VT. Former Steelers catcher still works at Acrisure Stadium at age 61 with no salary, shocking the NFL
Pittsburgh, PA – Once one of the fastest men in the NFL, a former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and kick returner now walks the same field he once sprinted across — this time, with a rake instead of a helmet.
Now 61 years old, he spends his mornings quietly tending the turf at Acrisure Stadium, trimming grass and painting sidelines before game days. For him, it’s not a job — it’s a way to stay close to the team that shaped his life.
That man is Dwight Stone, who played for the Steelers from 1987 to 1994, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most explosive special teams players. Known for his world-class speed, Stone could change a game in seconds — as a receiver, gunner, or return man.
During his eight seasons in Pittsburgh, Stone appeared in 112 games, catching 134 passes for 2,123 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns. He was never the team’s top star, but he was one of its most dependable role players — fast, fearless, and fiercely loyal.
After retiring from football, Stone began a new chapter of service, joining the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, where he served for nearly 15 years. There, the same discipline and composure that made him a trusted teammate helped him protect and support his community.
When he finally retired from law enforcement, Stone decided to return to the place that always felt like home — Pittsburgh. But rather than sit in the stands, he applied to work for the stadium’s grounds crew, eager to give back to the field that gave him everything.
Today, long before kickoff, you can find him sweeping the sidelines and checking the turf under the lights. He says it reminds him of the cold mornings at Three Rivers Stadium — the sound of cleats, the smell of grass, the echo of loyalty.
For Dwight Stone, being part of the Steelers never truly ended. The uniform changed — the pride didn’t.
Buffalo, NY – October 26, 2025
When the Buffalo Bills talk about their culture — toughness, humility, and next-man-up mentality — they might as well be describing the kind of player who just turned an unexpected opportunity into a statement performance.
He wasn’t supposed to start. He wasn’t even supposed to see much defensive action this year. But when injuries hit the heart of Buffalo’s linebacker corps, this undrafted rookie didn’t hesitate — he stepped up, played with fire, and earned every single snap that came his way.
That player is Joe Andreessen, the undrafted linebacker out of Bryant University who has quickly become one of the Bills’ most inspiring stories of the 2025 season. Signed as a longshot UDFA in May, Andreessen entered training camp as a depth piece and special teams contributor. Six weeks later, he’s proven he belongs.
Through the first six games of the season, Andreessen has played 35% of defensive snaps (around 120 of 350) and an impressive 80% of special teams snaps, a clear indicator of the coaching staff’s trust. WhenMatt Milano (pectoral injury) was placed on IR and Terrel Bernard exited Week 6 with an ankle issue, Andreessen took over as starting MLB — and delivered.
In his first major start against the Falcons, the rookie recorded12 tackles (8 solo), 1 tackle for loss, and 1 pass deflection, helping anchor a defense that refused to fold despite missing two of its core leaders. His PFF grade of 69.0 and relentless pursuit earned him the nickname “the undrafted gem” from The Buffalo News on October 14.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott praised the young linebacker’s mindset, saying:“He’s the kind of story every coach loves — a kid who came in undrafted, never asked for attention, just worked. When injuries hit, he didn’t blink. He stepped in, played smart, played tough, and earned every snap. That’s Buffalo football — next man up, no excuses, all heart.”
Andreessen’s journey from an overlooked small-school prospect to a legitimate NFL contributor has resonated deeply with the Bills fanbase. On social media, members of Bills Mafia have rallied around his story, with one fan posting on X:
“Andreessen’s a beast! UDFA to starter, unreal!” — a sentiment shared widely across Buffalo.
Beyond the numbers, what makes Andreessen stand out is his football intelligence and motor. Linebackers coach
Bobby Babich praised his communication skills and ability to diagnose plays, noting that the rookie’s preparation mirrors that of a veteran.
As Buffalo continues its playoff push, Andreessen’s emergence could prove crucial. He’s not just filling a temporary gap — he’s earning the trust of a defense built on grit and accountability. For a team that thrives on underdog spirit, his rise fits perfectly into the DNA of the
Bills Mafia story.
