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Jaromir Jagr's Jersey Retirement Speech | Pittsburgh Penguins

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Jaromir Jagr's Jersey Retirement Speech | Pittsburgh Penguins


Thank you guys, thank you very much. (JAGR! JAGR! chants start).

I gotta say, what a weekend so far. It’s beautiful… so far. I had a practice with the team, I was pretty good, let me tell you. I was pretty good. I had a dinner with the boys, thank you guys. Today, all the highlights, videos, goals, even the hair… great memories.

I remember my first coach, Bob Johnson, always said today, it’s a great day for hockey. I’m going to use that, I’m going to change it a little bit. I’m going to say, it’s a great day for me!

To be here with you, hearing the cheers, I don’t even have to score. That’s beautiful. That never gets old. But I’m honored. I’m honored that Pittsburgh Penguins owners, Pittsburgh Penguins organization, and (Penguins President of Business Operations) Kevin Acklin have decided to retire my jersey, No. 68.

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I believe the connection between me and Pittsburgh started a long time ago. I always believe in God, and I always believe in a higher power, and I always believed whatever you wish for is gonna happen. When I was young, I was watching the TV, and there was one guy totally dominating the game, and he was better than the rest of them. Since that game, he became my idol. I wanted to be like him. I make a wish. I wish one day, we play together. Yes, it was Mario Lemieux. And it happened, 1990. I got drafted by Pittsburgh Penguins, thanks to Craig Patrick and Scotty Bowman, all the scouts. They put a great team together, all the superstars, all the legends. We were playing such great hockey, and at the end of the year, we won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships. It was probably the greatest thing to happen to me.

I would like to say thanks to Pittsburgh Penguins organization, they draft me. Maybe recognize my talent, give me a chance and opportunity to play the great game of hockey here in the NHL for such a long time. Thank you, Pittsburgh Penguins. A big thanks go to you guys, all of you (points to fans). The fans. The fans in Pittsburgh, people in Pittsburgh… since my first day when I got drafted here until the last day I got traded (playful boos and laughs)… it happened, it happened, yep. I was 18 years old and I couldn’t speak English, so it was very tough for me. But you guys make it a lot more easy for me, and I really appreciate that.

The whole 11 years I’ve been here, it was amazing. I’m probably gonna say, it was probably the best years of my life. So, thank you for that. Thanks to you, I’m proud and happy to say that Pittsburgh Penguins is my second home. Thank you.

Look at those guys here. Guys, I wouldn’t be standing… or even other side, management, coaches… I wouldn’t be standing here right now. I know that, you guys know that. There’s no chance. Hockey’s a team game, and without the help, you have no chance to accomplish anything, absolutely anything. I learned so much from you guys, maybe you don’t even realize it. I learned how to handle the losses, I learned how to stay humble when we win, I learned how to work hard. But the most important thing what I learn is, if you want to win something, you want to play together, you have to play together. That’s what we did, and that’s why we won. Thank you.

I don’t know if we have time or not, but it’s my day, so I should make it as long as I want (crowd laughs, roars, and claps). You guys showed me the respect, to come here and be here with me. I just want to show the respect back. I was thinking, ‘how am I going to do it.’ I just want to read all the names. I want to say thank you, and I’m going to start with thank you Scotty Bowman, Eddie Johnston, Craig Patrick.

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And the players. I already mentioned Mario. Thank you, Mario. Thank you Ron Francis, we probably played together more than anybody else. You were my centerman, you were always there for me when I need it. Joey Mullen, Phil Bourque. Bourquie, thank you for everything you showed me. You showed me Pittsburgh, you showed me all the bars, you were party animal, let me tell you! So is you, Kevin Stevens! Ulf Samuelsson, thank you Ulfie. Ulfie asked me to say something nice about him yesterday. I was thinking all night, and I couldn’t think of anything. I couldn’t. I’m just kidding. Ulfie, you are a great guy. Thanks, man, for everything. And now we have the Czech connection, Jiri Slegr, Jiri Hrdina, Robert Lang, thank you guys. Paul Stanton, we started the same year, 1990. Peter Taglianetti, Gord Roberts, Troy Loney, my favorite left wing, I loved to play with Troy. I loved to play with Troy, you know why? He never wanted the puck. He just give it to me all the time.

Kenny Wregget, Jay Caufield, Randy Hillier, Randy Callahan, Grant Jennings, Jock Callander. And the young guys: Matt Barnaby, what a beauty. What a beauty. Mike Needham, Ty Wright, Frankie Leroux, and Max Talbot. I never played with him here, but I know he’s your favorite. I played with him in Philly, what a great guy. I want to say a few names. They couldn’t come here and it’s pretty sad for me because I would love to see them. My first roommate, Bryan Trottier –what a legend, what a great player. Paul Coffey, thanks Paul. He showed me how to work hard, and I really appreciate it. I had to ride the bike so many times with him. Every day. I didn’t like it, but now I really appreciate it. Tommy B, Tommy Barrasso… Larry Murphy… Rick Tocchet… my great friend Marty Straka, Mark Recchi, Bob Errey, Frankie Pietrangelo. Now, I gotta say the last name – he’s not a player, he’s not a coach, he’s not a manager. But he was, for me, the voice of Pittsburgh Penguins: Mike Lange. I was talking to him yesterday. Thank you all, guys.

I want to say thanks to Dominika, my girlfriend. She’s too young to remember I played in Pittsburgh (extended laughs and cheers). But I told her all the stories, so don’t worry about it. I want to say thanks to all the friends from here from Czech, all the coaches that helped me a lot to play hockey. Thank you guys.

The last thanks, and probably the biggest thanks, gotta go to my parents. (Hugs his mom) I gotta say thanks to my dad, he passed away last year, but I know he’s watching. He’s watching from heaven, thank you Dad. He never played hockey, but everything he said, it was right. It was right on. Thank you, thank you for everything. My mom, she move from Czech when I was 19 to U.S., she was here for 10 years. I want to say thank you for everything you did for me, I really appreciate it. Good night, enjoy the game, and I love you all. Thank you guys, everybody.

Michelle Crechiolo and Carson Gates transcribed this text.

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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Ernesto Rodriguez vs. Masayuki Kikuiri

Tatiana Postarnakova vs. Elora Dana

Josh Fremd vs. Jarrah Al Salawi

Ethan Goss vs. Fred Dupras



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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area

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Pittsburgh has rainiest March in nearly 60 years as flooding causes issues across area


Several areas across western Pennsylvania were hit by flooding as overnight rainfall pushed Pittsburgh past a nearly 60-year-old record.

Pittsburgh has recorded 6.18 inches of rain in March, breaking the record of 6.10 inches, which was set in 1967. The rain caused issues in several communities on Friday, including some in Washington and Westmoreland counties. 

Major road flooded in Washington County 

Communities across Washington County spent Friday cleaning up after flooding from Thursday night’s storms. 

Roads were closed, and ballfields were wrecked because of the rain. Ponds that aren’t supposed to be there could be found all over the county.

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“As long as it rains and the creek is flooded, then the road is flooded,” Ruth Mahoney, the owner of The Glass Place in Cecil Township, said.

Georgetown Road in Cecil Township turned into a lake at the bottom of a hill and underpass. Dispatchers said the driver of a car stuck in the water didn’t have to be rescued or taken to the hospital. The flooding ties up the area as the road connects Interstate 79 to Route 19.

“It’s a main artery,” Mahoney said. “Tons of cars come down here every day.”

North Strabane Township saw more of the same. The Lindenwood Golf Club had some new water hazards on the course on Friday. As the water receded into the Linden Creek, a mess was left behind. 

It was the same story in Houston.

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“When I looked out the window, I was like, ‘woah.’ It’s just rising fast,” said Rogelio Esteris. “My daughter was here playing baseball yesterday because she’s on the softball team and now the field is ruined.”

South Strabane Township had a landslide on Locust Road as well. Mother Nature didn’t take it easy on Washington County. Mahoney said it’s affecting her business. 

“When people call, they want to know how to get here,” she said. “You have to tell them, you can’t come because it’s closed today or there’s a backroad, but they don’t understand how to come on the backroad.”

Mahoney said the water should take about a day to recede. Officers told KDKA the car would have to wait to be towed until the water goes down.

Loyalhanna Creek rises, flooding yards 

As dawn broke on Friday morning and the rain from the previous night began to cease, some residents of Westmoreland County who live close to the Loyalhanna Creek saw flooding around their homes and along their local roads. 

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Paul Faust, who lives in the Darlington area of Ligonier Township, has a small tributary to the Loyalhanna Creek in his backyard, but on Friday, that run was acting less like a stream and more like a moat.

“I was up probably about 5 a.m., and it was high,” Faust said. “But it wasn’t over the bank like this and then the next following two hours it started going up. But that is always how it is after it rains.”

Faust says that he and his wife have a system for when their area floods, including tying down outdoor furniture and moving their cars to the top of their driveway.

Many people that KDKA spoke with in Ligonier Township on Friday who live in low-lying areas said they are used to this type of thing and while this flash flood was unexpected, it was not out of the ordinary.

Some water had already begun to recede by Friday afternoon, but Ligonier Valley Police Chief Michael Matrunics still wanted to urge caution, especially for people driving on side roads that may still be flooded around the township.

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“It might not look it, but it could be deeper than you expect,” Matrunics said. “And keep in mind, if you go past signs that are posted here, you could be cited for that. Also, if emergency services have to come out and rescue you or tow companies, you’re responsible for the cost. And your safety. Let’s put that at number one. So don’t drive through standing water on these bad weather dates.”



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