Chase Claypool reveals what he learned from TikTok criticism

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool is poised to be the next in line of talented receivers to play for the Steel City. However, in his young career, he has ruffled a few feathers with his use of the social media platform, Tik-Tok. During a recent interview on the I am Athlete Podcast, Claypool explained what he’s learned from the TikTok criticism and how his mindset has changed going forward.

“It’s always better to post after a game. ‘Cause before, I would post the day before a game or something, and then everyone goes to that and goes ‘boom that’s the reason why we lost.’ So now I’ll probably just do it after the game,” said Claypool.

Claypool impressed in year one but seemed to regress a bit in his production after being named to the 2020 NFL All-Rookie Team. He caught three fewer passes as a full starter for Pittsburgh for 13 fewer yards, as well as only two touchdowns on the season compared to nine as a rookie. He finished 35th in receiving yards in the NFL and 54th in total receptions last year. That regression was blamed on the young receiver’s focus or lack thereof because of Tik-Tok.

Claypool’s plan for Tik-Tok going forward

In the conversation, the trio of Brandon Marshall, LeSean McCoy, and Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones also highlighted to Claypool that sometimes those kinds of activities are not welcomed following a loss by fans, much less in the locker room. And the young receiver understood exactly where the former NFL pros were coming from as he explained another change in his mindset.

“If we’re 1-4 and we win now I’m not making no videos; if we’re 3-4 I’m not. It’s not even on my mind no more, because some people have sucked the fun out of it for me right so it’s almost like not fun anymore… now it seems like it’s getting back to like the front office you know like it’s a distraction.”

With the expansion of social media, young players are taking advantage of multiple platforms to grow their brands. But as the trio of hosts explained to Claypool, it is vital to know what is the right time and place for that. Disgruntled Steelers fans should expect a change in Claypool’s social media presence but understand that it is not going away.