From One Rebel Capitol to the Next: Tyler Matakevich Moves From Philly to Pittsburgh

Although Pittsburgh and Philadelphia may share the same state, and their fans each possess an uncanny passion for their sports teams, The City of Brotherly Love and The Steel City are not the same; especially when it comes to sports. No true Flyers fan would be caught dead wearing a Sydney Crosby jersey, and no Pens fan would sport Giroux on his back, it is just not how these fans operate. So, naturally, it would be an interesting transition for former Temple linebacker, Tyler Matakevich, as his makes his way to the other side of Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia has been a true reflection of the kind of player Matakevich is. It is humble, blue collar, gritty, and vastly underrated, much like Matakevich. “Playing football on 10^th and Diamond in North Philly makes you TUFF…it has gotten me ready for any situation when it comes to playing in a new city,” says Matakevich. Going into his collegiate career, Temple was the only school to actually give the linebacker, whom would go on to win the Bronko Nagurski award, a look. Matakevich is a primetime underdog, and Philadelphia has been the perfect backdrop for his story, “Playing football at Temple University gave me an opportunity and made me the person I am today,” explains Matakevich.

Tyler Matakevich became a pioneer in putting Temple Football, as well as Temple University, on the map. The linebacker also wrapped up his collegiate career by winning a slew of national defensive honors. However, college is over. It is not just the transition from Philly to Pittsburgh that makes this such an interesting tale, but the difficulty in transitioning from a collegiate level to a professional level is tough for any player.

Former teammate, Kyle Friend, explains, “He was a great player to go up against and I enjoyed competing with him while I was in college.” Matakevich is just one of six former Owls that will hope to be suiting up on Sundays out of the 2015-2016 season seniors, “…the biggest difference is that it is a business,” says Matakevich. The Pittsburgh Steelers indeed know how to do business. They lead the NFL in most Super Bowl victories. Now, The Steelers are obviously a professional organization; therefor it is incomparable to Temple’s program. In preparation for making that next step to the pros, Matakevich is confident in his ability to perform there because of what he has learned at Temple. “In college you have time to develop, but at this level if you are not getting the job done they will move on and bring in the next guy. That’s why you need to come ready to work and that is one of things that Coach Rhule and his staff have been preparing me for, working everyday.”

All in all, change is something that frazzles a lot of people. In regards to football, Philly and Pittsburgh are like cats and dogs in a lot of ways. Leaving any place that was “home” for the past four years would seem difficult, especially a city as loyal as Philadelphia, but Matakevich looks at it in a promising sort of light, “Pittsburgh has given me the opportunity to keep playing football, and for that I am truly thankful and blessed. I will give everything I have for this organization…” Nothing less would be expected from such a tenacious player, on and off the field. Matakevich is also looking forward for the opportunity to keep learning the game from such respected players and coaches, “…just getting to surround myself with the veterans, see how they do everything and bring my talents to help this football team chase another super bowl!”

Apparently Pittsburgh seems to be stealing more than just linebackers, the city is also stealing cheesesteaks? What most people may not know is that Groove Cheesesteak Co. of Pittsburgh was named best cheesesteak of 2016. If Philadelphia is known for anything, it is having the best cheesesteaks. Matakevich evidentially seems to end up in cities of great cheesesteaks, “…I had no idea they had won best cheesesteaks. Knowing that now, I’m going to have to go out and try my first one in Pittsburgh!” It seems there is more than just football to get accustomed to in Pittsburgh for Matakevich.

Tyler Matakevich could be back in Philadelphia soon enough on September 25^th, when the Steelers take on the Eagles, in a familiar stadium, Lincoln Financial Field.