After seeing Snoop Dogg in Week 5, it’s Pittsburgh native and famous actor Michael Keaton introducing the football world to Sunday night’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. The SNF account tweeted out the open that will be played ahead of tonight’s game.
“When you’re from where I’m from, Western PA just outside of Pittsburgh, the Steelers are like a local religion in a way,” the video starts off. “Where everyone goes to the same church…The Steelers unite us all.”
Of course, the open references the quarterback controversy of Justin Fields versus Russell Wilson with Wilson getting the nod tonight in his Steelers’ debut. In the video, Keaton says he’s good with either. He also takes some digs at the Jets for having two coaches in two weeks compared to Pittsburgh’s three – Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin – over the last 55 years.
“There aren’t enough things that unite as anymore. Come to Pittsburgh. You’ll see how great it is when something finally does that. That’s really all I wanted to say. Enjoy the game,” Keaton finished before walking away.
Keaton, best known for starring in Batman, grew up in the McKees Rocks/Robinson area. He’s frequently referenced his Pittsburgh heritage and Steelers’ love, even appearing on Cam Heyward’s Not Just Football podcast earlier this year. He’s a well-known fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, including the Pirates.
He is one of many celebs who are Steelers fans. Others include rappers Wiz Khalifa and GloRilla and actor/comedian Billy Gardell.
Pittsburgh is in the middle of a string of primetime games. After hosting the Cowboys in Week 5, they’ll invite the Jets to Acrisure tonight and do the same for the New York Giants next Monday night.
The Steelers are Jets kickoff at 8:20 PM/EST tonight. Pittsburgh sits at 4-2 while New York is 2-4, though the Jets are now favorites to win this game.
Keaton's Gotham Rivalry
One day after hosting Saturday Night Live on NBC, Michael Keaton did the promo for the Sunday Night Football contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets. The Pennsylvania native took the opportunity to prop up his hometown team while also taking a few shots at the opponent.
The Batman actor made reference to the superhero film by using the phrase “All is not right in Gotham” to refer to the troubles the Jets have faced this season. The Jets have lost three straight entering Sunday’s game and recent fired coach Robert Saleh, as Keaton referenced in the video.
“You do realize the Steelers have had three coaches in 55 years and the Jets have got like, what, two in the last two weeks?” Keaton quipped.
Keaton also made reference to the recent trade that reunited receiver Davante Adams with Aaron Rodgers. The pair spent eight seasons together in Green Bay and Adams is set to make his debut with the Jets against the Steelers.
Pittsburgh also has an interesting storyline to monitor on its side. Russell Wilson is set to take over at starting quarterback after sitting out the first six games on the season due to a calf injury.
Wilson is in his first season with the team after spending the past couple of years with the Denver Broncos. The nine-time Pro Bowler will look to show he still has what it takes to succeed in his 13th NFL season.
Ultimately, there’s a lot to be excited about as Sunday’s night’s contest between the Jets and Steelers gets underway, and the promo from Michael Keaton certainly sets the tone. At least from a home team perspective, anyway.
Pittsburgh is off to a 4-2 start to this season and will look to add another victory at Acrisure Stadium. They currently find themselves trailing 7-3 with the second quarter having just started.
A Steelers Fan For Life
Award-winning actor and Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton will star in the cinematic opening sequence for Sunday night’s Steelers-Jets Sunday Night Football game on NBC.
Keaton, who is a diehard Steelers fan, expressed the lore of Steelers Nation and Western Pennsylvania football during the monologue.
Keaton, who also hosted Saturday Night Live this weekend, is most famous for his roles in Beetlejuice (1988), Batman (1989) and Batman Returns (1992). Keaton is the star of two movies in theatres this weekend – Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and the new release Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s Goodrich.
Sunday night’s game is filled with storylines. Russell Wilson is set to make his season debut, while the Jets are rejuvenated with the acquisition of star wide receiver Davante Adams. Former President and Republican candidate for this year’s presidential race, Donald Trump, will also be in attendance. Trump, who is attending the game as the guest of a Steelers individual suite holder, has been campaigning for the election extensively in Pennsylvania.
Catching Keaton on the Small Screen
Keaton Hosts Saturday Night Live Tomorrow, Sat. Oct. 19 at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock
STAMFORD, Conn. – Oct. 18, 2024 – Award-winning actor Michael Keaton, a Pittsburgh native and longtime Steelers fan, stars in the cinematic opening sequence for this weekend’s New York Jets-Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday Night Football game on NBC and Peacock. Coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET.
In Sunday’s opening, Keaton has his Steelers fandom and the team’s opponent on his mind:
“When you’re from where I’m from – western PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, like a 15-minute drive to the stadium…football is kind of in your blood.”
“The Steelers unite us all. And no matter where you end up. It’s like it’s always part of your identity, you know?”
“Now tonight, the circus comes to town. I don’t mean any disrespect, or to demean any new, big acquisitions, but if you know you know, and so I think I can say with authority that all is not right in Gotham. You do realize the Steelers have had three coaches in the last 55 years, and the Jets have had two in the last two weeks.”
“There aren’t enough things that unite us anymore. Come to Pittsburgh, you’ll see how great it is when something does that.”
More Than Just a Fan: Keaton, Steelers and SNF
Two weeks ago, it was Snoop Dogg, on Sunday night before the Steelers host the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium, it will be Pittsburgh’s own Michael Keaton that will be welcoming you to NBC.
Keaton, who also hosts Saturday Night Live this weekend doesn’t hide his love for the Steelers in his comments.
Keaton grew up in Robinson Township and went to Montour High School.
“When you’re from where I’m from – western PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, like a 15-minute drive to the stadium…football is kind of in your blood.”
Keaton also takes some time to take a shot at the Steelers’ New York opponent.
“Now tonight, the circus comes to town. I don’t mean any disrespect, or to demean any new, big acquisitions, but if you know you know, and so I think I can say with authority that all is not right in Gotham. You do realize the Steelers have had three coaches in the last 55 years, and the Jets have had two in the last two weeks.”
Bringing Gotham to Pittsburgh
Award-winning actor and Pittsburgh native Michael Keaton will have two appearances on NBC this weekend.
In Sunday’s opening, Keaton lets his love for the Steelers shine:
“When you’re from where I’m from – western PA, just outside of Pittsburgh, like a 15-minute drive to the stadium…football is kind of in your blood.”
“The Steelers unite us all. And no matter where you end up. It’s like it’s always part of your identity, you know?”
“Now tonight, the circus comes to town. I don’t mean any disrespect, or to demean any new, big acquisitions, but if you know you know, and so I think I can say with authority that all is not right in Gotham. You do realize the Steelers have had three coaches in the last 55 years, and the Jets have had two in the last two weeks.”
“There aren’t enough things that unite us anymore. Come to Pittsburgh, you’ll see how great it is when something does that.”
Our Steelers coverage starts at 6 p.m. on the Black & Gold Zone on Channel 11 ahead of kickoff.
Saturday Night Live airs Saturday at 11:30 p.m. following Channel 11 News.
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