Steelers' Damontae Kazee's Harsh Hit Still In Colts Players' Minds: 'If I Ever Catch Him Lacking...'

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw some issues with health in their defensive backfield throughout the 2023 season. They wound up having to activate players off the practice squad on multiple occasions. Part of the reasoning for that was because of Damontae Kazee's suspension after he delivered a hard hit on Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Kazee got suspended by the NFL for the rest of the regular season for his hit, and Pittsburgh received a 15-yard penalty on the play, while Kazee was ejected.

Kazee was trying to make a play on the football that was poorly thrown, which caused Pittman Jr. to have to dive to make the reception. It was not dirty by any means, but it was certainly a gruesome hit. Pittman Jr. has spoken publicly about the hit and shared that he doesn't blame or hold any grudges towards Kazee. Pittman Jr. recently appeared on Zaire Franklin's podcast, The Trenches, along with Colts linebacker EJ Speed, where the three discussed the hit and Kazee. Pittman Jr. made it clear again that he has no ill will towards Kazee, but Speed wants revenge. 

"I'm gonna agree with you, but I want one. If he ever on special teams, if I ever catch him lacking."

Speed and Kazee are both defensive players, so special teams is the only time where they ever might cross paths. It sounds like Kazee will need to keep his head on a swivel next time the Steelers take on the Colts. Pittman Jr. may not feel like he needs revenge, but his teammates definitely have Kazee in their cross hairs. 

The hit happened in the Steelers' Week 15 loss to the Colts, and Kazee was unable to play the last three games of the regular season. Pittman Jr. missed the Colts' Week 16 game with a concussion and neck soreness, but made it back on the field shortly afterwards. With the way the hit looked, Pittman Jr. was very lucky he wasn't forced to miss more time. He revealed his feelings towards Kazee will change if he finds out the hit was on purpose.

"I don't take it personal because I don't think he was trying to do all that, and if he was and I find out, then it's different. But I don't think he was. I'll treat him like any other defensive player. It wont be nice, but I wont put nothing extra on it."

The hit happened before the halfway point of the second quarter, and Pittman Jr. was putting on a masterclass. He was already up to 78 yards on just four receptions. He was torching the Pittsburgh secondary, so it can be understandable why someone might think the hit could have been intentional. However, Kazee is not a dirty player; he has said he was trying to make a play on the ball and he was defended by many other NFL players when the incident occurred. 

Steelers' Damontae Kazee Will Need To Be Careful In 2024

The Steelers just so happen to be lined up to take on the Colts in Indianapolis during the 2024 season, which will likely be a chippy game because of the hit from last season. Speed said he wants a chance to lay a hit on Kazee on special teams, and there is a good chance the two players will cross paths on the field. Speed played over 50 percent of the Colts' special teams snaps during the 2023 season, while Kazee played 32 percent of Pittsburgh's special teams snaps.

Kazee will probably have a larger role on special teams in 2024 since the Steelers signed DeShon Elliott, who presumedly has taken Kazee's starting spot on defense. Pittman Jr. will probably be looking to have a big game against the team that knocked him out in 2023, and Kazee will have a target on his back as some Colts players may look for revenge.