Steelers Captain Received Death Threats

But the moment came with some negative feelings. Outside of the 21-18 loss to the New England Patriots, Killebrew addressed a difficult moment that came with questions about his impact on special teams, saying he received death threats after the team's loss to the Arizona Cardinals just days earlier. 

In the game, Killebrew was flagged three times.

"I wish we could've done a little more. But hey, glory to God, I was able to get a block," Killebrew said on his block against the Patriots. "I was just telling James, I was fielding a bunch of hate mail and death threats three days ago, so it was nice to kind of flip the script a little bit. Obviously, I want to encourage my guys. Keep them together. We wanna do the most we can to win the game as far as special teams goes, and I think we left a little bit out there. A little meat on the bone, as coach likes to say. We're gonna watch the film, figure out ways we can help us win the game."

Killebrew said there isn't much to do in a situation like this, but he's glad he could be the one on the team having to deal with it. 

"It's part of the game," Killebrew said. "But at the end of the day, we're human, so I just want everybody to remember that. We're trying to do our jobs and we're trying to do it well. I love these guys, so if anyone's gotta take them, I'd rather it be me."

Killebrew remains a key part of the Steelers' roster as one of the best special teamers in the NFL. He currently has the fourth-most votes for the 2024 Pro Bowl as a specialist. 

He's been named captain the last two seasons for the Steelers.