Steelers' sorry fans disappoint in season opener

In the offseason, USA Today put Steelers fans in its "Tier One" — the best tier — with writer Mike Freeman calling them "knowledgeable, hard core... No base knows the sport better and they will tell you. Then tell you again."

The Sports Geek also ranked the Steelers fan base fourth in the league, behind only the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills.

"Pittsburgh sports fans are fiercely loyal," Taylor Smith of the Sports Geek wrote. "The Steelers have sold out every home game for the last 22 seasons and counting, not including [the COVID year of] 2020, of course."

"Fiercely loyal?" Not in Week 1.

Apparently, a large percentage of Steelers fans sold their tickets to 49ers faithful — a rarity at Pittsburgh home games over the years. 

Adding to the embarrassing performance by their team, Steelers fans didn't stick around to watch until the bitter end either. Toward the game's conclusion, the stadium was nearly empty, with only a gathering of fans clad mostly in the burgundy of the Niners behind San Francisco's sideline.

The Steelers — and their sorry fans — will get another chance to redeem themselves at home in Week 2 on "Monday Night Football" against the Cleveland Browns.