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Steelers Rookie Credits Big Ben for Key Trait

Troy Fautanu is hoping he can live up to the grit demonstrated by a Pittsburgh Steelers legend.

Stephen Thompson

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the
Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (55) against the / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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PITTSBURGH -- Troy Fautaunu's love for the Pittsburgh Steelers began with a connection to Troy Polamalu. But as his football career developed, the eventual first-round draft pick found himself identifying with a different black and gold legend, one on the offensive side of the ball that nevertheless demonstrated the trademark toughness he loved.

Fautanu, whom the Steelers took with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, said in his first meeting with local media at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is the player that he most closely associates with Pittsburgh's identity.

"I mean, once again, like, just the grit that the team plays with. Like, I grew up a really big fan of Ben Roethlisberger. That's what I always seen him to do, you know what I mean?" Fautanu said. "He's out there commanding the team and commanding that offense. And I always thought he was one of the toughest guys I've ever seen play. Like, he'd get hit and get right back up, you know? That inspired me to play the way that I do. So, yeah, hats off, man. Coach Tomlin's done a really great job, you know what I mean? And I'm just so happy to be under him and learn from him."

Fautanu began his football career as a running back and fullback and said he always imagined he'd have the ball in his hands for the rest of his career. When the opportunity to become a lineman was presented, he was hesitant. But as soon as Fautanu got his first taste of the hard-nosed life in the trenches, he was hooked.

Fautanu has since earned a reputation as a relentless and nasty run blocker who demonstrates supreme athleticism blocking on the edges at 310 pounds. As a lifelong Steelers fan, he tried to emulate what the legends of his favorite franchise did and now he'll get to do it for the team he grew up rooting for.

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Stephen Thompson

STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.