Podcast appearances and mentions of ray fittipaldo

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to national criticism of the team over Aaron Rodgers' absence from OTAs. Do names like Terry Bradshaw and Joy Taylor have a point in calling out Rodgers, GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin for the situation? Or are they overstating the impact of Rodgers' absence, with veterans including Mason Rudolph and others shrugging off outside concerns? Then later, the guys give a first look at other areas of concern. How are tackles Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones looking as they face pressure amid the departure of Dan Moore Jr.? How are new receivers DK Metcalf and Robert Woods assimilating? And are internal options Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson prepared to step up at the position following the George Pickens trade to the Dallas Cowboys?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap Day 2 of OTAs at the team's South Side facility. What have tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu been saying about their approach to 2025? Can Fautanu bounce back from the injury that ruined his rookie season? And can Jones finally live up to his first-round NFL draft hype after two years of inconsistency? Our duo tackles those questions, then analyzes how the cornerback group is shaping up, with Darius Slay joining Joey Porter Jr., Cory Trice Jr., Beanie Bishop and others. And explains why Wednesday's practice was a slippery one, with Mike Tomlin keeping practice outside despite a heavy dose of rain in Pittsburgh.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the first week of Steelers' OTAs.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to this Steeler player's comments about the Aaron Rodgers ongoing situation. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcast John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. May 28, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first day OTAs at the team's South Side facility. What were players saying about Aaron Rodgers as he remains unsigned at the beginning of the offseason program? How much faith do they have in Mason Rudolph as he takes first-team reps for now? How are the receivers looking? From new faces like DK Metcalf and Robert Woods to returning options like Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III? And how closely should we be watching tackles Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu in the early going? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

We hear and react to the caller who told us he saw Aaron Rodgers walking out of a hotel in the Strip. Ray thinks that Mike Tomlin (Lucy) may pull the ball away from Mason Rudolph (Charlie Brown) if Aaron Rodgers gets here. here's a chance we get a hold-in from T.J. Watt and Ray doesn't think the Steelers wouldn't be concerned/

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: We hear and react to the caller who told us he saw Aaron Rodgers walking out of a hotel in the Strip. Ray Fittipaldo thinks that Mike Tomlin (Lucy) may pull the ball away from Mason Rudolph (Charlie Brown) if Aaron Rodgers gets here. Where do the Steelers and Art Rooney II slot in The Athletic's rankings of owners willing to do what it takes to win?

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to Aaron Rodgers making us wait ‘a little bit longer.' The guys asked Ray about how the Steelers will put up with Rodgers being part of a major interview every single week, but he doesn't think it'll be much more than what Ben Roethlisberger did on The Fan. Is it a sign of desperation to clamor after Rodgers? Poni asked if Will Howard was overhyped. Ray thinks WR is a ‘dead issue' until Rodgers signs. Will that receiver be a buddy of Rodgers? Ray explained why he thinks the Steelers voted against the Tush Push. Ray said they should teach Darnell Washington how to take a snap to execute the play.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo discuss the history Cam Heyward is attempting to make at age 36 this season. Can he follow in the footsteps of guys like Reggie White and Bruce Smith, who remained productive well into their 30s? As new faces like Derrick Harmon and Yahya Black join the defensive line fold alongside Heyward and Keeanu Benton? Later our duo looks at the latest in the T.J. Watt extension saga for GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin. And how the Steelers could be at the forefront of a plan to change the NFL's offseason schedule for OTAs and minicamp.

Hour 3: Ray Fittipaldo and John Wehner join the show to break down the Steelers and Pirates. Do people like Mason Rudolph or do they just dislike Aaron Rodgers? And a caller really hates Dan Orlovsky.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk about Caleb Johnson's potential, what Mason Rudolph's place is on the Steelers right now, if fans should be excited about Will Howard, childhood crushes, his thoughts on the 2028 Olympics flag football, if the Steelers will try and get a WR2, what the latest is on Aaron Rodgers, and more!

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the advantages DK Metcalf gives the team as its No. 1 WR in place of George Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys earlier this month. What does Metcalf do better than Pickens? Will he be a better fit in a WRs room with names including Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson? And how quickly can he generate chemistry with QBs including Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? Our duo tackles those questions, plus lessons GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin should take from the ill-fated 2022 NFL draft in which they selected Pickens, Austin, Kenny Pickett, DeMarvin Leal and others. Then in the third segment, the guys ponder whether Aaron Rodgers or the offensive line -- including young players like Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick -- are more important to the team for its upcoming late-season grind.

Hour 2 with Jason Mackey: Ray thinks the end of the Steelers schedule is difficult again and similar to last year. They are going to need to win early and stack wins early in the season. Gerry Dulac reported Mike Tomlin was fully on board and led the charge to trade Pickens. The Steelers are fine waiting for Aaron Rodgers and a wide receiver.

Ray Fittipaldo thinks the end of the Steelers schedule is difficult again and similar to last year. They are going to need to win early and stack wins early in the season. Gerry Dulac reported Mike Tomlin was fully on board and led the charge to trade Pickens. It would be good for the Steelers to contend with Rodgers OR be bad with Rodgers.

Ray Fittipaldo, Total Request Thursday, and more.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to talk about the Steelers schedule.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo eye potential remaining moves for GM Omar Khan this offseason. Why do trades of high-priced veterans including T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick seem unlikely? Even after George Pickens was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys with one year remaining on his contract last week? And how does Watt's contract negotiation fit into that conversation? Our duo ponders those questions, then the future of the Steelers backfield. How quickly will third-round pick Kaleb Johnson eat into Jaylen Warren's workload? Is he a realistic threat to start? And where do other options including Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon fit into the situation. Then in the third segment, the guys preview the NFL schedule release Wednesday night and possible primetime matchups for coach Mike Tomlin's team.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk about the latest on the Steelers and the upcoming 2025-26 schedule release by the NFL.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson have a light conversation about the NFL Draft countdown clock. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. May 14, 2025, 8:00 Hour

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to GM Omar Khan's comments about his receivers at rookie minicamp over the weekend. Does he really believe in the group as constituted, following the trade of George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys? Could Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin really provide the necessary production behind DK Metcalf? Is Khan sending more smokescreens with an eye toward free agents like Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper? Our duo tackles those questions and more from rookie camp. What should we make of Will Howard's impressive practice performance? Can he push Mason Rudolph and possibly Aaron Rodgers come training camp? Or be a starter for this team in the future? And what difference will Trey Sermon make in the backfield next to names including Kaleb Johnson, Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren?

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

The best conversations from The Fan Morning Show, The Pomp and Joe Show, and The PM Team with Poni Mueller during the week of May 5-9. Reacting to two major stories in Pittsburgh stories: the Steelers trading wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, and the Pirates dismissing manager Derek Shelton. Ray Fittipaldo says Pickens was a "cancer" in the Steelers locker room,, and the trade should have no bearing on whether Aaron Rodgers signs with the team. Pomp says he would have kept Pickens and waited for him to mature. Noah Hiles of the Post-Gazette tells the morning show that Bucs GM Ben Cherington is likely to be back for 2026, despite Shelton's firing. All that and more!

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo recap the first day of rookie minicamp for NFL draft selections and undrafted free agents at the team's South Side facility. Why did QB Will Howard look and sound impressive as he looks to find his way alongside Mason Rudolph and -- possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? What did Derrick Harmon have to say about navigating the joy of being drafted alongside the grief of losing his mother soon after? How is he connecting with new teammates including Cam Heyward and Keenau Benton? How did fifth-round pick Yahya Black look alongside him? How is RB Kaleb Johnson progressing? And is Carson Bruener showing signs that he can contribute on special teams? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Ray thinks Drew Allar needs to be more consistent and productive for Penn State. Will the Steelers regret the George Pickens trade? It's not a foregone conclusion Aaron Rodgers will be here, but a very good chance. Mike Florio told The PM Team that the 49ers would be fine dumping Brandon Aiyuk on the Steelers. A 16-team College Football Playoff is "gaining support" in the SEC and Big Ten.

Ray thinks Drew Allar needs to be more consistent and productive for Penn State. Will the Steelers regret the George Pickens trade? Ray still thinks trading him was the right decision and both sides didn't really want to work with each other. Jaylen Warren is still the starter but we could see close to a 50/50 split between him and Kaleb Johnson later in the season.

May 8, 2025 Hour 2 Ray Fittipaldo.  Poll Questions. Ray joins M&M about the Steelers trade of George Pickens to Dallas.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the George Pickens trade, who also said today he did NOT request a trade from the Steelers. What did Ray make of the return? Ray does think the clear intent next year is to draft a quarterback. Ray wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers looked to Allen Lazard as a receiver option since he is known buddies with Aaron Rodgers. The guys asked if Roman Wilson would play any pivotal role in the offense. Ray thought Rodgers played well at the end of last season, but the guys did not agree. Ray thinks next season is all about another shot at the trophy with their core guys.

The Pirates fired Derek Shelton, but how much was he at blame? The guys think the job of Ben Cherington has put the team in a much more damming situation than Shelton did. The guys graded both of their jobs. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the George Pickens trade, who also said today he did NOT request a trade from the Steelers. What did Ray make of the return? Ray does think the clear intent next year is to draft a quarterback. Ray wouldn't be surprised if the Steelers looked to Allen Lazard as a receiver option since he is known buddies with Aaron Rodgers. The guys asked if Roman Wilson would play any pivotal role in the offense. Ray thought Rodgers played well at the end of last season, but the guys did not agree. Ray thinks next season is all about another shot at the trophy with their core guys. Total Request Thursday.

Ray joins Mark to talk about the Steelers and the trade of Pickens

Brian Batko joins the show to break down the PIckens trade, Ray Fittipaldo does the same this hour. The Bucco Roundup and some Dan Patrick sound make an appearance. Ask Mark Anything! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray joins Mark to talk about the Steelers and the trade of Pickens See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brian Batko joins the show to break down the PIckens trade, Ray Fittipaldo does the same this hour. The Bucco Roundup and some Dan Patrick sound make an appearance. Ask Mark Anything!

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's decision to trade WR George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Why would GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin make this move now? After the NFL draft? If they thought they might trade Pickens, why didn't they draft a starter-quality receiver to pair with DK Metcalf? Could the team still sign a free agent like Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper? And could internal options like Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods and Roman Wilson step up? Our duo tackles those questions and more beyond the receivers room. How might the deal impact the team's pursuit of Aaron Rodgers in NFL free agency? And is the team clearly signaling an interest in acquiring a QB in the deep 2026 draft, the could include names such as Arch Manning, Drew Allar, Nico Iamaleava and LaNorris Sellers?

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to react to and assess the news that WR George Pickens is being traded from the Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys.

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the offensive line after GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin chose not to add to it via the NFL draft. Is that a sign of confidence in young players including Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, Mason McCormick and Zach Frazier? What are reasonable expectations for that group this season as they look to provide better blocking to RBs Kaleb Johnson, Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell? And better protection for QBs including Mason Rudolph, Will Howard and --possibly -- Aaron Rodgers? Later, the guys take a look at how the CB room is coming together with names like Donte Kent and Darius Slay joining Joey Porter Jr., Cory Tice Jr. and Beanie Bishop. And they take a look at how AFC North rivals including the Ravens, Bengals and Browns performed in the NFL draft, with big names including Shedeur Sanders, Quinshon Judkins, Shemar Stewart and Malaki Starks entering the fray.

Ray thinks the wide receiver and cornerback draft wasn't all that deep in the draft and why the Steelers went to Metcalf and Slay. Ray and Austin think the QB room will be slightly improved than last season. The running back room is... better than last year. Gainwell is a good addition and Kaleb Johnson fits the offense.

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: Ray thinks the wide receiver and cornerback draft wasn't all that deep in the draft and why the Steelers went to Metcalf and Slay. Ray and Austin think the QB room will be slightly improved than last season. Ross Tucker thinks it's ridiculous the Steelers are waiting for Aaron Rodgers

A fun topic to start today's show in ode to Ross Tucker who joined Good Morning Football today when he said Terrelle Pryor was hands-down the greatest high school athlete he's ever seen. Is he right to people in PA? Who are some of the other contenders? What was the biggest hold up for Pryor in the NFL? GIVEAWAY. Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. The guys asked Ray who he thinks the best HS FB he's ever seen is. The chat then shifted to the draft and why the Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders multiple times last week. Ray tried to guess how they had their QBs ranked from the draft. The guys asked Ray about the Steelers eventually picking their QB – Will Howard from Ohio State. Ray said he expected Howard, like a few others QBs, to go higher in the draft instead of his selection at 185. Ray explained the mindset of Jack Sawyer being the team's 4th round pick and what he can bring to the table. How will things unfold at RB between Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson? Ray thinks Yahya Black will get into the mix on the defensive line.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. The guys asked Ray who he thinks the best HS FB he's ever seen is. The chat then shifted to the draft and why the Steelers passed on Shedeur Sanders multiple times last week. Ray tried to guess how they had their QBs ranked from the draft. The guys asked Ray about the Steelers eventually picking their QB – Will Howard from Ohio State. Ray said he expected Howard, like a few others QBs, to go higher in the draft instead of his selection at 185. Ray explained the mindset of Jack Sawyer being the team's 4th round pick and what he can bring to the table. How will things unfold at RB between Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson? Ray thinks Yahya Black will get into the mix on the defensive line.

On the Wednesday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo analyze the offense's backfield following the NFL draft. Is third-round pick Kaleb Johnson a better fit at running back than Najee Harris was? How do their styles compare and contrast? And how will he pair with new teammates Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren within OC Arthur Smith's system? Our duo tackles those questions. Then later, they offer thoughts on the interesting strategy GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin used in making middle-round selections including Jack Sawyer, Yahya Black and Will Howard. And in the third segment, they analyze the smokescreens the front office used in bringing prospects including Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart in for visits despite choosing not to take either in the end.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson continue to address different aspects of both the Steelers and the Pirates. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. April 30, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the latest Steeler news.

On the Monday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo react to the team's selections in the NFL draft over the weekend. Did GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin do enough to address the ailing run defense with selections including Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black? And how will they fit alongside names like Keenau Benton, Cam Heyward and Patrick Queen? What should fans feel about the way the team addressed the QB situation, settling on Will Howard over names including Shedeur Sanders, Jalen Milroe and Jaxson Dart? Especially with Aaron Rodgers still undecided any Mason Rudolph as the only viable starter on the roster at the moment? And what does Penguins coach Mike Sullivan's surprise departure Monday say about Tomlin's future amid his own prolonged stretch or relative mediocrity?

Join the Post-Gazette's team of Steelers experts throughout the first round of the 2025 NFL draft LIVE from Mike's Beer Bar as they discuss each pick all the way up to and after Pittsburgh's scheduled slot at No. 21. Join Adam Bittner, Christopher Carter, Paul Zeise, Jason Mackey, Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko to get their reactions to the big news as it happens. Will GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin fortify their defensive line with top prospects like Derrick Harmon, Walter Nolen or Kenneth Grant? Will they aim for a possible franchise quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or Jaxson Dart? Could they go off-script completely and grab names like Omarion Hampton at RB or Jahdae Barron at CB? And will they consider a trade to move up, down or add picks by moving a name like George Pickens or T.J. Watt? Our team ponders those questions amid an offseason that's already included a big trade for DK Metcalf and a long pursuit of QB Aaron Rodgers. For more sports, visit post-gazette.com

Hour 2 with Joe Starkey: The Steelers had a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart but also did on Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Ray correctly predicted Derrick Harmon to the Steelers. Ray thinks the Steelers could draft Tyler Shough in the 3rd round or Will Howard in the 4th round. Donny gives the Derrick Harmon pick an A-. Joe doesn't think the Steelers have done a good enough job at drafting and developing defensive lineman.

The Steelers had a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart but also did on Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Ray correctly predicted Derrick Harmon to the Steelers. Mike Tomlin likes the versatility Harmon brings. This addresses the presence and future. Ray's mock has the Steelers drafting Tyler Shough in the 3rd round.

On a special Thursday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Christopher Carter preview the first round of the NFL draft. How closely is GM Omar Khan really eyeing QBs including Shedeur Sanders, Jaxson Dart and Jalen Milroe as he holds the No. 21 overall pick? Could he and coach Mike Tomlin really pull the trigger and take one of those guys? Or are they trying to keep other teams guessing? If the Steelers don't go quarterback, is the eventual pick likely to come from the group of DLs Derrick Harmon, Kenneth Grant and Walter Nolen, or RBs Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson? And what are the chances a trade happens? Could Khan to move back in the first round to add additional draft capital? Believing one of his top targets will still be available later? Could he move a T.J. Watt or George Pickens to make the night more interesting? And what should we make of comments by Tomlin and Khan about Aaron Rodgers? Our duo tackles all of that and more.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Gerry Dulac & Ray Fittipaldo react to the news conference held by GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday ahead of the NFL draft. What did the two have to say about the pursuit of Aaron Rodgers? And when might be the deadline for the star QB to sign? Was the praise Tomlin had for Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders a legit expression of interest? Or a smokescreen to throw other teams off the scent of what the Steelers may do? And which defensive linemen might they prefer between top options including Kenneth Grant, Derrick Harmon and Walter Nolen? Our duo tackles those questions and more.

The Post Gazettes Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk some Steelers and draft See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.