Chase Claypool's Top 5 Moments as a Steeler

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Jayson Erwin. Follow him on Twitter @JaysonErwin2002

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the Chapter of Chase has ended in Pittsburgh. And whether you're sad or happy to see him go, you can't deny he was a rather famous (or infamous) face across the Steelers locker room. Whether he was using his 6'4 frame to moss defenders, or celebrating a 9-yard gain in a crucial drive against the Vikings as time ran down, it's been a rocky road for the Canadian receiver. And right now, Steeler Nation needs some positivity with how the season is going, so let's take a look at the moments that kept Steeler fans on the bandwagon for Claypool. In order from the first game to last.

#1: First Career Catch

When Chase Claypool was drafted in the 2nd round, all eyes were on him. He was the first pick for the Steelers that year since they traded away a first. And there is also the reason the Steelers have been known to draft very talented receivers especially since they haven't drafted a receiver in the first round since 2006, with toe-tap legend Santonio Holmes. So a lot of people were wondering when the kid was going to have some big time highlights. Would he take the Antonio Brown route and have to wait a season or two? Would he take the Juju Smith-Schuster and have a random good game in the middle of his rookie season? Nope. First career catch and people were already ready to call him the next Calvin Johnson. The Steelers were facing the Giants in a week 1, Monday Night Football matchup. In the first quarter and down by 3, Ben Roethlisberger would sling the ball towards the sideline in a great toe-dragging effort by Claypool that immediately showed that he has tons of potential. This would end up helping as the Steelers tied the game 3-3 and won in the end.

#2: First Career Touchdown

One of the many things that drove Steeler fans crazy about Big Ben towards the end of his career was his lack of deep pass ability he didn't possess as he did earlier in his career, but darn it when Big Ben had the accuracy it was a thing of beauty. Not long after his first game against the Giants, Claypool would turn heads again. Up against the Broncos in the Steelers home opener, Big Ben would sling one downfield to Claypool as he burnt corner Michael Ojemudia and would get the longest touchdown of the season for an 84-yard touchdown play. This would only continue to spark the believers in Mapletron.

#3: First Elite Game

2 weeks after his first touchdown catch, Claypool would continue the momentum going into a game vs. Philadelphia. Claypool scored not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 total touchdowns! 3 receiving touchdowns, and 1 rushing. 7 receptions, 110 yards. Claypool would also be a stud in fantasy and get 35 points that game, wom AFC Offensive Player of the Week and the Steelers would win 38-29. Man, I miss the days we scored more than 20 points a game. 

#4: Broncos II

Claypool's sophomore season was met with a lot of expectations and opportunities since Juju went down with an injury early in the season. And apparently, he has his best games against Denver. He would get his first touchdown and 100+ yard game in his 2nd year. 5 receptions, 130 yards, and a touchdown, and the Steelers would go on to win the game. 

#5: Final Touchdown Is...A Pass?

Nobody knew this would be Claypool's final game but nonetheless, it's funny how they faked the jet sweep to Claypool into a passing touchdown. Ironically, the best play call Matt Canada has had all year, Claypool came across the other side of the field and got the ball and before Steeler fans had time to groan over a jet sweep to Claypool, he threw a touchdown pass to fullback Derek Watt. In what felt like a surreal dream of Matt Canada and Steeler fans getting what they want at the same time, Canada gets to call a jet sweep and the fans get more of Derek Watt and it all turns into six! In his final game, Claypool played the team he had his first 100-yard game against, the first multi-receiving touchdown game against, his first rushing touchdown, and went on to have his first passing touchdown. Sometimes when the stars align, magic can happen. 

Two days later, Claypool would be traded to Chicago for a second-round pick. As Steeler fans are celebrating or grieving over the team not having Claypool, some positives to look forward to. Pickens will get more playing time and hopefully no more TikTok shenanigans. But personally, I will miss Claypool. He has extraordinary talent and it has seemed like he has grown a little since last season. Mr. Claypool, I wish you nothing but the best in Chicago and hope your career flourishes from here. And never forget "Losing? Never heard of her."