Thursday’s “First Call” has word about a Pittsburgh reunion of sorts for Pitt alum and ex-Steeler James Conner. Kevin Colbert has a new job in the football sphere. George Pickens news appears to be stalling in Dallas.

And there are some new headlines from the transfer portal surrounding local college basketball teams.

Back to where it all began

James Conner is coming back to Pittsburgh as part of the NFL Draft.

The former Pitt Panther and Pittsburgh Steeler will be announcing the Arizona Cardinals’ selections on Day 2 of the festivities. That’s according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.

Conner played both running back and a little defensive end at Pitt before getting drafted by the Steelers in 2017. He was a third-round pick who totaled 3,265 yards from scrimmage in four years with the Steelers.

After back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in Arizona in 2023-24, Conner suffered a foot injury that ended his 2025 campaign after only three games.

Hang on, Sloopy

Kevin Colbert is now working with the Ohio State Buckeyes’ football program. He made that announcement this week on the “Inside the Game with Pierre McGuire” video stream.

Previously, Colbert was a consultant for Colorado State.

“I had a chance to stay (with Colorado State), but I just felt it was a good time to move on into some different endeavors,” Colbert said. “I do some work with Ohio State, evaluating their draft-eligible players and giving them an opinion as to whether they should enter the draft or stay for more development. That’s the only college I’m working with. The rev share salary cap stuff, they’re all learning. There are some opportunities to maybe help in that. The colleges are just trying to sort all that stuff out.”

Colbert has also served as the head of the Steelers’ alumni program since retiring as the team’s general manager following the 2022 draft. His first year in that role was 2000, when the job was titled director of football operations.

This year, the Buckeyes have five of the top 30 NFL Draft prospects according to ESPN.com.

 

More sports

• U mad, bro?: Fans already fretting over Don Kelly’s decisions, Pirates’ bullpen, Pens-Flyers playoff hostility
• 25 years of Heinz Field/Acrisure Stadium drafts: The best Steelers pick from every class (2016-20)
• Starting to ‘feel more real’ for Jared Jones after bullpen session for Pirates at PNC Park
 

Patient with Pickens

Dallas Cowboys COO/co-owner Stephen Jones said Tuesday that he has yet to field any calls with trade interest for George Pickens.

“You hate to get into things like that, but no, we’ve had no one call with interest in George Pickens,” Jones said on 105.3 The Fan.

The wide receiver currently has a franchise tag designation. If Pickens signs it, he would receive $27.29 million guaranteed this year. The club could also work out a more lucrative long-term deal. The two sides have until July 15 to do that.

The Cowboys’ voluntary offseason program begins April 20. Pickens will not be able to participate in team workouts until he signs the tag.

In 2025, Pickens posted a career-best 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns during his first season as a Cowboy.

Spring Blums

Penn State basketball scored a solid addition in the transfer portal. It’s Davidson’s Roberts Blums. He led the Wildcats in scoring last year at 12.4 points per game.

Meanwhile, Frederik Jellum announced that he is staying with Duquesne. The native of Denmark redshirted as a freshman last year. However, guard Dom Aekins entered the portal. He played in 14 games and averaged seven minutes per contest.

As for Robert Morris, the Colonials picked up UMBC transfer Ace Valentine. The 6-foot-3 junior averaged 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. On the coaching front though, the Colonials lost assistant Kim Lewis to Tulane. As PittsburghSportsNow.com reports, it’s his third stint with the Green Wave, his alma mater.

Featured Local Businesses

More local businesses