Steelers/NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers officially kick off the 2011 season when the team reports to training camp Thursday, July 28, at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa.
The Steelers first practice will be on Friday.
Some Notes from Art Rooney’s Presser:
Steelers President Art Rooney II met with the media today just after 4:00 p.m. and was very relieved to get a deal done.
While Rooney said things ended up going down to wire, he stressed the importance of not missing any games, which ended up being the outcome as the two sides officially reached a deal today.
“Very relieved, ” Rooney said. “It was a long process a lot of hard work and I was concerned we could miss game, something I didn’t want to see.”
The pressing questions for the Steelers is getting under the cap. Rooney said the team has a challenge of getting business done in such a short-time. Rooney said that the front office is working on getting under the cap and the focus is on being prepared.
Rooney indicated that the Steelers will approach veterans about restructuring deals in an attempt to get under the cap.
Although the Steelers have some holes going into free agency, there are few teams more equipped than the Steelers to jump right into things and not miss a beat.
“Our goal is the same, to win a championship, ” Rooney said.
Rooney doesn’t believe there’s any changes to the personal conduct policy. Rooney does expect to speak with the league soon about James Harrison’s comments.
The league has hinted there will be no action about Harrison. Rooney would not rule out the Steelers taking action but said he hasn’t talked to Harrison.
Monday: Teams can go to 90-man rosters;
Tuesday: Teams can sign rookies and undrafted free agents at 10 a.m. ET. Teams can negotiate with all free agents and signed players can enter team facilities.
Thursday: Steelers report to camp: Teams can begin to cut players at 4 p.m. ET.
Friday: Teams can begin to file free-agent signings to the league office at 6 p.m. ET.
The first official practice will take place Friday, July 29. The first practice open to the public is scheduled for that afternoon at 2:55 p.m. Only the afternoon practices are open to the public.
No change in way personal conduct policy will be handled.
