has only been a Steeler since June 7, but the 41-year-old quarterback is already putting in work to bond with his new offensive weapons. Instead of joining offseason training in Pittsburgh, Rodgers flew his teammates out to Malibu, California, for a relaxed but productive training session.
In a photo posted to his Instagram, Rodgers can be seen with Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin, DK Metcalf, and rookie Roman Wilson—a diverse blend of veterans and young talent. The Steelers’ official account later shared a similar image, building hype around the developing chemistry between QB and receivers.
Rodgers also spoke on The Pat McAfee Show last week, explaining his motivations for the unconventional offseason approach.
“I know coming out to Malibu might not be that high on everybody’s list,” Rodgers said. “But we do have some guys coming out next week. So it’ll be fun to spend a little time with them.”
That bonding time includes indoor gym sessions, as shown in a video Skowronek posted where Rodgers delivers an alley-oop-style lob in a private gym.
Rodgers has also admitted publicly that he believes this season will likely be his final one in the NFL, adding weight to every rep, every throw, and every leadership moment. Though he reportedly had conversations with the Giants and Vikings, Pittsburgh was the only team to formally offer a contract. His $19.5 million salary will be fully earned only if he leads the franchise to its seventh Super Bowl title.
Get the full story here:
🔗 Aaron Rodgers hosts Steelers teammates for Malibu workouts (USA Today)
More on Rodgers embracing his new role:
🟡 Aaron Rodgers just wants to be one of the guys in Pittsburgh
Steelers Set to Reveal Throwback Uniforms and Yellow Helmets on July 21
The final bit of buzz from the offseason revolves around one of the most anticipated events of the summer: the Steelers’ new alternate uniform unveiling, scheduled for July 21.
According to Andrew Lind of SportsLogos.net, the Steelers are bringing back their yellow throwback helmets—a nostalgic nod to their 1960s era. These will be paired with retro uniforms that harken back to the 2007–2011 style, ditching the more modern Color Rush look for classic sleeve striping and historical flair.
The throwbacks won’t just be for show. Team president Art Rooney II announced that the uniforms will be worn twiceduring the 2025 season:
- Oct. 26 vs. Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football
- Dec. 15 vs. Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football
“It’ll be fun to wear our throwbacks against one of the older franchises in the league – that just seems to be appropriate,” Rooney said of the Packers game.
Since the NFL lifted its one-helmet rule in 2022, more teams have leaned into creative alternate looks. While franchises like the Ravens have introduced futuristic helmets (including a new matte purple design), the Steelers are sticking to tradition.
Their last major alternate helmet appearance came from 2007–2009, when they wore gold shells paired with their 1962-era throwbacks. While those were phased out during the one-shell policy, the NFL has since allowed up to four appearances per season for alternate uniform combinations.
The Steelers also made a subtle but meaningful change in 2024, wearing gray facemasks as a tribute to the 1974 Super Bowl IX champions—a throwback touch appreciated by longtime fans.
Learn more about the upcoming uniform drop:
🔗 Pittsburgh Steelers to wear new throwback uniforms and helmets vs. Packers
🔗 Sources reveal uniform unveiling dates across the NFL
Final Thoughts
From Ramsey reclaiming his iconic number, to Rodgers building early chemistry in Malibu, and a highly anticipated return to throwback uniforms, the Steelers are dominating headlines both on and off the field this offseason.
As camp approaches and the season inches closer, fans can expect even more surprises from a team that seems to be combining old-school roots with a bold new direction. Whether it leads to playoff success remains to be seen—but one thing’s clear: the 2025 Steelers aren’t playing it safe.
