If the Pittsburgh Penguins end up knocking off the San Jose Sharks to win their first Stanley Cup since 2009, few will be happier than former New England Patriots safety Ross Ventrone.
Ventrone, who now plays for his hometown Steelers, has spent the last week populating his Instagram account with hilarious Penguins pump-up videos, all staring himself outfitted in a Steelers helmet, Phil Kessel jersey and short shorts.
Fans who remember Ventrone from his time in New England won’t be surprised by his latest social media effort. Despite limited playing time, the long-haired special teamer — whose older brother, Ray, currently serves as the Patriots’ assistant special teams coach — was able to build a following through his bizarrely entertaining Twitter persona, @RustyBenson35.
“It just gives a different aspect of me, my personality,” the 29-year-old told reporters back in 2011, his second season with the Pats. “It’s tough to show it. Around here, this is our job, this is our work, so this is all business. I come here, I work every day, but that gives me a little outside, my personality and my life and stuff. That gives me a chance to do that and show that side of me.”
Ventrone also crafted similar videos during the most recent NCAA basketball tournament to fire up his alma mater, Villanova. They had the desired effect: The Wildcats took down North Carolina in the title game to win their first national championship since 1985.
Though the Penguins lost Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final in overtime Saturday night, they still lead the best-of-seven series 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Monday night.
“I felt I should show them support,” Ventrone told the Beaver County Times last week. “I just think of stuff and am like, ‘Aw man, let’s do this.’ “
H/t Puck Daddy
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
