There are very few, if any, NFL rivalries more hostile than the one between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers. And yet, visiting fans were in the majority at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.
It was a total takeover!
This is not the first time this has happened this NFL season. However, the poor attendance for this specific matchup reflects a grim reality for one of the worst franchises in the league.
Huntington Bank Field was half empty.
Although the Browns are terrible, Sunday’s game had high stakes. The home team had the chance to be the spoiler against its biggest rival, the Steelers.
Pittsburgh would clinch the AFC North title with a win or a tie against Cleveland. A loss would keep the Baltimore Ravens alive in the division.
Plus, it’s a rivalry game!! The stands are typically packed out to capacity (or close there to it) when these two teams play against each other, regardless of record, regardless of location.
Not this time.
And to make matters worse, there was just as much (or more) black and gold in the crowd than brown and orange. I would guess it was closer to 60/40 Steelers/Browns or just 50/50.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans overtook the Cleveland Browns.
As fans of the NFL already know, there may not be a fanbase that travels better than the Steelers. They consistently takeover away games, like last year at Allegiant Stadium and at SoFi Stadium.
On the flip side of the equation, Browns fans are exhausted. They have watched only four winning seasons since Y2K. It’s hard to show up to games when you know your team is going to lose. Especially when it is raining.
Thus, there are a few games each year where the home crowd is outnumbered.
There were more away fans at Huntington Bank Field during the Bills game earlier this year. There were more Pittsburgh fans with Terrible Towels than Cleveland fans on Sunday.
They made their presence felt with a loud “MUUUUUUTH” chant on this play before halftime:
Aaron Rodgers to MUTH, got them with 12 on field too #Steelers pic.twitter.com/4ArxZ5GSw0
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 28, 2025
Don’t just take it from me.
Credit to Steelers fans! They showed up and showed out for their team just a few weeks after they called for Mike Tomlin to be fired.