Key Takeaways:
• Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end and current scout, Mark Bruener, was instrumental in the selection of Troy Fautanu as the Steelers’ first-round pick.
• Bruener, through his son’s connection with Fautanu, had intimate knowledge and insights about the player.
• Despite projections that Fautanu would be taken in the 10-15 range, the Steelers managed to secure him at 20, a move that highly thrilled the team and Bruener.
• In an evidently personal and hands-on gesture, Bruener welcomed Fautanu to Pittsburgh “the Husky way” before his pre-draft visit, signifying Fautanu’s honorary induction into the Steelers fraternity.
Article:
In a recent event marked by enthusiasm and anticipation, the Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled Troy Fautanu, their first-round pick, on April 27. Art Rooney II, the team’s owner, wasted no time in shining a light on one valuable team scout, Mark Bruener, a name that resonated well with the team and fans owing to his stellar history with the Steelers.
Mark Bruener: Key Link to Fautanu
Mark Bruener, a former player for the Steelers and current scout, shared unique insights about Fautanu. “His teammate was Mark Bruener’s son,” Rooney announced at the press conference, implying an inside track on Fautanu’s capabilities.
In a bit of déjà vu, the Steelers had picked Bruener out of Washington in 1995 as the 27th overall. Before Fautanu, Bruener was the last product out of Washington to be drafted by the Steelers in the first round. During his tenure, Bruener delivered nine seasons as tight end for the Steelers before ending up with the Houston Texans for an additional five seasons.
Bruener’s Enthusiasm for Fautanu
Interesting to note is Bruener’s conviction and endorsement of Fautanu, though he was uncertain if the Steelers could secure him. Speaking on Seattle’s Sports Radio 950 KJR, Bruener expressed delight that the team managed to nab Fautanu at 20 in spite of projections placing him in the 10-15 range.
Fautanu himself elaborated in an interview that he believes his draft slid as a result of his injury history, a detail that was presumably leaked by another team. Despite this, the information Bruener and team had on Fautanu instilled enough confidence to push through with his selection.
Fautanu: A Steeler at Heart
Well beyond his relationship with the Bruener family, Fautanu was always destined for the Steelers. Growing up, he was an avid fan of the team and held particular admiration for Troy Polamalu, a Steelers legend. Fautanu gleamed with self-assurance and pride, claiming to embody the essence of what the Steelers stand for: grittiness and tenacity.
Fautanu and ‘The Husky Way’
In an endearing gesture meant to introduce Fautanu to the Steeler life, Bruener personally fetched Fautanu, who landed late at Pittsburgh International Airport. Dismissing the normal protocol of car services for new players, Bruener chose to personally welcome Fautanu, magnifying the importance the team and he placed on bringing Fautanu into the fold.
As an extension of the community spirit the Steelers is renowned for, Bruener warmed Fautanu with a simple, thoughtful gesture: a couple of hamburgers. This symbolic act stands as a testament to the personal attention and camaraderie the Steelers are proud of.
The addition of Fautanu, not just as a player, but as a member of the Steelers’ family, symbolizes a new chapter and the continued legacy of the team’s dedication to resilient and steadfast players.