CBS SportsLine
Chat Transcript
Dec. 10, 1998

Gildon has emerged as the Steelers' top pass-rusher this season (Allsport)

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Gildon has quietly developed into a high-caliber player this season. The aggressive outside linebacker is one of the reasons Pittsburgh is still in the wild-card hunt.

Yet, if the Steelers have any chance of making the playoffs this season, they will need a complete turnaround from their recent woes.

Gildon chatted with fans on Dec. 10 and talked about the coin-toss fiasco on Thanksgiving Day as well as his feelings on the Steelers' inability to keep expensive free agents.

Gildon, who led the Steelers with nine sacks this year, was drafted by Pittsburgh as a third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State in 1994. A three-year starter at right defensive end, he set an Oklahoma State record with 39.5 career sacks and was named first-team All-Big Eight three times. Below is an excerpt from gildon's chat.

Question: It has been said that the Steelers organization's unwillingness to spend money has taken its toll on the team in terms of free agency, your opinion?

Jason Gildon: I think at this point they have done such a good job to scout out good talent that it hasn't caught up to them. But I can see where if this continues, it probably could be detrimental.

Question: Will the Steelers make the post-season this year?

Jason Gildon: I think we will. I think we are a team right now who is really determined to make the playoffs. We realize that once you make it, records really don't matter.

Question: Jason-is there any reason steelers have limited Kordell's role as a scrambling, inventive QB?

Jason Gildon: Personally, I don't think him not scrambling as much has anything to do with Coach Cowher. I think it's just a phase he's going through right now.

Question: Hello Jason, how demoralizing was the Steelers locker room after that controversial loss to the Lions on Thanksgiving Day?

Jason Gildon: It had to be one of the worst weekends I can remember of all time. Everything about that trip was all wrong. We arrived late, the meetings were late, dinner was late... it was just a bad trip.