Colbert takes low-key approach with Steelers

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Kevin Colbert cringed when asked if he’s ever been so mad that he fired off a nasty e-mail to a complaining fan, as former Browns general manager Phil Savage did last season.

If the Pittsburgh Steelers’ director of football operations sent even a friendly response, it might draw attention to him. That’s what Colbert doesn’t want.

“I’ve never sent an e-mail to a fan — ever,” Colbert said. “I don’t do that.”

Despite the Steelers’ visibility and popularity, the man who assembled their two Super Bowl-winning teams in the last four seasons is about as low-key and low-maintenance as it gets.

Colbert keeps such a lower-than-low profile that he usually is not recognized by ardent fans even in Pittsburgh, a city where the Steelers’ punter and long snapper are well-known and a player does not need to be a starter to land a local TV commercial.

Someone like Bill Parcells or Jerry Jones couldn’t go to a Stanley Cup game in their city, slide into seat alongside other fans and watch the game without being pestered for autographs or peppered with questions. Yet Colbert regularly pulled it off during the Penguins’ playoff run last spring.

Popularity? Colbert could not care less. Recognition for what he’s done? No interest in that, either.

“The only credit you want is to say you’re a world champion,” Colbert said before a busy offseason kicks off Wednesday with the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis. “Nothing else matters, honestly. That’s never been a big part of how this organization works. This is about winning, and working toward a common goal.”

Players? Those he wants.

That’s why Colbert faces a significant challenge this offseason in keeping the Steelers at a championship-level following two Super Bowl titles, three AFC championship game appearances and a 56-24 regular-season record the last five seasons.

Numerous core players are signed and in place — Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu among them — but other deals must be done, reworked and re-evaluated.

The offensive line needs touching up, the defensive line is aging and linebacker James Harrison, safety Ryan Clark, tight end Heath Miller, right tackle Willie Colon and kicker Jeff Reed may need new contracts.