With the NFL draft in Pittsburgh, one thing is certain: Whoever the Steelers pick in Thursday's first round with the 21st selection overall will receive raucous applause.
At the draft: BIG POP.
At my draft party at Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square: BIG POP.
At any local draft soiree: BIG POP.
From every Steelers fan watching at home: BIG POP.
That's no matter who they take.
If the Steelers draft a one-legged kicker: BIG POP.
A wideout with a limp: BIG POP.
A convicted felon: BIG POP.
Sally Wiggin: BIG POP.
It's foolproof. Yinzer Nation will loudly embrace the newest Steeler.
Until he throws an incompletion, drops a pass, misses a block or whiffs on a tackle.
But when he loses his first playoff game, he's truly one of us.
Photo: Ronald Martinez / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images