Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek has fully embraced his role as a special teams ace, particularly as a gunner on punts. Despite a background that includes 39 receptions in a season and a Super Bowl championship, Skowronek thrives in the physical demands of the position. His standout performance against the Baltimore Ravens highlighted his impact on the unit.
Ben Skowronek, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, has carved out a significant role on special teams after transitioning from a more prominent offensive position earlier in his career. With a resume that includes 39 catches in a single season and a Super Bowl win, Skowronek accepted the challenge of contributing primarily on special teams to remain in the NFL. Under special teams coordinator Danny Smith, he is in contention for a Pro Bowl selection this year.
Skowronek excels as a gunner on punts, a role that often involves facing double teams and physical punishment. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Steelers' Week 15 matchup against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium, he described the mentality required: "You’re gonna get your ass kicked sometimes, especially when you’re getting doubled. It’s a sign of respect, but there’s two grown men against one. You’re gonna lose some, but you gotta just have grit and keep fighting back. It’s not always gonna be clean. And if you’re not getting doubled, you’re probably not gonna be in the league that long. That means that the other team doesn’t really respect you much. So I kind of take offense to not getting double-teamed."
His efforts were evident in the recent game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 7, 2025. The Ravens double-teamed him repeatedly, acknowledging his threat. Late in that contest, Skowronek drew a crucial holding penalty on the Steelers' final punt, helping to pin Baltimore deep in their territory. In kick coverage, he recorded two tackles and showed relentless effort, even sustaining a cut on his nose.
This season, Skowronek has logged 247 special teams snaps, including 69 on kick coverage and 48 on punt coverage, amassing 15 tackles—second in the NFL. On offense, he has seen 146 snaps and scored one touchdown reception. He maintains a strong connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers, though his primary value lies in special teams, where his grit and work ethic shine.
