ST.Former Steelers Star Minkah Fitzpatrick Sends Heartfelt Thanks to Former Teammate Who Skipped Postgame Celebrations to Be by His Side at the Hospital — Even as Opponents, Pittsburgh Proved One Thing: Brotherhood Still Endures Wherever They Go
Pittsburgh, December 16, 2025 – In a heartwarming moment amid fierce rivalry, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive captain Cam Heyward skipped most of the post-game celebrations after a 28-15 victory over the Miami Dolphins to rush with several former teammates to the hospital and check on
Minkah Fitzpatrick – the ex-Steelers safety now wearing Dolphins colors.
Cam Heyward on why he and some others from the Steelers came out to check on and support former teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick when he went down with injurypic.twitter.com/2fCMsTLqF3 — Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) December 16, 2025
Fitzpatrick suffered a calf injury in the fourth quarter of Monday Night Football, collapsing to the turf while clutching his lower leg in a non-contact play. Immediately, head coach Mike Tomlin and multiple Steelers players rushed to his side to check on him, showing genuine concern. Tomlin later said simply: “We care about Minkah. That’s it.”
Although Fitzpatrick was able to walk off the field under his own power with a slight limp and the injury was initially considered not overly serious (listed as questionable to return), Cam Heyward – who led the defense alongside Fitzpatrick and T.J. Watt for years – put brotherhood first. According to sources close to the team, Heyward and several other players headed straight to the medical facility after the game to be by Fitzpatrick’s side, missing much of the victory celebration at Acrisure Stadium.
Fitzpatrick, who was traded to the Dolphins in the 2025 offseason in the blockbuster deal involving Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, expressed his heartfelt gratitude on social media: “Thank you to my brothers back in Pittsburgh. Different jerseys, same love. Steelers forever in my heart.”
This moment once again highlights the Steelers’ culture: no matter how shocking the trade, the bonds forged on the field remain unbreakable. With the calf injury potentially sidelining Fitzpatrick for a few weeks, the support from Heyward and his old teammates is undoubtedly the best medicine.
NFL fans are sharing this story far and wide as a beautiful reminder that brotherhood in football goes beyond rivalry! 🏈❤️
Raiders GM John Spytek “Schedules a Formal Interview” With College Defensive Back Star — Vegas Quietly Eyes a First-Round Pick
Las Vegas, December 16, 2025 – With the Las Vegas Raiders holding a high first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, new general manager John Spytek could make a bold statement by targeting a defensive playmaker, according to a one-round mock draft published by Raider Ramble.
In the projection, Spytek opts for Caleb Downs, the dynamic defensive back from Ohio State, labeling him as the “next defensive star” the franchise desperately needs. While selecting a safety early in the draft is often viewed as unconventional—no safety has been taken in the top 10 since 2018 or top 5 since Eric Berry in 2010—the mock argues that Downs’ elite production and versatility make him an “inevitable” choice rather than a risky one.
Downs, fresh off helping Ohio State capture the national championship, capped his college career with 5 solo tackles in the title game against Notre Dame while dominating the middle of the field. Over three seasons at Alabama and Ohio State, he amassed
189 tackles, 14 passes defended, and 11 tackles for loss.
Key attributes highlighted include:
- Elite processing speed and play diagnosis, exemplified by anticipatory breaks on quarterbacks (such as in the Cotton Bowl against Texas).
- Exceptional run support with disciplined angles, leverage, and a low missed-tackle rate—addressing a longstanding weakness for the Raiders’ defense.
- Advanced coverage skills that blur positional lines, allowing him to match tight ends and slot receivers in man coverage while manipulating quarterbacks in zone schemes.
- Proven leadership from top programs and a high football IQ that could serve as a catalyst for the entire defense.
The mock draft emphasizes that Downs is far more than a “one-note center-field ranger.” Compared to other top safety prospects like Malaki Starks, Downs stands out for his instincts, range, and ability to elevate any scheme.
“Choosing a defensive player with next year’s top pick may not be the ‘flashy’ option for Las Vegas Raiders fans, but the team requires its next defensive star,” the analysis states. “Drafting a safety early is supposed to feel risky. Drafting Caleb Downs should feel inevitable.”
With the Raiders focused on rebuilding a roster that extends beyond quarterback needs, landing a multi-dimensional talent like Downs could provide immediate impact, intelligence, and versatility to raise the ceiling of the entire defense.
Raiders fans will be watching closely as the offseason approaches to see if Spytek follows this blueprint for defensive revival. 🏈
