The Pittsburgh Steelers recently wished special teams standout Cordarrelle Patterson a happy birthday, but rather than being a simple gesture of appreciation, it sparked controversy. Patterson was less than pleased with how the Steelers handled the message, taking issue with the fact that his birthday shoutout was relegated to the team’s Instagram story instead of receiving a full post on their main page.
Patterson wasted no time expressing his frustration, posting on his own Instagram story:
“Damn I couldn’t even get a post on the page n sht lol Y’all know something I don’t know???”*
Patterson Calls Out Steelers Over Birthday Post
The Steelers regularly recognize player birthdays on their social media, often making dedicated posts for key figures within the organization. Recent examples include kicker Chris Boswell and head coach Mike Tomlin, both of whom received main-page posts. Patterson’s message being confined to an Instagram story, which disappears after 24 hours, was an apparent departure from the norm and left him questioning if there was more to the situation.
While Patterson may have felt slighted, there could be a practical reason for this move. The Steelers may soon part ways with him, as releasing him would free up $2.8 million in salary cap space. The team recently signed running back Kenneth Gainwell, who has the versatility to take over Patterson’s role as a return specialist. If Pittsburgh intends to move on, the subtle shift in how they acknowledge him publicly might not be a coincidence.
Uncertain Future in Pittsburgh
Patterson joined the Steelers last offseason, adding veteran experience to the return game and depth in the backfield. However, his impact on the field was modest, finishing the 2024 season with 135 rushing yards, 80 receiving yards, and 240 return yards. While his versatility has long been an asset throughout his career, his statistical contributions in Pittsburgh may not have been enough to justify keeping him on the roster at his current salary.
If the Steelers do plan to release Patterson, this birthday snub could be an early indicator. The decision to forego a main-feed post in favor of a fleeting Instagram story might reflect the team’s stance on his future. While it’s understandable that Patterson wanted the same recognition as other players, his public reaction to the situation may not help his case.
Birthdays are meant to be a time of celebration, but for Patterson, this one may have been a wake-up call regarding his tenure with the Steelers. The team’s social media strategy, combined with financial considerations and the signing of Gainwell, suggests that Patterson’s time in Pittsburgh could be nearing its end.
