Steelers News•Steelers Training Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Robert Tonyan at training camp on July 29, 2026, — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
UNITY TWP., Pa. — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy gave high praise to veteran tight end Robert Tonyan during his pre-practice interview on Saturday.
McCarthy said Robert Tonyan is a “hell of a player” that was “very natural in the pass game.”
“I think we’re extremely fortunate to have Robert here. He’s a really good fit for what we want to do,” McCarthy added.
Tonyan has struggled to find his footing in the NFL over the past few years. However, his opportunity with the Steelers provides something his last couple of spots haven’t: A chance to rekindle his connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The two played together in Green Bay from 2017-2022. During the span, Tonyan racked up 137 catches for 1,437 yards and 17 touchdowns.
McCarthy also said Tonyan is a “very instinctive” player, “particularly how he attacks the middle reads, the post routes, the alley routes.”
Tonyan, 32, spent the last season as the No. 3 tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, working behind starter Travis Kelce and backup Noah Gray. He’ll likely have the same role in Pittsburgh, slotting behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
In 2025, Tonyan appeared in all 17 games with the Chiefs. He was targeted just one time, and caught one pass for one yard. He played 133 snaps of offense and 108 snaps on special teams.
Before his time with the Chiefs, Tonyan spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings and 2023 with the Chicago Bears.
In his nine-year NFL career, Tonyan has amassed a total of 1,550 receiving yards on 149 catches and has scored 17 touchdowns.
Tonyan signed with the Steelers in June after taking part in the team’s two-day minicamp.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from St. Vincent College.
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