Pittsburg, PA

Former KDKA-TV personality Jon Burnett grateful for support after sharing suspected CTE diagnosis

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Former KDKA-TV personality Jon Burnett grateful for support after sharing suspected CTE diagnosis

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — There’s been a massive response from the Pittsburgh community after KDKA-TV’s stories with beloved retired colleague and friend, Jon Burnett, who shared his diagnosis of suspected CTE — the brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head.

On this Valentine’s Day, all of the words of love pouring in on social media are like Pittsburgh’s love letters to Burnett, offering support, prayers and thanks.

KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen visited Burnett again to share some of those social media comments, and they laughed over messy food, just like they did when they co-hosted Pittsburgh Today Live. That same humor and genuine good nature shines through Burnett even though his expressions are diminished, his voice is quieter and his short-term memory is a challenge.

KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen showed him the hundreds of messages of support for him on social media and read him a few. One Facebook post said, “I have watched Jon Burnett since Evening Magazine. I was about 8-years-old and always loved his personality and antics on TV. I got to meet him once at the Italian festival in Bloomfield some years back and was delighted he was so friendly – just like on TV. John’s one of the good guys. We love you Jon.”

Another post on Facebook reads, “May God bless you and your family on this journey. Thank you for being willing to share your experience. You are loved by many.”

KDKA-TV’s Kristine Sorensen asked Burnett, “I know you’re a man of faith. What does it mean to you that so many people are praying for you?”

“It means everything,” Burnett said. “It means the world. It means that I’m going to have not an easy trip here to the end, but with people like that behind me, and my wife, Debbie, and you and the guys, I just got it easy.”

Burnett described all the support from the community, friends, and family as being part of a team — something he knows well from his 10 years playing football, including at the University of Tennessee.

Lots of viewers said they shed a tear watching the story, including a viewer named Bonnie who also wrote, “A great thing he and his family are doing for awareness of this disease.”

One reason Burnett and his family wanted to share their story was for awareness and to encourage more people to participate in a study of CTE at the National Sports Brain Bank at the University of Pittsburgh.

That’s happening. Since the stories first aired on Monday, 37 people have signed up for the Brain Bank study — a huge addition to the 100 enrolled since it opened nine months ago.

Burnett says, “It is not so much thanks to me as it is to the guys who knocked my head off. I took some hits over the years. There were times when I’d come home and I wouldn’t know who I was or where I was because I’ve gotten blows to the head.”

Burnett says despite his challenges, he has no regrets and is grateful for football, faith, family and friends, and he wanted to speak directly to the many Pittsburghers who love him.

“I didn’t plan this,” Burnett says. “I didn’t ask for it. I didn’t dream about it. It’s just, it is what it is. But you guys, all of you, all of you have been, mainly you, Debbie, have been like a rock for me. I’ve been able to tell hundreds of people what’s going on, and they’ve all been sympathetic. I’m not feeling sorry for myself. I’m feeling blessed.”

The National Sports Brain Bank is seeking anyone around the country who played sports, from rec to pro, to sign up for its study to learn more about CTE and other brain injuries related to sports. You can learn more and enroll here.

Kristine Sorensen

Kristine Sorensen joined KDKA as a reporter/anchor in April 2003. She anchors KDKA-TV News at 5 p.m., as well as special reports and Kidsburgh stories, in partnership with Kidsburgh.org, featuring the positive things in our community for kids and families. Kristine also hosted “Pittsburgh Today Live” for 11 years on KDKA.

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Pittsburg, PA

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

Published

2 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Steelers’ Will Howard Gets Shout Out From Top NFL Draft WR

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are likely one of the teams that will be heavily considering a wide receiver when it comes to their very valuable first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

One of the top options, and considered by many analysts to be the best overall, is Ohio State Buckeye alum Carnell Tate. Tate is a three-year starter at Ohio State, and the top wide receiver selection is likely to be between him and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson.

While at Ohio State, Tate was a teammate of current Steelers backup quarterback Will Howard, and was asked about him during his workout at Ohio State’s Pro Day.

“Oh, Will isn’t giving me no tips. He’s probably going to root for me to come with him to Pittsburgh,” Tate said.

“I’m happy for him. I wish him nothing but the best. Love that guy to death,” Tate also said.

Howard would not be the first person to try to get their former teammate to join them from college to their professional team, with one big example being Derek Carr and Davante Adams a couple years prior.

If Tate were to join the Steelers, he would be the third member of the 2024 Ohio State National Championship-winning team to play for the Steelers simultaneously, with Howard and surging young linebacker Jack Sawyer having played on the Steelers in 2025.

Will Tate Go To Pittsburgh?

Tate is quite unlikely to end up with the Steelers, as he is expected to be among the first players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. With the Steelers having the No. 21 selection, they would need to make a significant trade forward to likely jump into the zone where Tate would be available.

“I think I’m a great football player,” Tate said about going into the NFL. “My speed … the combine is one time, but ultimately I’m a great football player. When you put the pads on, it’s another level.”

Oct 12, 2024; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Will Howard (18) throws the ball to wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) during the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images | Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images

They could probably do that, due to the fact that they have 12 selections across the seven rounds. At this point in time, it does not see they love any particular player enough to make that big of a trade up, but trades into the late end of the top ten are quite common. Yet, their move to land Michael Pittman Jr. would make it significantly less likely that they make such a move to get another wide receiver.

While at Ohio State, Tate was always in the top half of their wide receiver room, yet played among some of the most talented wide receivers in recent history in current NFL player Emeka Egbuka and young talent Jeremiah Smith. He finished his final collegiate season with All-Big Ten honors, as well as well as being a second team All-American.

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Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Published

14 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.

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Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Get PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle event Saturday night.

MMA Fighting has PFL Pittsburgh results for the Eblen vs. Battle fight card and more from UPMC Events Center in Pittsburgh on Saturday night.

In the main event, former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen tries to earn another title shot with a win over Bryan Battle, who makes his PFL debut. Eblen (16-1) suffered his first career loss against Costello van Steenis in a PFL title bout in his most recent outing.

Dalton Rosta and Impa Kasanganay clash in a middleweight contest in the co-main event.

Check out PFL Pittsburgh results below.

Main Card (ESPN2 at 10 p.m. ET)

Johnny Eblen vs. Bryan Battle

Dalton Rosta vs. Impa Kasanganay

Ariane Lipski da Silva vs. Sumiko Inaba

Alexei Pergande vs. Julio Arce

Lazaro Dayron vs. Jacob Thrall

Prelims (ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET)

Allan Begosso vs. Jack Cartwright

Natan Schulte vs. Jakub Kaszuba

Robert Watley vs. Dakota Bush