What to know about Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith

That is nothing new for the Steelers, however. In fact, with that block, Pittsburgh now has the most blocked punts, field goal attempts and PAT attempts (nine) in the NFL since 2022, per NBC's "SNF" broadcast.

The man in charge of that unit is Danny Smith. Here are five things to know about him:

1. Pittsburgh native

Smith, 70, has not only been the Steelers special teams coach since 2013, but he was also born and raised in Pittsburgh.

He attended Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, where he would later return to coach (1977-78), helping tutor future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.

Before returning to coach at his former high school, Smith began his coaching career at his alma mater, then known as Edinboro State College, as a graduate assistant. 

2. Football bloodline

Smith isn't the only person in his family who has had success in his football career.

He is the older brother of Ed Smith, who played quarterback at Michigan State University from 1976-78.

As a senior, Smith led the Big Ten with 2,226 passing yards, a 139 passer rating and 2,247 yards of total offense. He was also selected as the most valuable player on the 1978 Michigan State Spartans football team.

Smith finished his career as Michigan State and the Big Ten's all-time leader with 5,706 passing yards and later played in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

3. NFL journey

Smith got his first NFL opportunity as a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach with the Eagles in 1995. After four seasons in Philadelphia, he landed with the Lions as a tight ends coach (1999-2000).

Following his two-year stint in Detroit, Smith coached special teams in Buffalo (2001-03) and Washington (2004-12) before heading to the Steel City.

The Steelers hired Smith as their special teams coordinator on January 31, 2013.

4. He loves bubble gum

If fans ever get a shot of Smith on the sideline on Sundays, they'll likely see him chewing a big piece of bubble gum.

Smith always chews bubble gum and doesn't stop no matter the situation.

In fact, Smith was thrown to the ground during a skirmish last season. Tight end Rodney Williams helped pull him out of the pile and knew Smith was just fine.

"He didn't say much," Williams said, via Joe Rutter of TribLIVE.com." "He was just chewing his gum."

5. His players love him

Instead of celebrating with each other after blocking kicker Greg Zuerlein's field goal attempt on Sunday night, players opted to run to the sideline to celebrate with Smith.

Smith may be Pittsburgh's oldest coach, but he has a close bond with his players, which makes them play their best for him.

It remains to be seen how much longer Smith will be coaching, but the Steelers are happy to have him as long as he wants to.