The Steelers want a physical camp. Mike McCarthy’s answer: Thud up, no tackling
Summary
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ new head coach, Mike McCarthy, is leading a football training camp where tackling is not allowed. Instead, players will do controlled contact drills called “thud,” where they stop short of taking opponents to the ground, following NFL rules that limit practice intensity to reduce injuries.Key Facts
- Mike McCarthy is the Steelers’ new head coach in 2026.
- The Steelers will have their first padded practice with no tackling allowed.
- Players will use "thud" drills, where they make contact but do not bring opponents down.
- The NFL’s rules limit practice time and have banned two-a-day full-tackle sessions.
- Other NFL teams, like the Baltimore Ravens, have also stopped tackling in camp.
- This approach is part of a safety and risk-assessment plan called “Tempered Steel.”
- This change marks a shift from the Steelers’ previous tough training style under former coach Mike Tomlin.
- Players acknowledge that preseason games are now where full tackling happens before the regular season.
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