Fans wake up bright and early to be on ESPN’s ‘First Take’ ahead of Steelers vs. Texans playoff game
Updated: 11:29 AM EST Jan 12, 2026
Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans woke up bright and early Monday to participate in ESPN’s “First Take” on the North Shore ahead of the teams’ playoff matchup.Mike Baldwin, the first in line outside Shorty’s, said he wasn’t going to miss one second.”It’s very exciting. I think it brings a lot out to the Pittsburgh area, puts us on the spotlight,” he said. Baldwin said he had visited the “First Take” set before, and was surprised he was the first in line.”There has been lines. So I just figured, I got up this morning and I came on down,” Baldwin said.Texans fans who made the trip to Pittsburgh also joined in on the fun.”I like watching Stephen A. (Smith) on ‘First Take.’ He got up here. Might as well have a full day about it and playoff football,” said Shane Lawless, who traveled from Houston.Zac Duncan added, “Don’t get the opportunity very often. We’re in the city. Why not?”By 8:30 a.m., fans were filing in to find the perfect seat, all hoping for a Steelers victory to end their playoff win drought. “I’m very excited. Hopefully, they pull this win off tonight,” Baldwin said.MORE STEELERS PLAYOFF COVERAGE BELOW:
PITTSBURGH —
Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans woke up bright and early Monday to participate in ESPN’s “First Take” on the North Shore ahead of the teams’ playoff matchup.
Mike Baldwin, the first in line outside Shorty’s, said he wasn’t going to miss one second.
“It’s very exciting. I think it brings a lot out to the Pittsburgh area, puts us on the spotlight,” he said.
Baldwin said he had visited the “First Take” set before, and was surprised he was the first in line.
“There has been lines. So I just figured, I got up this morning and I came on down,” Baldwin said.
Texans fans who made the trip to Pittsburgh also joined in on the fun.
“I like watching Stephen A. (Smith) on ‘First Take.’ He got up here. Might as well have a full day about it and playoff football,” said Shane Lawless, who traveled from Houston.
Zac Duncan added, “Don’t get the opportunity very often. We’re in the city. Why not?”
By 8:30 a.m., fans were filing in to find the perfect seat, all hoping for a Steelers victory to end their playoff win drought.
“I’m very excited. Hopefully, they pull this win off tonight,” Baldwin said.
MORE STEELERS PLAYOFF COVERAGE BELOW: