STEELERS BLACK -N- GOLD POST A Pittsburgh Steelers Blog from the heart of Steelers Nation.

Many claimed Heath Miller could become a victim of a salary cap cut at the end of this season. This is one of the most outrageous things said that I have heard in the whole off-season.

Since joining the Steelers as a drafted rookie, Miller has racked up 21 touchdowns on 168 catches for 1,932 yards, an 11.5 yards per catch average. But it is his blocking skills which are most valuable to the Steelers. Last year he caught 48 passes for 514 yards and three touchdowns.

"There is no better place to play football than the city of Pittsburgh, and to be a part of two of the six championships is special." -- Heath Miller   

Miller brings much more to the field as a tight end than fan-popular players with big names like Anthony Gonzalez or Antonio Gates, players who make the Pro Bowl. Not only can he catch, but also Heath is a tremendous blocker. Heath adds an extra lineman to our sometimes sluggish offensive line.

"Pro bowls have nothing to do with the best tight ends going to the Pro Bowl," Arians said in 2008. "It's the guy with the most catches who goes. Those are glorified wide receivers. I've said it every year, Heath's the best tight end in the AFC." -- Bruce Arians

The Steelers and Heath have come to terms on a contract extension that runs through the 2014 season. Terms of the deal have yet to be be released.

In getting a contract done, the Steelers avoid any effects from a new NFL Labor agreement which could include an uncapped year. 

During his college career, Heath earned consensus first-team All-American honors. Miller caught 41 passes for 541 yards with five touchdowns. 

In his last season playing at the University of Virginia, a season when he won  the prestigious Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end, Heath played the whole season with a sports hernia. Heath showed us the kind of toughness that screams Steelers football. 

While a few feel Matt Spaeth is a capable back-up, he might not make the team this season as McHugh can also play fullback role and has much better hands than Spaeth.  Don't get me wrong, I want Spaeth to stay with our Steelers but if we are gonna get rid of a TE let it not be Heath!

As Always, Here We Go!