Passionate Kevin Colbert steps down as Steelers general manager

Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert is one of the most underrated and neglected executives in football – no doubt by his own favour. With the 2022 draft ending, Colbert exited the franchise after more than 20 years with the team.

His career comes from a childhood dream book. A teenager growing up in Pittsburgh as the Steelers rose to prominence in the 1970s, Colbert attended Robert Morris University, and was involved in basketball and baseball (he was a baseball coach at Robert Morris in 1981) before landing football.

In Ohio Wesleyan, he worked in two sports, working as an assistant coach on the soccer team, then again as head coach, in 1984. That’s when soccer took over and the NFL was founded, starting as a Blesto explorer before attracting the attention of Don Shula and the Dolphins . After five years in Miami, Colbert became the Director of Professional Scouting for Lions for ten years, from 1990 until 1999.

Then came his chance to go home. In 2000, he was appointed as Director of Football Operations by the Steelers. A decade later, he became the man who became de facto General Motors took the title. Added Vice President appointment in 2016.

In his last press conference after completing the 2022 draft, Colbert resisted his feelings.

“I don’t want to say better than,” Colbert said when asked how he’s leaving the organization. “I am proud to say that we have added to that [trophy] area. It was four awards. There were four when we got here. And you know the job. Thinking of DMR [the late Dan Rooney] And the ability to add to that room means a ton. This does not mean that it is over. Next step, I mean we have to get more than, and never lose that. But it means a lot.”

Colbert meant a lot to the Steelers. At Scouting Combine (we’re republishing the interview in this article), Colbert left the door open for detour. In a very informative look back at Colbert’s career, Jerry Dulac from Pittsburgh Post Gazette Explains that Colbert Currently it is expected to remain in a different role.

Colbert made it clear that he didn’t want to be a hindrance to the next GM. It would be very wise to keep a permanent seat at the table for a man who will do what he has always done. Currency. Incredibly good, and without wasting any time trying to get anyone else to notice the amazing work he was doing.