Beanie Bishop Jr. Stirs the Pot in Backyard Brawl Rivalry
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. has recently made headlines not just for his performances but for stirring alumni rivalry tensions. Known for intercepting Aaron Rodgers twice during a Week 7 victory in 2024, Bishop, a proud West Virginia alum, became the center of controversy after posting a video of himself dragging his cleats on the University of Pittsburgh’s logo at the Steelers’ training facility—a site they share with the Panthers.
Bishop’s playful act didn’t sit well with some Pitt players in attendance, who confronted him after practice. "It’s a rivalry," he said, acknowledging that fans and players alike would have strong feelings based on school loyalties. "We don’t like them guys. They don’t like us." Despite the playful ribbing, he emphasized that he regards some Pitt players, including Carolina Panthers rookie MJ Devonshire, as friends and often engages in light-hearted banter with them.
The rivalry, known as the Backyard Brawl, has deep roots, dating back to their first matchup in 1895. With 107 meetings recorded, Pitt currently leads the series 63-41-3. There’s a history filled with memorable moments, including Pitt’s shocking upset of No. 2 ranked West Virginia in 2007, a game that significantly impacted both teams’ legacies.
Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi has voiced a strong desire for the schools to continue facing off annually, highlighting that this rivalry is among the fiercest in college football. The Backyard Brawl resumed in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus, but the next game is set for 2029, leaving fans in anticipation of the future clashes.
Bishop doesn’t regret his antics, saying he sees the interaction as part of being a player in a historic rivalry. "I’m just concerned about Steelers fans and West Virginia fans," he concluded, adding a touch of humor to the competitive spirit.
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