Mitchell Trubisky's initial press conference in Pittsburgh included the answer to a pressing question: does he prefer Mitch or Mitchell.
"Mitch works," the Steelers' new quarterback said. "Mitch works. Either one is good."
Trubisky hit on several other topics regarding his decision to sign with the Steelers, who are turning over a new era with Ben Roethlisberger's retirement after 18 seasons, eight division titles, 12 playoff appearances, three AFC championships and two Super Bowl crowns. Trubisky, who said that he has known Roethlisberger for several years (they share the same agency), is looking forward to getting together with Pittsburgh's former quarterback soon.
"I'm excited. There's nothing like coming to an organization with such great history, and especially now great history at the quarterback position," said Trubisky. "What Ben did here over his 18 seasons … without a doubt, a Hall of Famer. You just hope to continue that. For me that's coming in here, being myself, playing my game. … I'm excited to get on the field. What No. 7 did here, what Big Ben did here, it was special. We definitely want to continue that winning legacy that he started and made come to life here."
The top quarterback in free agency, Trubisky surprised many by coming to terms on a two-year deal with the Steelers on the first day of the league's legal tampering period. Trubisky said that his desire to come to Pittsburgh was the reason for his short time on the open market.
"They really didn't have to make a pitch or sell me on anything," Trubisky said. "This is where I wanted to be. I wanted to play for Coach Tomlin, be a part of the rich Pittsburgh Steelers history and contribute to that.
"My goal throughout free agency was find a way to get back onto the field and go into a situation where I could earn a starting job and use my talents on the field. When the opportunity arose to play for Coach Tomlin and wear the Pittsburgh Steelers uniform, I was so excited and was ready to roll and get to it."
The No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Trubisky went 29-21 during his four years in Chicago. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2018 while helping lead the Bears to a division title. But the last two years were not as good for Trubisky and the Bears, who failed to make the playoffs in 2019 before barely making the postseason as an 8-8 team in 2020. Trubisky spent the 2021 season as Josh Allen's backup in Buffalo, an experience that he values immensely.
Specifically, Trubisky said that the biggest things he learned from his time in Buffalo is the importance of great communication between the quarterback and play-caller. He said that his experiences with the Bills and Bears have helped make him a different player than the one who came to Chicago in 2017.
"Just a lot more experience," Trubisky said. "Just taking all the games that I started in Chicago and everything that I learned in Buffalo. I feel like I'm more of a veteran now, I've been through three or four different offenses at this point. I know what I like, I know what works, I know what great communication and great culture looks like between players and coaches. I've been a part of a lot of winning teams. I've won a lot of games as a starter. I just feel like mentally I'm in a really great space to get back onto the field and do big things. I'm here to do whatever I can to help the Steelers win."
Trubisky said that he wants to do his part as it relates to helping the Steelers' leaders, specifically mentioning defenders T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward. He said that he has already heard from new offensive teammates Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth and Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool. Trubisky said that he is looking forward to working with Dwayne Haskins and Mason Rudolph, the two players he will compete with to be the Steelers' next starting quarterback.
"I know what a healthy quarterback room looks like and what it can do for each guy," Trubisky said. "As quarterbacks, you're leaders on the team, so it's our jobs to be leaders on this team and to set good examples for our teammates."
A northeastern Ohio native, Trubisky said that he is familiar with the Steelers' passionate fan base, one that has grown accustomed to winning. Over the past two decades, the Steelers' fan base has enjoyed elite play at quarterback, something that Trubisky hopes to continue.
"Steeler Nation, I hope you guys know how excited I am to be here," Trubisky said. "I can't wait to meet you guys and play on Sunday. This town loves football, and nobody loves football as much as I do. I feel like it's going to be a great match. I can't wait to play for a city like this."
