The Pittsburgh Steelers invited a trio of special teams players for tryouts on Wednesday.
Two share the last name Wright but aren’t related.
And two have Pennsylvania ties.
Also, two already had stints with the Steelers.
Here are the details.
1. Matthew Wright
Former UCF Kicker Matt Wright is in Pittsburgh this week for a tryout with the Steelers.https://t.co/uy9U4ES6zN
— ⚔️Sidelines – UCF⚔️ (@Sidelines_UCF) November 19, 2020
Matthew is a product of Lancaster, Pennsylvania who went to college at the University of Central Florida.
Wright made 153 extra points in a row and finished with a school-record of 212 during his college career.
He also made 55 of 71 field goals.
The Steelers signed him in 2019 as a UDFA following the 2019 NFL Draft.
At the time, the placekicking duties were Chris Boswell‘s to lose after a mediocre 2018.
The Steelers ultimately decided to stick with Boswell and released Wright in September 2019.
He also spent some time in the XFL.
Wright has a degree in Aerospace Engineering so currently his day job is not too shabby.
He is a Systems Engineer Associate with Lockheed Martin in Florida.
2. Brandon Wright
The other Wright is Brandon Wright who went to Georgia State.
Brandon Wright is both a placekicker and punter.
He was signed by Jacksonville as a UDFA following the 2020 NFL Draft.
Brandon played in Jacksonville’s Week 3 game against the Dolphins after Miami’s starting kicker was injured.
He kicked one of two extra points but ultimately suffered a groin injury that sent him to IR.
The Jaguars later waived him.
3. Christian Kuntz
Kuntz is a long snapper/linebacker who is a Pennsylvania native that went to college at Duquesne University.
He was an UDFA in 2017.
Like Matthew Wright, this would be his second stint with the Steelers.
After bouncing around from New England, Denver, and Jacksonville, he played the 2019 preseason with the Steelers.
He also spent time in the XFL.
Why Are The Steelers Trying Out Special Teams Players?
No injuries are known so it is a bit perplexing why the Steelers would be focusing on special teams for player tryouts.
The Steelers currently have a vacancy on the practice squad.
Their roster has 15 players, and they are allowed 16.
Perhaps the Steelers at 9-0 are trying to look into the crystal ball to see what they may need going down the stretch.
Steelers Upcoming Schedule
If the Steelers beat the 1-8 Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 11, get ready for the talk to ramp up on their pursuit of a perfect season.
Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-0 for the first time in franchise history!!! On our way to a PERFECT season!! #herewego pic.twitter.com/m9NQ5UWwzw
— Jennifer (@Jennifer_Lynn89) November 16, 2020
That’s a feat that has only been accomplished by the 1972 Miami Dolphins.
New England came close in 2007 but lost the Super Bowl to the New York Giants.
There’s a lot of football left to be played, and unfortunately COVID-19 might create additional problems for the Steelers.
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