Will Graves AP
@willgravesap.bsky.social
AP National Writer based in Pittsburgh.
My track record’s longer than a DC-20 aircraft.
My track record’s longer than a DC-20 aircraft.
Pinned
Trans athletes are under more scrutiny than ever. Some have found a safe space in gymnastics
As the rhetoric around transgender athletes grows more heated, one organization is trying to create a safe space.
apnews.com
The rhetoric around trans and non-binary athlete clashes with the reality in the
@naigco.bsky.social , which has created a safe space for gymnasts who don't believe they should have to choose between their gender identity and their sport.
apnews.com/article/tran...
@naigco.bsky.social , which has created a safe space for gymnasts who don't believe they should have to choose between their gender identity and their sport.
apnews.com/article/tran...
Mike Tomlin's unique voice and his consistency set him apart from his peers.
Far too often of late, that consistency bled into the results.
And after 19 years, Tomlin used that voice to tell the Steelers it was time to try something else.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Far too often of late, that consistency bled into the results.
And after 19 years, Tomlin used that voice to tell the Steelers it was time to try something else.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Mike Tomlin steps down after 19 seasons as coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Mike Tomlin era with the Pittsburgh Steelers is over. The longest-tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit.
apnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 9:12 PM
Mike Tomlin's unique voice and his consistency set him apart from his peers.
Far too often of late, that consistency bled into the results.
And after 19 years, Tomlin used that voice to tell the Steelers it was time to try something else.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Far too often of late, that consistency bled into the results.
And after 19 years, Tomlin used that voice to tell the Steelers it was time to try something else.
apnews.com/article/stee...
The distance from the somberness of the exit hallway deep inside Acrisure Stadium to the euphoria of the victory party inside the Texans locker room Monday night was maybe a dozen or so steps.
In many ways, it felt a lot longer.
apnews.com/article/stee...
In many ways, it felt a lot longer.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Steelers and Mike Tomlin are stuck in NFL purgatory after another quick playoff exit
The Pittsburgh Steelers and coach Mike Tomlin face another difficult offseason after a blowout playoff loss to Houston.
apnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 6:11 PM
The distance from the somberness of the exit hallway deep inside Acrisure Stadium to the euphoria of the victory party inside the Texans locker room Monday night was maybe a dozen or so steps.
In many ways, it felt a lot longer.
apnews.com/article/stee...
In many ways, it felt a lot longer.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Sheldon Rankins is well-versed in the Houston Texans' nondescript playoff history. The veteran defensive tackle is hell-bent on writing a different ending this time.
So far, so dominant and so, so good.
Texans 30, Steelers purgatory.
apnews.com/article/texa...
So far, so dominant and so, so good.
Texans 30, Steelers purgatory.
apnews.com/article/texa...
Texans stifle Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers 30-6 for franchise's 1st road playoff win
The Houston Texans have secured their first road playoff win in franchise history, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-6.
apnews.com
January 13, 2026 at 5:52 AM
Sheldon Rankins is well-versed in the Houston Texans' nondescript playoff history. The veteran defensive tackle is hell-bent on writing a different ending this time.
So far, so dominant and so, so good.
Texans 30, Steelers purgatory.
apnews.com/article/texa...
So far, so dominant and so, so good.
Texans 30, Steelers purgatory.
apnews.com/article/texa...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cam Heyward can do the math. Then again, it’s not that hard.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Cam Heyward's play remains ageless at 36. The Steelers captain still knows the clock is ticking
Longtime Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cam Heyward will try to help the Steelers end a nearly decade-long postseason victory drought when they host Houston in the wild-card round.
apnews.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:15 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cam Heyward can do the math. Then again, it’s not that hard.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
apnews.com/article/pitt...
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cam Heyward can do the math. Then again, it’s not that hard.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Cam Heyward's play remains ageless at 36. The Steelers captain still knows the clock is ticking
Longtime Pittsburgh defensive tackle Cam Heyward will try to help the Steelers end a nearly decade-long postseason victory drought when they host Houston in the wild-card round.
apnews.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:15 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Cam Heyward can do the math. Then again, it’s not that hard.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s owners announced the paper will be shutting down in a few months, citing financial losses.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ownership announces it's shutting down paper in May
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is shutting down in May after its owners cited financial losses. Block Communications Inc. made the announcement on Wednesday.
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 2:30 AM
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s owners announced the paper will be shutting down in a few months, citing financial losses.
“It’s going to give us some belief.”
And the Steelers think a little belief — along with the return of suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf — could go a long way to ending a six-game playoff skid that at times has felt like an anchor.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
And the Steelers think a little belief — along with the return of suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf — could go a long way to ending a six-game playoff skid that at times has felt like an anchor.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Steelers endured a roller coaster of a season to reach the playoffs. Now anything's possible
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin isn't dwelling on "what-ifs" after his team edged Baltimore to win the AFC North title for the first time in five years.
apnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 11:42 PM
“It’s going to give us some belief.”
And the Steelers think a little belief — along with the return of suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf — could go a long way to ending a six-game playoff skid that at times has felt like an anchor.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
And the Steelers think a little belief — along with the return of suspended wide receiver DK Metcalf — could go a long way to ending a six-game playoff skid that at times has felt like an anchor.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
PITTSBURGH (AP) _ This is why theSteelers signed Aaron Rodgers.
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
Rodgers and Steelers win AFC North, beating Ravens 26-24 after Loop misses kick at buzzer
Aaron Rodgers threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left, and the Steelers beat the Ravens 26-24 on Sunday night when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal ...
apnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:55 AM
PITTSBURGH (AP) _ This is why theSteelers signed Aaron Rodgers.
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
PITTSBURGH (AP) _ This is why theSteelers signed Aaron Rodgers.
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
Rodgers and Steelers win AFC North, beating Ravens 26-24 after Loop misses kick at buzzer
Aaron Rodgers threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III with 55 seconds left, and the Steelers beat the Ravens 26-24 on Sunday night when Baltimore’s Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal ...
apnews.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:55 AM
PITTSBURGH (AP) _ This is why theSteelers signed Aaron Rodgers.
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
And this is why Rodgers opted to play a 21st season, eager to prove he could still deliver. Still win.
Turns out, there’s some life in Rodgers’ right arm yet.
And in his team’s season, too.
apnews.com/article/rave...
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have spent nearly two decades staring across the sideline from each other.
At some point, there’s going to be a last time. There’s a chance that the 40th meeting between them might be it.
apnews.com/article/rave...
At some point, there’s going to be a last time. There’s a chance that the 40th meeting between them might be it.
apnews.com/article/rave...
Ravens and Steelers meet for AFC North title. This time, both coaches are under scrutiny
The Baltimore Ravens visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night with the AFC North title at stake.
apnews.com
January 4, 2026 at 1:42 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have spent nearly two decades staring across the sideline from each other.
At some point, there’s going to be a last time. There’s a chance that the 40th meeting between them might be it.
apnews.com/article/rave...
At some point, there’s going to be a last time. There’s a chance that the 40th meeting between them might be it.
apnews.com/article/rave...
“You can’t hide from that. You see it. It sucks.”
Yes, Connor Heyward is well aware that some people think he’s in the NFL solely based on his last name.
No, it has not stopped him from leaning into his family’s legacy, including writing a chapter that is uniquely his own.
Yes, Connor Heyward is well aware that some people think he’s in the NFL solely based on his last name.
No, it has not stopped him from leaning into his family’s legacy, including writing a chapter that is uniquely his own.
To be Connor Heyward is to, as his brother Cam put it, deal with “a s*** ton” of criticism, not much of it deserved.
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward is embracing his family's legacy. The son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward and brother to star defensive tackle Cam Heyward has...
apnews.com
January 2, 2026 at 11:57 AM
“You can’t hide from that. You see it. It sucks.”
Yes, Connor Heyward is well aware that some people think he’s in the NFL solely based on his last name.
No, it has not stopped him from leaning into his family’s legacy, including writing a chapter that is uniquely his own.
Yes, Connor Heyward is well aware that some people think he’s in the NFL solely based on his last name.
No, it has not stopped him from leaning into his family’s legacy, including writing a chapter that is uniquely his own.
To be Connor Heyward is to, as his brother Cam put it, deal with “a s*** ton” of criticism, not much of it deserved.
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
'I know who I am.' Steelers' Connor Heyward proving he's far more than Cam Heyward's little brother
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward is embracing his family's legacy. The son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward and brother to star defensive tackle Cam Heyward has...
apnews.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:13 PM
To be Connor Heyward is to, as his brother Cam put it, deal with “a s*** ton” of criticism, not much of it deserved.
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
And to be Connor Heyward, Pro Bowl alternate, is tune out the noise and embrace your family’s legacy, and all that comes with it.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers isn’t talking like someone who’s on the verge of retirement.
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers believes he'll have options if he chooses to play again in 2026
Aaron Rodgers isn't talking like someone ready to retire. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who recently turned 42, hasn't ruled out returning in 2026.
apnews.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers isn’t talking like someone who’s on the verge of retirement.
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers isn’t talking like someone who’s on the verge of retirement.
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers believes he'll have options if he chooses to play again in 2026
Aaron Rodgers isn't talking like someone ready to retire. The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, who recently turned 42, hasn't ruled out returning in 2026.
apnews.com
December 31, 2025 at 11:15 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers isn’t talking like someone who’s on the verge of retirement.
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Maybe because there’s a chance he’s not.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
Years of complaints about a gymnastics coach’s behavior didn’t lead to a permanent sanction by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, sources say in a new AP investigation — raising questions about athlete safety and oversight.
AP sources: In 'Nassar 2.0,' Olympics watchdog failed to close abuse case against gymnastics coach
Young gymnasts were sounding warnings about a coach as far back as 2017. That's the same year the U.S.
bit.ly
December 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Years of complaints about a gymnastics coach’s behavior didn’t lead to a permanent sanction by the U.S. Center for SafeSport, sources say in a new AP investigation — raising questions about athlete safety and oversight.
Reposted by Will Graves AP
Week 18 at home with a playoff spot on the line?
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
The erratic Steelers blew a chance to clinch the AFC North in Cleveland. Week 18 could go either way
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to regroup after missing out on a golden chance to clinch the AFC North.
apnews.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Week 18 at home with a playoff spot on the line?
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Week 18 at home with a playoff spot on the line?
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
The erratic Steelers blew a chance to clinch the AFC North in Cleveland. Week 18 could go either way
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to regroup after missing out on a golden chance to clinch the AFC North.
apnews.com
December 29, 2025 at 10:37 PM
Week 18 at home with a playoff spot on the line?
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
It’s a deal the Steelers happily would have taken four months ago when they began the season with the NFL’s oldest player at quarterback and plenty of questions.
Funny, it doesn’t quite feel that way now.
apnews.com/article/stee...
Considering the thousands of stories my uber talented colleagues at AP put out on a regular basis, pretty cool to have my story on Tom Cillo included (in unbeknownst to me) in this group
apnews.com/article/2025...
apnews.com/article/2025...
ICYMI: Close out 2025 with these great reads from AP
As 2025 wraps up, The Associated Press has curated a list of memorable stories and enjoyable reads published this year.
apnews.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Considering the thousands of stories my uber talented colleagues at AP put out on a regular basis, pretty cool to have my story on Tom Cillo included (in unbeknownst to me) in this group
apnews.com/article/2025...
apnews.com/article/2025...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
Michigan has agreed to a five-year contract with Kyle Whittingham to replace fired football coach Sherrone Moore.
Michigan hires Kyle Whittingham to replace disgraced coach Sherrone Moore, AP sources say
Michigan has agreed to a five-year contract with Kyle Whittingham to replace fired and disgraced football coach Sherrone Moore.
bit.ly
December 26, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Michigan has agreed to a five-year contract with Kyle Whittingham to replace fired football coach Sherrone Moore.
Reposted by Will Graves AP
“If you’re a competitor, you run to this stuff. I think we’ve got a collection of competitors.”
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Parity is one of the pillars of the NFL. Steelers have spent a record 22 years defying it
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a little bit of history in their 29-24 victory over Detroit. The win pushed Pittsburgh's record to 9-6, meaning the club is assured of a 22nd straight season of finishing ...
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
“If you’re a competitor, you run to this stuff. I think we’ve got a collection of competitors.”
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A small-market team in a division dotted with big-market clubs. A pitching staff bursting with potential. A manager with a modest resume as a player but an innate feel for the vibes of a clubhouse.
Yeah, Brandon Lowe has been here before.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Yeah, Brandon Lowe has been here before.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Newly acquired Pirates 2B Brandon Lowe thinks his new team can make a 'deep push' in 2026
Brandon Lowe, a two-time All-Star second baseman, is ready to make an impact in Pittsburgh after the Pirates acquired him from Tampa Bay.
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:46 PM
PITTSBURGH (AP) — A small-market team in a division dotted with big-market clubs. A pitching staff bursting with potential. A manager with a modest resume as a player but an innate feel for the vibes of a clubhouse.
Yeah, Brandon Lowe has been here before.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Yeah, Brandon Lowe has been here before.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
“If you’re a competitor, you run to this stuff. I think we’ve got a collection of competitors.”
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Parity is one of the pillars of the NFL. Steelers have spent a record 22 years defying it
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a little bit of history in their 29-24 victory over Detroit. The win pushed Pittsburgh's record to 9-6, meaning the club is assured of a 22nd straight season of finishing ...
apnews.com
December 22, 2025 at 6:24 PM
“If you’re a competitor, you run to this stuff. I think we’ve got a collection of competitors.”
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Something the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to find year in, year out.
On a 22-year run that flies in the face of how it's supposed to go in the parity-mad NFL.
apnews.com/article/pitt...
Reposted by Will Graves AP
As Baseball HOF voters release their ballots, I had one I know well on a recent edition of my “Mike Drop” show. Will Graves @willgravesap.bsky.social defended his ballot (one I do agree with) and we got into the conversation about the steroid guys and future candidates.
🎙️ bleav.com/shows/mike-d...
🎙️ bleav.com/shows/mike-d...
December 22, 2025 at 4:11 PM
As Baseball HOF voters release their ballots, I had one I know well on a recent edition of my “Mike Drop” show. Will Graves @willgravesap.bsky.social defended his ballot (one I do agree with) and we got into the conversation about the steroid guys and future candidates.
🎙️ bleav.com/shows/mike-d...
🎙️ bleav.com/shows/mike-d...
Hey @shutdownfullcast.bsky.social here's my 2026 HOF ballot.
And here's my explainer.
www.facebook.com/share/p/17Eh...
Always fun. Always an honor.
And here's my explainer.
www.facebook.com/share/p/17Eh...
Always fun. Always an honor.
December 19, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Hey @shutdownfullcast.bsky.social here's my 2026 HOF ballot.
And here's my explainer.
www.facebook.com/share/p/17Eh...
Always fun. Always an honor.
And here's my explainer.
www.facebook.com/share/p/17Eh...
Always fun. Always an honor.