While most football fans were focused on the NFL draft, former Springdale High standout Zack Pianalto was busy attempting to revive his professional career.
Pianalto is in Pittsburgh after signing with the Steelers as a free agent in January. He played two years at tight end and on special teams for Tampa Bay but was released last season after Greg Schiano took over as head coach of the Buccaneers.
Two former Rogers players, tight end Jake Byrne (Houston Texans) and offensive lineman Lee Ziemba (Indianapolis Colts), are also on expanded 80-man rosters that must be reduced to 53 for the regular season. Pianalto, 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, caught four passes for 40 yards as a third tight end for Tampa Bay in 2011. He’ll get an opportunity with the Steelers, who will likely be without tight end Heath Miller for a portion of the season after Miller suffered a serious knee injury last year.
David Paulson is the top returning tight end for Pittsburgh and the Steelers recently added free agent Matt Spaeth from Chicago to compete with Pianalto and others for a roster spot.
“There’s six tight ends in camp right now and most NFL teams usually keep three,” said Pianalto, who went undrafted after his career at North Carolina. “I’ve been told the Steelers are an organization that’s going to give you a full shot. That’s all I can ask for. If if doesn’t work out, hopefully, I’ll show enough on tape to where another team might be interested.”
That’s what happen after Pianalto signed as a free agent out of college with the Buffalo Bills. He was released after spending one day on the Bills’ roster and was picked up by Tampa Bay.
“The NFL is a revolving door with teams adding and subtracting players to fit their needs every week,” said Pianalto, who turned 24 on Saturday. “If you’re not an elite player or a top draft pick, that’s just the way it’s going to be.”
Pianalto spent much of last season in the weight room at Springdale High and in helping mentor the Bulldogs under coach Shane Patrick. He said he enjoyed the experience and would consider coaching once his playing career is over.
But for now, Pianalto is focused on making the team this fall with one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
RICK FIRES IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR NWA MEDIA.