PITTSBURGH — The Steelers locker room was relaxed and reflective as the Tuesday of their bye week collided with Halloween.
Running back Le’Veon Bell was in full costume, dressed as the “Grim Reaper” and providing some levity with cameos in several interviews.
Bell was reluctant to reveal his identity, instead answering questions with head nods and hand gestures, but Maurkice Pouncey seemed to appreciate the lightened mood. "The bye week’s supposed to be fun and relaxing,” said the Steelers five-time Pro Bowler, “And obviously he brought that today."
Pouncey on preparing to satisfy some Halloween sweet tooths: “I'm giving out a lot of candy at the house."
TRENDING NOW:
- Fire ravages Upper St. Clair home
- N. Korea nuclear test site reportedly collapses, killing hundreds
- 2017 Trick-or-Treat Times
- VIDEO: 11-Year-Old Shoots 12-Year-Old In Head At Sleepover Party
Defensive captain Cam Heyward on looking forward to trick-or-treating with his son: “It's his first one so it'll be fun. Then we're going to celebrate his birthday too, so I'll be playing dad a little bit."
Time away from football means some quality mid-season family time for the players, but it’ll also gives them an opportunity to reflect on the first half, and focus on finishing strong, and perhaps earning another weekend off before the playoffs.
Heyward hopes this bye is the first of two this season, "Everybody gets a bye. Now it's time to go earn another one.”
Rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster, who set a Steelers record with a 97-yard touchdown reception on Sunday night, has been taking driving lessons from teammate Alejandro Villanueva.
Smith-Schuster had originally planned to take his driver's test on Tuesday, but decided to push back that exam.
“I’m probably going to reschedule cause I gotta drive a smaller car than Al's truck," he said.
For his part, Villanueva is impressed with his 20-year-old student driver.
"I would say he's very athletic, very respectful. He’s a kid who doesn’t drink, do anything bad, the (dangers of) texting and driving I've emphasize a lot,” Villanueva said. “He’s honest, he's focused. Just remember these awesome life lessons and become an awesome driver out there."