Betrayed by the Black & Gold: Robert Spillane Says Steelers Snub Still Hurts Despite Breakout Success
Three years removed from his departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, linebacker Robert Spillane still carries emotional scars from the way things ended with the team that gave him a chance to shine.
Now 29 years old, Spillane opened up about his exit while appearing on the “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast, hosted by his former Tennessee Titans teammates Will Compton and Taylor Lewan. During the conversation, Spillane reflected on how the Steelers encouraged him to explore free agency in 2022—only to then pass on matching the offer he received from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Pittsburgh opted to rebuild their linebacker unit without Spillane, choosing instead to bring in Elandon Roberts, Kwon Alexander, and Cole Holcomb. Meanwhile, Spillane signed a two-year, $7 million deal with the Raiders and quickly became a centerpiece of their defense. Over the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he started all 34 games, racking up an impressive 306 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and five interceptions.
That production paid off. This offseason, Spillane landed a major payday with the New England Patriots—a three-year, $33 million contract. Despite his success, he admitted the Steelers’ lack of interest still stings.
“They didn’t [want me back],” Spillane said. “It hurts to say that. It hurts to feel like that, because you felt like you made all these great connections. You felt like you put your heart on the line. You felt like you did everything to be a good team player. But at the end of the day, this is a business. They don’t always want you back.”
For Spillane, the journey continues with a fresh chapter in New England—but the disappointment in how Pittsburgh handled his exit remains a motivating force.
