Steelers arrive for training camp, begin preparations for season

Tribune-Review
Thursday, July 27, 2017 12:09 p.m. | Thursday, July 27, 2017 12:09 p.m.

The way it was

1971 training camp

George Muentzer was 19 the first year he attended the first day of Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College. It was Chuck Noll's third camp, a season after the team had finished 5-9.

As longtime Steelers fans know, "they were terrible," Muentzer said.

The big names on the roster — Joe Greene on defense and Terry Bradshaw on offense — had yet to produce a winner. For Bradshaw, it was only his second training camp. The team went on to post a 6-8 record.

Why did he go to Latrobe to see a team derisively referred to as the "Same Old Steelers?"

"The reason is ‘cause they were the Steelers," Muentzer said.

It was the first year in camp for the No. 2 draft pick, an All-American linebacker from Penn State out of Johnstown — Jack Ham.

Along with fellow 1971 draft picks Dwight "Mad Dog" White, Ernie "Fats" Holmes and Mike Wagner, Ham would help build the "Steel Curtain" defense of the Steelers Super Bowl runs in the 1970s.

Greene and L.C. Greenwood already were on the team. The addition of middle linebacker Jack Lambert and free agent Donnie Shell in 1974 would round out the group, most of whom went on to win four Super Bowls.

Video series: Meet Steelers super fan Ralph Bayko

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The Steelers on Thursday open their 52nd training camp at St. Vincent College, with the team's first practice scheduled for Friday.

Thursday's spectacle? How the players arrive.

Follow along for updates throughout the day as the Renatta Signorini chronicles how the players arrive while Joe Rutter, Chris Adamski and Kevin Gorman have the Xs and Os side of camp.

Antonio Brown gets chauffeured in to #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/7CfY21bp04

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Antonio Brown's ride to #SteelersCamp, a classic Rolls Royce. pic.twitter.com/aW8UZsJLpZ

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

James Harrison just rolled up like this. pic.twitter.com/Vk9Z5gRWTV

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

James Harrison just rolled up in this to #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/2L5DbveEFx

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Linebacker Ryan Shazier in the flashiest car yet. pic.twitter.com/tW3U30C9eG

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

South Allegheny graduate and tight end Jesse James arrives. pic.twitter.com/J9TNe66LYd

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Jesse is a popular guy. Or maybe it's just that @tribjoerutter is there. pic.twitter.com/ETrl8sTKzd

" Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 27, 2017

And this is his truck. Loud horn. pic.twitter.com/2fQ5pXPpis

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Ford pickup trucks appear to be popular with Steelers. Three here, a few others have already been past. pic.twitter.com/yaAq2lrtCB

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Fellow Ford pickup truck driver Ramon Foster brought his pillow from home. pic.twitter.com/5dNnpfo5rb

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Chris Boswell is the latest to roll into Steelers camp pic.twitter.com/9WpBFWKBal

" Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) July 27, 2017

Center Maurkice Pouncey: "I'm always excited to be back here." pic.twitter.com/NKXmYUo42P

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Wide receiver Cobi Hamilton has been shuttling in items from his vehicle. #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/swhQgyUWCt

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

They're here‼️ They're here‼️#SteelersCamp #CampLife pic.twitter.com/VGtivdoUV2

" Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) July 27, 2017

Ethan Cooper of IUP reports for his first camp. pic.twitter.com/RmCGZUL3sz

" Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) July 27, 2017

.@IUPedu alum offensive guard Ethan Cooper arrives. Said he's grateful for the opportunity. #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/BPMRC8HiFv

" Renatta Signorini (@ByRenatta) July 27, 2017

Stephon Tuitt stocked up on his cleaning supplies before reporting to Steelers camp pic.twitter.com/Pb7eEtJWPY

" Joe Rutter (@tribjoerutter) July 27, 2017

Renatta Signorini | Tribune-Review

Steelers offensive lineman Ramon Foster addresses the media as players report to training camp on Thursday, July 27, 2017, at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.