The Pittsburgh Steelers recently held their annual Mel Blount Celebrity Roast, with this year’s event honoring the legendary 1974 team that won the franchise’s first Super Bowl. Rather than spotlighting an individual, the team chose to commemorate the entire Super Bowl IX squad.
Notable figures in attendance included Art Rooney II, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, and Mel Blount himself. The celebration served as a reunion for key players and staff from a historic era in Steelers history.
Steelers Honor 1974 Team, Welschof Connects with Roots at NFL Germany Headquarters
This year marks 50 years since the Steelers claimed their first Lombardi Trophy, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 16-6 in Super Bowl IX. That victory launched a dynasty that would dominate the NFL throughout the late 1970s. The roast was a fitting tribute to a team that laid the foundation for the Steelers’ storied success, and the event highlighted the camaraderie and brotherhood among the franchise’s legends.
Steelers Celebrate 1974 Super Bowl Team as NFL Advances Helmet Safety and Welschof Embraces German RootsJulius Welschof, an outside linebacker for the Steelers, recently visited the NFL’s headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany—his home country. Sharing photos and videos of the visit, Welschof showed off a custom NFL Germany jersey and toured the facility.
His journey from Germany to the NFL has been impressive; after moving to the U.S. in high school, he played for Michigan and Charlotte before signing with Pittsburgh as an international player exemption.
NFL Bans Unsafe Helmets, Approves Safer Models to Reduce Injuries and Guardian Caps
In a recent development, the NFL has updated its approved list of helmet models for the 2025 season. Seven models, including various Riddell and Xenith helmets, have been banned due to safety concerns. The move is part of the league’s ongoing effort to enhance player safety through better equipment standards.
Helmets like the Riddell Axiom 3D have been upgraded in status, now considered safe enough to be worn without additional Guardian Caps during practices.
In a positive note for equipment advancements, several helmet models are now considered safe enough that players are no longer required to wear Guardian Caps during contact practices. This marks a significant improvement in helmet technology and may influence more teams to transition to these safer models.
As the NFL continues to refine its safety protocols, such updates play a critical role in protecting player health while maintaining competitive standards.
