Podcast appearances and mentions of ray fittipaldo

On this hour of Live Bet Sunday, Ben Wilson and Geoff Schwartz talk about some basketball as the NBA Summer League wraps up along with some MLB. Ray Fittipaldo also joins the show to preview the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming season.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to talk about the Watt extension. Marc Raimondi joins to talk about his latest book about the NWO Ask Mark Anything! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Post-Gazette sports columnist Paul Zeise reacts to the Steelers' new 4-year contract with linebacker T.J. Watt, which averages significantly less than the reported $40 million per year he was seeking. Did GM Omar Khan make a good deal, solidifying his team's future after acquisitions of big name veterans this offseason, including DK Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith? Or did he hamstring the future for a core that includes names like Derrick Harmon, Keeanu Benton, Joey Porter Jr., Zach Frazier and Broderick Jones? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo later in the show to break down the Watt contract news and what it means for training camp next week at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray gave his initial reaction to TJ Watt signing his extension with the Steelers. Chris asked about the Steelers scope always being about making it look like they got the better end of the deal. Ray said this is about betting on a player you have known since 2017. Ray brought up JJ Watt breaking down a bit around this age, but he explained why this only locks the team in until TJ is about 34.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about some contract disputes in the NFL and how they relate to what T.J Watt is doing with the Steelers right now.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson wonder if any other NFL players deserve to be more upset in contract negotiations than Steelers' LB T.J. Watt. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. July 16, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Ray thinks Ramsey will be "a chess piece" the Steelers move around to play different spots. We don't know that Juan Thornhill can start. The wide receiver room is still weak without depth and both safety and receiver are major concerns. Aaron Rodgers is the biggest move of the offseason. Ray is looking forward to watching Kaleb Johnson.

Hour 2 with Jason Mackey: Ray gives the Steelers a B- for the offseason and there are some concerns with how Jalen Ramsey can gel on defense. Ray thinks Ramsey will be "a chess piece" the Steelers move around to play different spots. Rob in West Mifflin doesn't want to pay T.J. Watt $40 million but we all think they will pay him the money.

Top 25 Penguins since 2000 with special guest, Jeff in South Park! Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said it's still status quo with TJ Watt and he wouldn't be surprised if we see a hold out this time around instead of a hold in like 2021. Ray expects the Steelers to eventually give in to what Watt wants and make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Ray said the plan going forward should be to move Watt around on defense and Watt himself acknowledged that. What kind of return would Watt fetch the Steelers in a trade? Ray thinks Saturday night before the season opener would be the deadline for a deal. Total Request Thursday.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said it's still status quo with TJ Watt and he wouldn't be surprised if we see a hold out this time around instead of a hold in like 2021. Ray expects the Steelers to eventually give in to what Watt wants and make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the league. Ray said the plan going forward should be to move Watt around on defense and Watt himself acknowledged that. What kind of return would Watt fetch the Steelers in a trade? Ray thinks Saturday night before the season opener would be the deadline for a deal.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to some NFL prediction lists while the offseason is still going on. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. July 9, 2025, 8:00 Hour

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson on The Fan Hotline to discuss the T.J Watt contract saga along with some hypothetical trades that could take place.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk about the Omar Khan extension, what this all means for Andy Weidl, what the Steelers' plan is for their defense this year, how Pittsburgh plans on using Jalen Ramsey, what he expects to see from Minkah Fitzpatrick in Miami, if Pat Freiermuth should feel threatened by Jonnu Smith, if the Steelers will still look for a WR2, what the latest is with TJ Watt, and more!

Hour 2: Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk all things Steelers. Do the Steelers have an identity issue? And Jack remembers having Joe Starkey as a professor in college.

Hour 1: Jack Hillgrove in for the guys today! Who really runs the Steelers, Mike Tomlin or Omar Khan? There is a new gambling controversy in MLB. And is Joey Chestnut an athlete? Hour 2: Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk all things Steelers. Do the Steelers have an identity issue? And Jack remembers having Joe Starkey as a professor in college. Hour 3: Jack grades the blockbuster Steelers-Dolphins trade from this week. Is Dom un-American? And the Bechtold Breakdown with Dom: intense Penn State debate, EA bringing back an icon, and how did Britain lose to the 13 Colonies in the American Revolution? Hour 4: Bob Walk joins the show to talk the Pirates' recent hot streak. The guys get back into their heated Penn State debate. And when should we expect the Pirates' hot streak to end?

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray said the legacy of Omar Khan so far is about bold, aggressive moves. Ray said his tenure will ultimately be defined by what happens in the next couple of years and if he can finally find a QB. Ray wanted to remind people that Kenny Pickett was not a Khan draft pick. Did the Steelers trade Minkah Fitzpatrick in his prime? Ray hadn't heard anything about Minkah's relationship with Mike Tomlin going south. Ray said the Steelers believe in DeShon Elliott. Juan Thornhill is coming off a bad year and Ray thinks that's why there is talk of Jalen Ramsey sliding into the safety spot at some point this season. Ray thinks the team should find someone to push Thornhill going into the season. Ray gave a strong endorsement for strawberry pretzel salad.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to discuss Omar Khan, Steelers. Noah Hiles joins the show for TRT to discuss Ben Cherington, potential Pirates trade offers.

Ray Fittipaldo joins Mark to talk Steelers, JB joins to talk Penguins. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Fittipaldo joins Mark to talk Steelers, JB joins to talk Penguins.

Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post Gazette comes on The Fan Hotline to talk to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson about the Steelers' big trade from Monday and what could possibly happen with T.J. Watt.

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson rehash some former predictions Crowley made about the Steelers' win total. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. July 2, 2025, 8:00 Hour

July 1, 2025 Hour 2 - Ray Fittipaldo

Ira On Sports - Ray Fittipaldo 063025 by Ira On Sports

Happy Tuesday! We reminisce about our guy Mark the Shark who had his last day at The Fan today. Jeremiah Smith promises that he'll never lose to Michigan again. Ohio State Radio Network color commentator Jim Lachey joins the show. Paul Finebaum is shooting for the moon with his latest Arch Manning take. Happy Bobby Bonilla Day! When is the Patrick Mahomes reign of dominance ending? We play Chet Roulette. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins the show to discuss the recent Steelers trade and what it means for the future of the organization. And a strange, tennis-themed Tell the Truth emerges out of nowhere.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk about the Steelers-Dolphins trade, how Pittsburgh plans on using Jalen Ramsey, what's next with Watt, and much more!

Hour 2 with Jason Mackey: Ray believes Aaron Rodgers is going to get every opportunity to be the starter for all 17 games. Could Rodgers come back next season if the Steelers have a great year? Ray thinks it sure doesn't sound like it. Ray has no timetable for a T.J. Watt extension and it's quiet on Watt's side. Jeff Passan thinks the 2027 baseball season is 'in peril" because media rights deals haven't been finalized and a cap and floor is more likely to be considered in the CBA after 2026.

Ray believes Aaron Rodgers is going to get every opportunity to be the starter for all 17 games. Could Rodgers come back next season if the Steelers have a great year? Ray thinks it sure doesn't sound like it. Ray has no timetable for a T.J. Watt extension and it's quiet on Watt's side. Jason misses coaches who are tough on players.

Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the words from Aaron Rodgers the other day, stating that it will likely be his final season. Ray does think this all has a chance to work out, which could mean a respectable showing in the playoffs and maybe even a win. Ray doesn't believe the Rodgers legacy hinges on what he does in Pittsburgh. How much pressure would Mike Tomlin be under if the Steelers can't win a playoff game? Ray thinks pressure could be put on Omar Khan and Andy Weidl to circle that next QB. A few quick hitters for Ray before he said goodbye involving Jaylen Warren, Calvin Austin and TJ Watt.

At the halfway point of the season, the Pirates are 32-50. What has gone so wrong this season? Chris said the real story is about Bob Nutting, but not in the way you may expect. Chris went through a couple of notable owners in sports that showed a true identity. It seems like the GM is safe when he shouldn't be. How many more times can we watch Ben Cherington screw something up? We struggled to think of many major positive moves made by GMBC in his tenure outside of Paul Skenes and Bailey Falter. What will the deadline look like this year? Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray reacted to the words from Aaron Rodgers the other day, stating that it will likely be his final season. Ray does think this all has a chance to work out, which could mean a respectable showing in the playoffs and maybe even a win. Ray doesn't believe the Rodgers legacy hinges on what he does in Pittsburgh. How much pressure would Mike Tomlin be under if the Steelers can't win a playoff game? Ray thinks pressure could be put on Omar Khan and Andy Weidl to circle that next QB. A few quick hitters for Ray before he said goodbye involving Jaylen Warren, Calvin Austin and TJ Watt. Total Request Thursday.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk Aaron Rodgers' comments on Pat McAfee yesterday, the respect players across the league have for Mike Tomlin, the leaders on the Steelers roster, who will benefit most from Rodgers being Pittsburgh's QB, if this will be Arthur Smith's last season as the Steelers' OC, if the Steelers will add another wide receiver, and more!

Hour 3: Ray Fittipaldo and John Wehner join the show to talk Rodgers and Cruz. Can you get a good meal at a low-quality steakhouse? And Crowley says this is a big college football season for Steelers fans.

Hour 1: The guys react to Oneil Cruz getting benched last night in Milwaukee. Should he play this afternoon? And Aaron Rodgers says that this upcoming NFL season will be his last. Hour 2: Who's a better teammate, Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson? What's a polite way to call someone fat? And there is a new controversy with George Pickens. Hour 3: Ray Fittipaldo and John Wehner join the show to talk Rodgers and Cruz. Can you get a good meal at a low-quality steakhouse? And Crowley says this is a big college football season for Steelers fans. Hour 4: Wednesday with Whaley! Who will benefit the most with Aaron Rodgers coming to the Steelers? The guys share airport stories. And does Dom need to lower his voice?

Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association.

Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association. Joe and Sean make their choices for the Pirates All-Century team, and have mostly the same guys except for an argument about Freddy Sanchez's position. 

There was plenty of drama in the Pirates doubleheader yesterday. Dennis Santana went after a fan. TJ McConnell has become one of the biggest stories in the NBA. Who are the best basketball players from Western PA. We agree that Pistol Pete doesn't count. Joe runs down the list of other candidates for Western PA basketball Mount Rushmore. We take calls on the subject - there's a ton of candidates. Ray Fittipaldo joins to discuss Rodgers vs Fields and which player and team will have the better year, his confidence in Troy Fautanu, who the most impactful rookie will be, his grade for Patrick Queen in 24, his choice for breakout player, if Benton and JPJ can bounce back this year, if Watt will get what he wants, free association. Joe and Sean make their choices for the Pirates All-Century team, and have mostly the same guys except for an argument about Freddy Sanchez's position. Mike DeFabo joins to give Joe medical advice, the possible changes for the Steelers defense (quarters defense), his first impression of Aaron Rodgers. Mike White of the PG joins to share stories about TJ McConell from his youth and how he's evolved his game, his Mt Rushmore of Western Pa basketball, his keys to a Pacers win in Game 7. We can't get a hold of Bob Walk, so we shift topics, our Penguins All-Century team, does Lemieux make the list? What about Gonchar vs Orpik? A few updates to the Pens coaching staff. City Limits calls in. We choose our Pitt MBB All-Century team.

Hour 1: Shedeur Sanders got in legal trouble over the weekend. Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to react. And Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about Skenes-Skubal, McDavid to Pens, and more! Hour 2: Is there a major concern lingering with TJ Watt? Bob Pompeani joins the show to talk his feud with Dom, Watt, his go-to foods and drinks, and more! And how much could the Rooneys make if they sold the Steelers? Hour 3: The NFL has released its All-Quarter-Century team. Poni and Dom argue over Brett Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers. And why can't the Pirates do what the Tigers are doing? Hour 4: Poni rips the Pirates for their performance today against the Tigers. We revisit an infamous Pittsburgh sports take. And who at the station will get invited to Donny's wedding?

Hour 1: Shedeur Sanders got in legal trouble over the weekend. Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to react. And Jason Mackey joins the show to talk about Skenes-Skubal, McDavid to Pens, and more!

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

In this hour, Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to some national commentary about whether or not this will be Mike Tomlin's final season with the Steelers. Also, Ray Fittipaldo from The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pirates' broadcaster John Wehner each come on The Fan Hotline. June 18, 2025, 8:00 Hour

On the Monday edition of the North Shore Drive podcast, presented by Edgar Snyder & Associates, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo ponder coach Mike Tomlin's future with Aaron Rodgers now in the fold at QB. Does he have the institutional support from owner Art Rooney II and GM Omar Khan to coach past this season, regardless of what happens with Rodgers? Or could follow names like Mike McCarthy of the Green Bay Packers and Robert Salah of the New York Jets in being fired for to reach expectations with the future Hall of Fame QB at the helm? Later, the guys analyze the team's situation at receiver following minicamp. Are Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III showing signs that they can be productive behind DK Metcalf on the depth chart? Or should the team still consider signing veterans like Keenan Allen, Gabe Davis and/or Amari Cooper? Then in the third segment, Chris and Ray explain how special teams coach Danny Smith is approaching the NFL's ever-changing kickoff rules.

Happy Monday, if there is such a thing! If you were rooting for the course during the US Open, you won. Trey Hendrickson is back in communication with the Bengals. James Rapien of Locked on Bengals joins the show. We play Party Like a Rothstar. Ryan Baker joins us for the final two hours of the program. One CFB QB is getting outrageous hype in the offseason. How should the Cavaliers handle these phone calls about Darius Garland? Bill Bender of The Sporting News joins the show to talk college football. Will Howard really likes Aaron Rodgers so far. Which NFL teams/players are going to make us flip them on our TVs this season? A former NFL player may have a surprising pick for best QB in the NFC. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette joins the show to discuss the reaction to Aaron Rodgers practicing with the team last week. And we finish things off by Telling the Truth.

June 13, 2025 Hour 2 Ray Fittipaldo. Poll Question.  The coolest thing I've seen today. Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk Steelers.

On the Friday episode of the North Shore Drive podcast, Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Christopher Carter and Ray Fittipaldo recap the team's minicamp at its South Side facility this week. What did we ultimately learn about Aaron Rodgers upon his arrival in Pittsburgh? What should we make of him not practicing with the team? What kind of impact is DK Metcalf making on the passing game? And how will both players shape Arthur Smith's offense in the year ahead? Our duo tackles those questions, then give their thoughts on T.J. Watt's absence, the looming risk of a training camp holdout and the 2023 NFL draft class -- led by Joey Porter Jr., Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig -- starting to step into leadership roles for the team.

Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to give his famous movie featuring no stars, what his early impressions are of Aaron Rodgers, if the Steelers had a handshake deal with Rodgers before he officially signed, if Pittsburgh needs to get a WR2, what Kaleb Johnson's role could be with the Steelers this year, if Derrick Harmon will start Week 1 this year, what we can expect from Cole Holcomb, and more!

Hour 2: Ray Fittipaldo joins the show to talk all things Steelers. Jeff Hathhorn jumps back in for an Oakmont US Open update. And the guys give their top five horror movies.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Ray Fittipaldo and Brian Batko recap the final practice of the team's minicamp at its South Side facility. They discuss coach Mike Tomlin's comments with reporters -- in which he did rule out a training camp holdout for star pass rusher T.J. Watt amid protracted contract negotiations. Later, our duo ponders which moves GM Omar Khan could make before training camp, possibly adding CBs like Jaire Alexander or Jalen Ramsey. Or receivers like Keenan Allen and Gabe Davis.

- Was Aaron Rodgers the third option for the Steelers behind Matthew Stafford and Justin Fields? We later hear from Mike Tomlin after minicamp wrapped up. – Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo from the PG joined the show. Ray shared his initial impressions of Aaron Rodgers, and what changes (if any) Arthur Smith could make to suit Rodgers' strengths. Ray doesn't see too many differences in watching Rodgers vs Mason Rudolph right now. He also notes to be on the lookout for Calvin Austin III to potentially become the WR2. Regarding T.J. Watt, Ray thinks a deal with Watt and the team will eventually get done. Ray says undrafted TE JJ Galbreath has stood out a little so far. – An Oakmont check-in with Jeff Hathhorn. – Hodgepodge of Nothingness.

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the second day of the team's minicamp at its South Side facility. They recap Arthur Smith's press conference. What did Smith have to say about the popular notion that he and Russell Wilson didn't get along late last season due to Smith not allowing his quarterback to change plays at the line of scrimmage? How does he plan to utilize new weapons like Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf, going so far as to say they didn't bring those guys in to run the wishbone? The guys tackle those questions, then take a deeper look at the offense in general. What will Rodgers' wide receivers look like behind Metcalf. Will Roman Wilson or Calvin Austin III take over that WR2 spot? Or will the Steelers add another receiver via free agency or trade, like Allen Lazard or Keenan Allen? Will the offensive line, including Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones, be able to step up and protect the 41-year-old future Hall of Famer?

Post-Gazette Steelers insiders Brian Batko and Ray Fittipaldo report from the first day of the team's minicamp at its South Side facility. They recap QB Aaron Rodgers' introduction to a big crowd of media after he officially signed with the team over the weekend. What was the scene like? What did Rodgers have to say about Mike Tomlin after years of admiring the coach from afar? How is he picking up OC Arthur Smith's offense? And what is he learning about new teammates including DK Metcalf, Pat Freiermuth, Calvin Austin III, Robert Woods, Roman Wilson, Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson? The guys tackle those questions, then react to T.J. Watt's absence from minicamp amid contract negotiations with GM Omar Khan and the team. Is it a big deal? Or a normal course of haggling deals in the NFL?

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 moves GM Omar Khan and coach Mike Tomlin could make to solidify the roster after officially signing QB Aaron Rodgers over the weekend. Is an extension for T.J. Watt the next priority? Should they pursue a viable WR2 to play next to DK Metcalf? Would names like Gabe Davis and/or Amari Cooper fit in that role? Or could they look for a trade to add to the defensive backfield in the form of Packers star Jaire Alexander, who's being cut by the Green Bay Packers? Our duo tackles those questions and more.