1 Day To Steelers Kickoff; A Countdown of the Top 10 Steelers of All Time.

Then I will switch out Bradshaw out of the #5 spot. Rod Woodson or Donnie Shell will be the pick.

 

Blount
Greene
Lambert
Troy
?????? Russell but he is not in the HOF. I know James Harrison

 

Any doubt he would not appear on this list???

 

Greetings yet again everyone!! Back again to continue our ascension towards the greatest ever Steelers Player of All Time. Last time in our ascension marked the final Offensive Player to be featured on the list; Franco Harris! Harris' calculated methods and tenacity, all the while being one of the more subtle players on those 70s teams, was instrumental during the 70s Dynasty. To that end, we continue this same level of subtly but this time, crank that level all the way up to 11. For that matter, time to give the 70s Steelers a bit of break and head into the 21st Century. While our next player on the list comes from a much different era than even Franco and Jack Ham came in, his character and personality would have fit right in with those great Steelers Teams of yesteryear as for this man, his actions spoke so loud for him his words could not be heard. Add his instincts and athleticism that, even to this day, are some of the best overall in NFL History, and our next player on the list was more than often the major reason the Steelers Teams of the 2000s enjoyed such success. Racing to the line of scrimmage at number 5;











Troy Aumua Polamalu; Strong Safety (2003-2014)



2x First Team All Pac-10

Consensus All American (2002)

8x Pro Bowl Selection

2x Second Team All Pro

4x First Team All Pro

NFL AP Defensive Player of the Year (2010)

NFL 2000s All Decade Team

2x Super Bowl Champion




*** Fun Fact ***



*** Many Steelers Fans know of Troy's astute knowledge and passion of his faith; Orthodox Christianity. However, it is more than just Troy's own name that stems from faith itself. This also extends to his family as well!! His wife Theodora Holmes has the same first name as Empress Theodora, the wife of Justinian I, is one of the many important figures that would be influential in early Christianity. Two more direct sources of his families Orthodox Christian faith come from his sons; Paisios and Ephraim. Paisios' name comes from the Orthodox Christian Saint by the name of Saint Paisios the Great of Egypt! His other son, Ephraim, has his name from Saint Ephraim the Syrian! ***





The 1980s; innovation, imagination and creativity. In a decade where there would be immense revolution for the entire world, that side of aspects can be cut in differing ways. As Troy Polamalu was born on April 19th, 1981 in Garden Grove, California, the state of California as a whole was an economic powerhouse; 8th in the world at the time. Being one of five siblings in his brother Sakio and three sisters in Sheila, Lupe, and Tria, Polamalu was the youngest of the five. Given the economic climate of California at this time, one would imagine a relatively quaint and peaceful upbringing.... except it was not. For one, Polamalu's father was never around during his early childhood; mother Sulia Polamalu being not just the Mother but also the Father as well. Criminal activity was also rampant for much of Troy's early life in Santa Ana as Gang Violence was an all too common occurrence; an occurrence that still rings true to this day. However, fate would intervene in 1989 as Polamalu would go for a three week vacation in rural Tenmile, Oregon with his aunt, Shelly Polamalu, uncle, Salu Polamalu, and cousins, Joe Polamalu, Maika Polamalu, Leie Sualua and Nicky Sualua. By age nine though, in 1990, the Criminal Activity in Orange County was simply too much; prompting Troy to plead with his mother to stay with his Uncle and Aunt to escape the perils of strife, misery and violence that would befall Santa Ana that year. Sulia agreed and, with her approval came an end to Troy's early beginnings; a major stepping stone for him.



During this time period, Troy's interest in Football did not stem directly from merely just challenging himself and maintaining the disciplinary values his uncle and aunt brought forth on him. One of his uncles in Aoatoa Polamalu was a Nose Tackle for the Penn State Nittany Lions. His other uncle, Kennedy Polamalu, was a Running Back for the USC Trojans; a school that Troy would later enroll. Regardless of this, to say Troy's interests were peaked because of these two would be quite the understatement and, as a result, would set out on his own quest to become more than his uncles ever could. Much of what Troy's beginnings to stardom began at Douglas High School in Winston, Oregon. During his tenure here, Troy Polamalu would earn accolades in not just Football but also Baseball and Basketball. His best season among the four Football Seasons he played in High School was his Junior Season where he racked up 1,040 yards with 22 touchdowns and had 310 receiving yards. As a two way player, he made 65 tackles and had eight interceptions on Defense. This earned him All State Honors along with being the All West Offensive MVP. Sadly, his Senior Season would be cut short by injury. Despite this, he was awarded the 1998 Super Prep All-Northwest team, Tacoma News Tribune Western 100, and the All-Far West League second team even playing only four games at the time. Soon after completing his High School Career, Troy would accept an Athletic Scholarship to USC to play for the Trojans.



As a Freshman, Troy would actually set forth his revolutionary style of playmaking by actually playing a hybrid position as both a Safety and a Linebacker; a style of play that would not only assist his development but also be a major component of his playing style later on. Where his Collegiate Career would take off would be in both his Sophomore Season; his first foray as a full time Strong Safety. He would remain there for the rest of his tenure there; notching two All Pac-10 Awards and a Consensus All American. However, just before the Orange Bowl against Iowa, Troy injured his knee in pre game warmups and was unable to compete; the Senior Bowl also being out of the question as well in addition to the NFL Combine. However, he was able to perform at USC's Pro Day. Leading up to the NFL Draft, the then San Diego Chargers were to take Polamalu with the 15th pick but that is not the biggest storyline here. While the Chiefs initially wanted Larry Johnson in this draft, the Ravens were slotted 19th and could have added Troy along with Ed as Arizona did not need a Safety at this time. However, Pittsburgh ended up trading with Kansas to take Polamalu with the 16th selection as Pittsburgh foresaw something in Polamalu that would not only reshape their ideology of their Defensive Scheme but also the future of the NFL. Now... while his story as a Rookie is not one to write home about as it was quite the adjustment period; his sophomore campaign was, like his Sophomore Season at USC, one where he would ascend into legend.



Beginning in 2004, Troy Polamalu's game would continue to evolve, racking up his first Pro Bowl Award nomination. By 2005, not only would he capture his first Frist Team All Pro nomination , he would win his first Super Bowl Title. Three seasons later he would capture yet First Team All Pro Award and another Super Bowl to go along with it. 2010 marked his greatest achievement yet; being only the fourth Safety in NFL History to win the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Sadly though, Troy would not earn his thrid Super Bowl victory for his team as the Steelers would fall to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. Even so, by this point, Troy had cemented himself as the most important player on the Steelers Teams of the 2000s; key term here is 2000s as this point was the height of Troy's abilities. For better reference, from Troy's starting season in 2004 to 2010, Pittsburgh's record without Troy Polamalu was 10-11; sounding perfectly reasonable given the fact that the team was barely below .500. However, what is needed to be reminded again is the timeframe; 2004 to 2010. Furthermore, we need to account for Troy's time when he was on the field. Now, when Troy was on the field, Pittsburgh's Record was 65-26; a far superior value than without. Troy's ability to not just change games but alter them to his whim is what separated him from any other Steelers Player from those 2000s teams. Most importantly though, the major reason why the Steelers were capable of having so much success during the height of Troy's powers was permitting Troy to move... where ever he wanted, whenever he wanted, however he wanted and target whichever area of the field he so desired; pre snap or otherwise. Troy's mere presence on the field forced opposing teams to actively game plan specifically for the sole purpose of taking him out. Even then, many NFL Offenses fell to the wrath of Troy. Troy's greatest asset however was how little he spoke; often saying nothing to his opponents..... much in the same vein that Jack Ham was many decades ago. That said however, much like Jack Ham, Troy's actions were the sum of his words. Furthermore, much like Jack Ham, Troy more than often made plays when those Steelers Teams needed him most; his most memorable being the 2008 AFC Championship Game in which Troy Polamalu intercepted Joe Flacco to return it for a touchdown; a poetic ending indeed as number 43 sent Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XLIII.




However, while he is much like Jack Ham in many ways and could dictate whatever offenses could throw at him, that alone would have not been enough to crack the Top five. Troy Polamalu comes in at number five because, even with a team that was full of Hall of Fame caliber talent from 2003 up until 2011, Troy was not just the engine of that Steelers Defense but the Heart and Soul of that Steelers Team for that period in time. Much like Ham before him, Troy was very much a man of few words; a enigmatic personality who went about his business on the field. However, when it was time to get to business, among all the Steelers Defensive Players of the 2000s, no one brought more fear than Troy as he could impact the game single handedly in so many ways. Even including the likes of Jerome Bettis' memorable 2005 Playoff Run, Troy's impact in all three games against the top seeds in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Denver all proved invaluable in Pittsburgh's path to grab the One for the Thumb. Shortly after Bettis' retirement, Troy's performances only got better and better and, by the time 2008 came around, even with a future HOF QB, Troy was the tip of the spear that would see to it Pittsburgh would not only have one but two additional shots at hoisting the Lombardi after Super Bowl XL. I do believe that it is fitting that Troy's overall career is often best summed up as "Actions speak louder than words". However, a much better way to summerize Troy's Career is best served by the very faith he believes in; further extoled in Matthew 5:16. It reads as follows;



"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."




Troy was as mysterious yet captivating a man as he was a player; a major reason many Steelers fans, to this day and, myself included, hold him in high regard. Even among the pantheon of Steelers Legends like Lambert, Blount, Bradshaw, Ham, Harris, Swann, Webster, Dawson, Ham and other who were cut from a different cloth, some even more unique than others, Troy's stands out as one truly all to himself both in the way he played and the way he lived during his time in the NFL. Much like Jack Ham was for Linebackers, I truly doubt we are ever going to see a player of Troy's caliber that was as humble as he was impeccable ever again.






Six Steelers have been revealed everyone but now.... it is time for the Final Four. Who is left that has not been revealed just yet?! Who is next?! Stay tuned!!!!




Once again everyone, thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed! One major announcement before we go is we are getting close to the top 3!! This means that I will list players who did not make the cut on the count down before unveiling the third greatest ever Steeler!! Which names will be included? Which names will not? That is something that I do hope you join me in figuring out when that time comes!!!




Until next time everyone, thank you again, stay safe and have a wonderful day!!!!



*** Five Days Until Steelers Kickoff ***

 

i'm guessing number 75.

 

I'll go with C. Hampton tomorrow, #4.

AQL cuts:
Harrison
L.C. Greenwood
BEN
Terry
A "it's all about me" B
The Bus
G. Lloyd
Hines (missed the boat on this one AQL)

 

#4 must be Rod Woodson or Donnie Shell. The top 3 will be Greene, Lambert and Blount.

 

Hello all and welcome back! Today, we are officially closing in on the summit of the mountain. Today, we are at the Final Four of the greatest ever Steelers in our quest to find the best! This has been a quite the journey given how many players the Steelers have had since the 1970s. However, let us not forget that, even in the good times, there were definitely bad times. Even so, during the bad times, there was still light at the end of the tunnel. Our next player would not only keep the tradition of Steelers Football alive but also be a major contribution as to why the Steelers of the late 1980s did not capsize and completed the decade with a winning record. Furthermore, our next player would begin to revolutionize not just the Steelers way of using Cornerbacks but the NFL at large as well; being a major reason as to why the Steelers would return to relevance in the 1990s. Revolutionizing the league in at number 4 on the list;











Roderick Kevin Woodson; Defensive Back (1987-2003)


*** Rod Woodson's First Ten Seasons were with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-1996). After his departure from Free Agency, he would go on to play for the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens and Oakland Raiders. In addition, Rod's first ten seasons in the NFL were the most productive within his time as a Corner as he would later move to Safety later in his career; beginning in the 1999 season with the Ravens. ***



USA Today High School All American

Three Time First Team All Big Ten Selection

Two Time First Team All American

11 Time Pro Bowl Selection

Two Time NFL Interceptions Leader

Six Time First Team All Pro Selection

Two Time Second Team All Pro Selection

NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1993)

AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1993)

NFL 1990s All Decade Team

NFL 75th Anniversary Team

NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Pro Football Hall of Fame 50th Anniversary All Time Team

Pittsburgh Steelers All Time Team

Super Bowl XXXV Champion

First Ballot Hall of Fame Induction



*** Fun Fact ***


*** Many Steelers fans know that Donnie Shell's final season was Rod Woodson's rookie season. That said, he was not the only Steelers Player from the 1970s that could give Rod Woodson some guidance. In addition to Shell, Woodson also had learned a thing or two from the likes of Mike Webster and former Steelers Nickelback now turned Defensive Coordinator in Tony Dungy! ***







Long before being known as an Olympic tryout or even as an All-American Defensive Back at Purdue, Rod Woodson would have a steep hill to climb. Born on March 10th, 1965 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Rod Woodson would have an tumultuous upbringing given the martial status of his father James Woodson and mother Linda Jo Doerflein being an interracial couple; a negative among those against equality at the time. Constantly harassed by both Black Muslims and the Ku Klux Klan, Rod Woodson's childhood was anything but happy despite his father believing that moving North would not just be a better opportunity for him but also his future childern. In fact, things were so bad that members of the KKK and a group known as the Black Jesses would often call Rod's house and intimidate him, his mother and father and his two brothers, Joe and Jamie. However, Rod Woodson would get the last laugh as his father would instruct him to mock those that were prank calling the house. Even so, the efforts of the hate groups would take new heights as a lock of Blonde Hair was one day mailed in to the Woodson Residence; a threat to Rod's mother Linda if she did not divorce from James.



Despite all of this, such vitriol and hardships would only strengthen Rod's mental fortitude, desire and resolve. During his time at Nelson Snider High School, Rod would go on to become a Parade All American Recruit as a Defensive Back in 1982, winner of high and low hurdles in the State Championships and becoming "Mr. Indiana" in 1982. Rod would later attend Purdue University where he would pursue a career in Criminal Justice. However, it would not take long for Rod to make an impact for the Boil Makers. While he did not earn any awards as a Freshman, his next three years would garner him not just three First Team All B1G Ten Awards but also a two time All American in 1985 & 1986; 1986 being his consensus selection. Not only was he gifted on the Football Field, Rod Woodson was gifted in Track & Field as well. Even before hitting the Track & Field for Purdue, Rod's speed was apparent as he completed in the 1984 Olympic Trials. However, he knew his true calling would be for the NFL.




On April 28th, 1987, the Pittsburgh Steelers would select Rod Woodson with the 10th Overall Pick. However, Rod Woodson to Pittsburgh was the furthest thing from Chuck Noll's mind given how talented Rod was. In fact, Chuck instructed Tony Dungy not to scout him considering that Rod was initially billed as a Top Five selection. Now, despite being selected by Pittsburgh, Rod Woodson would hold out until October 28th due to a Contract Dispute. During this holdout though, he would win Medals within several meets in IAAF Grand Prix in 1987 along with a Bronze Medal at the Olympic Festival. After his holdout, much like at Purdue, it would not take too long for Rod Woodson to make an impact; his first pass intercepted from Boomer Esiason and being the first of 71 total INT's; third most all time. While Rod Woodson would not win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year or even the Steelers Rookie of the Year award, going to Delton Hall, Woodson showcased the beginning of an immense talent that would not only supersede the conventional wisdom of the league but would alter the course of the future for all modern Defensive Backs. In fact, on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All Time Team, Rod Woodson was one of two active Defensive Players to be featured on that team; Ronnie Lott being the other. However, the indirect rivalry between Woodson and Sanders would not be finished as the Pro Football Hall of Fame would unveil its 50th Anniversary All Time Team in 2013. Once again, Rod Woodson would win out over Deion Sanders. Due to Woodson's versatility and athletic prowess on the Football Field, there truly was no area in the Secondary he could not play in. While his home would be at Cornerback, Rod Woodson's versatility altered Offensive game plans to such an extent that finding #26 on Defense became the top priority. The most important aspect of Rod Woodson though was the intensity, tenacity and violence he brought to the team, a Steelers Team that had been missing that level of intimidation since the retirement of Mel Blount. Even just as important is that Rod Woodson kept that "Steelers Football" tradition alive as a whole; both offense and defense being inspired by his play during his early years in the Black n Gold. After Rod's first interception of Boomer, Rod Woodson would continue to be tested from his Rookie Season all the way until his final season in Pittsburgh. Another 37 takeaways would occur during this span. However, not just being content with his ability as a Cornerback, his kick returning and punt returning abilities are, to date, still the best overall in Steelers History. Even including the likes of Santonio Holmes and Antonio Brown, no other player was as proficient in both Kick Returns and Punt Returns as Rod Woodson. Rod's skills were so impressive that the moniker "Rod is God" would become a staple among SteelersNation during his time there.



His best season came in 1993, where he had 28 Passes Defended, eight interceptions, one Defensive Touchdown, two sacks, two Forced Fumbles and two Fumble Recoveries. During this season, Rod would earn the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award; the very same award his predecessor in Mel Blount had won over a decade ago. By this point, while some considered Deion Sanders to be the greatest Corner ever, Rod was and is, to date, reputed as the greatest Defensive Back ever to play the game; an honor that should not be stated lightly. However, his finest moment as a Steeler would not come from his best output of his career but rather an injury known to be a career killer for many Corners at the time. During the 1995 Season, on September 3rd, Rod Woodson would sustain an ACL Injury after attempting to tackle Lions HOFer Barry Sanders; knocking him out for the rest of the season. Coach Bill Cowher was assured by Rod Woodson that he would return with the Defense under one condition; reach the Super Bowl. Well.... the Steelers did indeed reach the Super Bowl... but would lose to the eventual dynasty that was the Dallas Cowboys. Even so, Rod Woodson had succeeded at the position that Mel Blount had left behind in Pittsburgh. Sadly, while Rod Woodson would effectively accomplish this... he would not finish his career out here. Shortly after a contract dispute in 1996, Rod Woodson would play his final season with the Steelers; a season that was marred by injuries. After the 1996 Season, Rod would go on to play for the 49ers and future arch enemy Baltimore Ravens. Coincidentally enough, Rod's ultimate prize in a Lombardi Trophy was with Baltimore and not Pittsburgh; a very sore spot that still lingers with some Steelers fans to this day. Even so and, despite this, while Rod Woodson leaving the Steelers should automatically disqualify him from the list, this writer does not think so; far from it. There is a major reason as to why Rod Woodson is number 4 on the list of the greatest Steelers Players of all time.



Now, during his decade long stay as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Rod Woodson, much like Troy Polamalu, was the teams most important player during this time. However, what is often forgotten in translation is the fact that Rod Woodson was not just an important player from a performance perspective but also a leadership and tenacious one as well. Even with players like Louis Lipps, Dermontti Dawson, Greg Lloyd Sr., Carnell Lake and Jerome Bettis, no other player possessed more impact and value during this frame than Rod Woodson. Rod's greatest contribution though was ensuring that the ways of "Steelers Football" that he learned from the likes of Tony Dungy and Donnie Shell would continue for not just the current generation of Steelers players that Rod Woodson would play with but the next generation of Steelers players that succeeded him soon thereafter. Among the biggest influencers on the defense that followed his lead were Lake, fellow draft classmate Greg Lloyd, Levon Kirkland, Joel Steed, Jason Gildon and a future Steelers position coach in Jerry Olsavsky. Without the likes of Woodson on the team of not just the final years of Noll's Career but also the early years of Cowher's, there is a very good chance that the Steeler's records from 1987-1996 are looking A LOT different. Even with names such as Dermontti Dawson, Jason Gildon, Greg Lloyd (short but sweet career indeed), Joel Steed and Jerome Bettis were added, Rod Woodson, like his own successor in Troy, was the tip of the spear for Pittsburgh. Furthermore, his trademark versatility and indominable resolve to get back in the game, despite immense pain, was a major characteristic that, to this day, is still being used by the Steelers Front Office to not only scout just Defensive Backs but have that as the basis for all players. Rod Woodson is number four on this list for he represents a continuation of an era that was long gone for fans of the Steelers. Many Steelers fans knew that Super Bowl XIV would spell the beginning of the end of the Steelers reign of the NFL. From 1980 to 1986, even with the brilliant mind of Chuck Noll, the Steelers were no longer the Kings of the NFL but instead reduced to the competitive yet average franchise as the rise of rivals in the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals and the new arch enemy in the Houston Oilers would see to it that the majority of the 1980s would belong to them. However, in 1987, things for not just Chuck Noll but the entire franchise would turn around again in Rod. While Rod's 1996 fallout still draws ire and resentment among some fans, post 1996, Pittsburgh would not enjoy nearly as much success with Rod Woodson as they had without. It would not be until Rod's successor in Troy Polamalu that this futility would be reversed. Given how much Rod's versatile nature made it possible for Pittsburgh to return to relevance again, it is only fitting that a quote by the renowned philosopher, mathematician and scientist René Descartes;



"Divide each difficulty into as many parts as is feasible and necessary to resolve it."



Rod's Steelers Story definitely ended on a sour note for certain. That said, for a decade, he was the Steelers ultimate problem solver to many of the NFL's biggest issues. Thanks to Rod's abilities and versatility, the Steelers were able to not just able to find relevancy but also find another successor to continue the legacy he left behind; just as Donnie Shell, Chuck Noll and Tony Dungy did for him when they left and Cowher came in.






Seven down; three to go everyone!! Tomorrow we will take a short break early to discuss "Honored Though Missed: So Close but Just Short". This mini series will tackle not only which Steelers were missing from the list but which places they would have been slotted had they been selected instead. Like the list though, some names will be mentioned, others will not be! Who are those that will become mentioned?! Stay tuned!!!






Once again everyone, thank you all for reading!! I hope you all have enjoyed as we are reaching the conclusion of our series with only three more names to go!! Who will be next among the Final Four that will be revealed?! That answer along with the aforementioned honorable mentions will come very soon!! However, like all good things, it must come to an end. For now, a brief parting. However, no reason we all cannot reconvene again tomorrow and I hope you join me as we approach the summit for the greatest ever Steeler!!




Until next time everyone, thank you again, stay safe and have an awesome day!!!




*** Four Days Until Steelers Kickoff ***

 

Greene #1?

 

Hello everyone and welcome back yet again!!! The number 3 Steelers Player of All Time will be revealed later on today!! However, before we do and, as promised, today we look at the players who just missed the cut. Today, we look at the missing players!! Given the fact that the Final Four were set in stone long before this countdown began, numbers five through ten were admittedly more difficult than I initially thought! To find out why some names came up just short, please read on to find out!!!



Honored Though Missed: So Close but Just Short:




As stated beforehand, some of these names were initially slotted to be accounted for in the rankings. However, as the countdown towards the remaining days towards Steelers Kickoff drew closer, some serious revisions had to be made; some more extreme than others. To that end, a brief summary for each player and the position they would have been in will be duly noted as we approach the third greatest ever! As such, sit back, relax and enjoy the read!!! To begin, we shall start at number 10 and continue our way up to the fourth spot!



Number 10. Final Pick: Ernie Stautner


Initial Pick: Dermontti Dawson



Dawson is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame... much like Mr. Stautner. That said, there is a unique similarity that they both did share despite having never met. The fact of the matter is that much of the same character traits that Dawson possess is a near carbon copy of Ernie Stautner himself. From their toughness to their intensity, it can be stated that even Dawson potentially should be on this list due to the fact that Dermontti Dawson is often regarded as a Top Five Center of All Time in comparison to Stautner; mentions of him even being in the Top 10 are few and far between at that. However, when I first made this list, it was made in good faith on the behalf of the meaning of what it is a Pittsburgh Steeler at the source. Well.... given the fact that Stautner is the progenitor of the Steeler Way as a whole, leaving him off this list would be an even greater disservice than Dawson. Dawson is the more accomplished player but Stautner set the foundation that other Steelers players would follow through with and his ideals, even today, are the standard by which all Steelers are measured.




Number 9: Mike Webster


Initial Pick: Donnie Shell




This one.... was hard for me. Very much so as Donnie's exclusion of the list really does stink here. Donnie Shell may have not had the level of significance that the likes of Mean Joe, Jack Lambert or even Mel Blount would have but there is one critical aspect that Shell did acquire that the others did not; longevity. Shell would end up outlasting even the likes of Lambert to be the last member of the famed Steel Curtain into the 1980s. Furthermore, Shell's humble beginnings in the NFL as a Special Teams Ace would not only assist him during his prime years but also set the stage to leave much of what he learned for the likes of fellow Steelers Rod Woodson and Greg Lloyd to complete his NFL Story. However, while Shell did outlast all of his fellow Steel Curtain brothers, he did not outlast Mike Webster. However, longevity alone is not what kept Shell of the list in favor of Iron Mike. Mike's inclusion on the list was primarily due to the fact that Mike was indeed the foundation of the Offense and a strong one that held that entire unit together. No doubt Franco Harris was the engine but Webster was the heart and soul. Without Webster, the 1970s Steelers may have won Super Bowls but how many is definitely a fair question to ask..... much like another player I will touch on.




Number 8: Lynn Swann



Initial Pick: Hines Ward





Now, if we are talking about who fits the traditional mold of a Pittsburgh Steeler in the conventional sense, Hines Ward outpaces Lynn Swann. Tough, gritty, hard working, selfless and physical, Hines Ward is the most violent Wide Receiver to play the game and one of the best Receivers in Steelers History. Yet..... he just missed the cut. Why? That answer..... actually turned out more simplistic than even I thought it initially would; consistent clutch performances. Per the third rule to make the list;


3.) Indomitable Will: Fearlessness of the odds faced against. Joy of the final moments that still represent the victory they will sing. Excitement to ensure the win; the "clutch factor" for short. Having no fear often cites ignorance of the lack of a particular situation. For the terminology we are using, having the will to succeed against all odds pertains to the confirmation of ones resolve. The ability to better themselves by destroying their current limits to unlock a more powerful version of oneself. The wisdom to realize that it is not over until it is over; a tried but true statement. For these ten Steelers players, their mental fortitude were often put to the test and, more often than not, aced the questions to some of the most daunting challenges that befall the team in their darkest hour.




Overall, while Hines Ward does have a Super Bowl MVP.... so does Swann. However, even something such as an award would not be enough to have Swann supersede Ward on the list. Among all Steelers Receivers since the merger, no other Receiver has been able to replicate Lynn's performances in playoff competition for a more consistent period of time. Hines definitely had his moments; the 2005 Season being by far and away his greatest one. However, Swann, even during his early playoff games as a Rookie, would not only show flashes of the impact he could bring but was also the ultimate weapon to be counted on by Terry Bradshaw when the Steelers needed him most; doubly so in both Super Bowls X and XIII.






Number 7: Jack Ham




Initial Pick: Troy Polamalu



"Wait, wait, wait. You already have Troy on the list?! Why include him here?!"




I hear many of you asking. For now, I ask kindly that you save this very question or others like it when we get to Troy. That out of the way, let me explain why Jack Ham was DANGEROUSLY CLOSE to not making this list.



I initially had Troy on this list as I had stated in his explanation that the Steelers of the 2000s and the success they had were greatly of Troy's doing. Jack Ham is still the greatest 4-3 OLB of all time in addition to being a major factor into how dominant the Steel Curtain was during this time. That said, could the Steel Curtain been off just as well without Ham? Bear in mind I did say that without Jack Ham, I personally doubt the Steel Curtain would have had as much success given Ham's immense abilities. Even so, to say that the Steel Curtain still would have not been great, legendary perhaps, without Ham.... is not as entirely crazy as it sounds. Yes, Ham was no doubt the playmaker and is often considered to be the better of the two Linebackers by some when compared to his teammate, Jack Lambert. However, even with the likes of Mean Joe, the team still needed a more violent "fear factor" to go along with Mean Joe as, while great as Joe was, could not fully bring the best teams of the day to their knees. Jack Lambert proved to be the final piece to do so; the Steel Curtain reaching even higher heights as a result; considered to be the most feared Defense in NFL History on a near universal scale at that. Jack Ham brought intimidation and fear with his playmaking abilities and clutch performances. Jack Lambert brought intimidation though in many more ways including the aforementioned that Ham possessed. While something as simple as striking fear should by no means be an outlier, for the NFL at the time, having said trait made quite the difference in many more games than others gave it credit for. That difference of intimidation mattered greatly.... and few teams used it to their advantage and have success like the Steelers However, how does any of this have to do with Troy?



As stated before, even with throwback intimidators such as Aaron Smith, James Harrison, James Farrior, Casey Hampton and Brett Keisel, Troy was still the key. While the throwback notion of intimidation that the likes of Lambert used could no longer be applied, like the seasons, intimidation comes in many factors. Troy's intimidation came from the greatest threat Offensive Coordinators faced when playing him; unpredictability. Troy was never in one spot and, as a result, Offensive Coordinators could not often rely on their pre scripted plays to generate success. The likes of Harrison and others were crucial to this as well by creating havoc but Troy's ability to affect games without ever fully realizing his true intentions is what caused those Steelers Defenses of the 2000s to be as dominant as they were. The message was simple;


Ignore Troy at your own risk.



Thankfully though, I was able to place Troy and Jack Ham on the list together.... but at a STEEP PRICE.





Number 6: Franco Harris



Initial Pick: Terry Bradshaw





Whew boy.... do I have some explaining to do here!! Terry Bradshaw is the one of two QBs to boast a perfect record in the Super Bowl era. In addition, he is one of four QBs to post multiple Super Bowl MVP awards as well! Bear in mind that he did do all of this.... later in his career. Early on in his career, to say that Bradshaw had his struggles would be quite an understatement. Bradshaw would even coincidentally be benched during the Steelers first Super Bowl run in 1974 before becoming the Champion he is today. However, in contrast to Franco, Franco became the driving force behind the early years of Pittsburgh's Offensive success and would be a major tone setter for that Offense for the rest of the decade. As stated in Franco's explanation, it is fair to question as to how many Super Bowl's would have been won without Franco Harris' involvement for certain. Bradshaw would be a great player... but Franco was a great player from the beginning.






Number 5: Troy Polamalu



Initial Pick: Big Ben Roethlisberger





This exclusion from the list, admittedly, was actually the most difficult one to leave off. Even if Troy Polamalu was the most valuable Steelers of those 2000s Steelers Teams, Big Ben still was the most important for Pittsburgh's Super Bowl aspirations. In fact, Big Ben's first five seasons are among the best in NFL History; a 50-20 record to go along with Two Super Bowl wins and Two AFC Championships to his credit. However, success is a two edged sword for the devil is in the details between these two. Bear in mind that Big's Bens 2005 Playoff Performance was among the best in NFL History at that point. His Super Bowl performance in XL though..... was of another story. Now granted, Big Ben's comeback drive in Super Bowl XLIII is what should make a strong case place him above Troy on the list right? Well.... not quite that simple. Yes, Big Ben surely did save the Steelers from losing to the Cardinals with that drive. However, Santonio Holmes is the one that put that game away for good with arguably the Greatest Catch in Super Bowl History. The throw was no doubt pinpoint but the catch was the key point.




What is oft forgotten about Big Ben and Troy though is the amount of success that they shared together during their time were directly intertwined with one another; three Super Bowl appearances and two wins as a whole. The key here though still remains as to how they got there; a symbiotic relationship on the surface but, yet again, the devil is in the details. Big Ben during those early years of his was an efficient passer; one that would make the safe and consistent throws and not the proficient gunslinger we saw during the twilight of Troy's career. If anything, while Big Ben's efficiency was a necessity not to lose games, Troy's playmaking was a requirement to win them as Troy's dominance during the 2000s were often the major reasons as to why Big Ben and the Steelers as a whole enjoyed the success that they did. Without Polamalu, even with Big Ben, was far more of a challenge than without.



Big Ben's role as the Quarterback was the more important of the two but Troy's value won out in the end.







Well everyone, that will do it for those that just missed the cut. I understand there are even more players that are not featured on here such as Alan Faneca, John Stallworth, L.C. Greenwood, Aaron Smith and even Cameron Heyward as well! That said though and again, it was tough enough to leave the aforementioned players off the list as it stood. Think about how much more gut wrenching it was to not even include the listed players from the previous statements!! Success truly is a double edged sword as one truly cannot and will not ever have everything they so wished.





For now though everyone, a brief parting!!! Number 3 will be unveiled later on today!! Until then, take care everyone!!

 

Silent killer

 

AQL, you should be a sports writer. I use to get The Steelers Digest for years and your write-ups of Steeler players are just as good as their were. Not sure if it's still around, have not gotten it in years.

 

I am not most fans good sir!!


Surely you must know that given my tenure here.

 

After I moved I use 2 get it also. LoL. I'd get it about the up coming game after the game already played. LoL. I still have all my old copies.

 

It is indeed
https://www.steelers-digest.com/

I remember trying to persuade my parents to order it to England in the 80s. They didn’t lol

 

Welcome back all and, as promised, let us continue our ascension of the greatest ever Steelers players of all time. Our next player on the list is, quite simply, the most intimidating player in Steelers History. Even for a time, he was the face of the franchise as well as the epitome of being rough, tough and intimidating the same. Shaking the foundation of the countdown at number 3;









John Harold Lambert; Linebacker (1974-1984)


2x First Team All MAC (1972, 1973)

MAC Defensive Player of the Year

1972 Tangerine Bowl MVP

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

9x Pro Bowl Selection

6x First Team All Pro

2x Second Team All Pro

NFL Defensive Player of the Year

NFL 1970s All Decade Team

NFL 1980s All Decade Team

NFL 75th Anniversary All Time Team

NFL 100th Anniversary All Time Team

4x Super Bowl Champion

First Ballot Hall of Fame Selection




*** Fun Fact ***


*** Many of Steelers fans know of Jack Lambert's current occupation as a volunteer Deputy Wildlife Officer for the PA Game Commission. However, what is not as well known is the fact that Jack Lambert initially went to Kent State to become a Veterinarian!! Regarding the Football aspect of his career, Jack Lambert played alongside two other players who would be legends in their own right; Missouri Head Coach Gary Pinkel, a Tight End, and Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban, a Defensive Back. ***






John Harold Lambert's story of his admiration for the game of Football can be traced back to his roots in Mantua, Ohio. Despite being born into a Village on July 8th of 1952 and Mantua bearing a population of just under 1100 people total at the time, Lambert's early interests were that of the most popular sport within the state of Ohio, American Gridiron Football. Naturally enough, during the course of Jack's early years, the best teams at the time were the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers and Oakland Raiders; all prominent teams throughout. As such, Jack sought out to not only being able to one day making it to the NFL but to also seeing to it he would be the best player to ever play the game. While there was not much opportunity for him in Football even at the elementary level or middle school level at the time, this did not deter Lambert from playing with some of his school buddies for pick up games; Lambert often being the best player of the bunch. By the time he reached Crestwood High School, Lambert's intensity and drive only further intensified; underscored by his three sport letterman honors in Football, Basketball and Baseball. Among the most important and influential aspects of his High School Career was not just to be the overall best at whatever sport he played but to be the undisputed leader of any team he was on. As a result, he actually started out as a Quarterback in High School before even going to the defensive side of the football. All of that changed though after his Senior Season concluded at Crestwood. Jack Lambert would go on to play for the legendary Don James at Kent State but be moved to the Defensive End position and not one that was of a leadership role. Strangely enough, Jack Lambert's initial intentions were to go to Miami of Ohio to play there as a Quarterback. However, then Miami of Ohio Coach Bill Mallory stated that Lambert was simply too small to play the position. Kent State would be his choice but this small form of disrespect would fuel Lambert's desire even more to not just prove others wrong but himself right.



While Jack Lambert was initially slated to be a Defensive End, due to the NCAA rules forbidding Freshman to play at the time, Lambert spent the 1970 Season in the weight room and in the film room; powering up his mind along with his body. By the time the 1971 Season came around for Kent State, Lambert's improvement and knowledge of the game grew such to a point that Don James elected to place him at Linebacker instead; understanding that, even with his athletic and academic gifts he brought to the Golden Flashes, Lambert possessed something else that even Don James himself did not have in any other player at that time; intensity. Among all of the players during Kent State's run from 1971 to 1973 that were notable, Jack Lambert stood out in a very, very distinctive way. From his tremendous pain tolerance, one story recounts the time that Lambert played with two hip pointers, his sheer intimidation to his reckless abandon, no other player in MAC History had demonstrated such ability. After his Senior Season and participation in the North/South game, Jack Lambert would then participate at Kent State's Pro Day where only but a handful of NFL Scouts came. However, a majority of those Scouts would soon leave as the Kent State practice field would become unusable due to the rain from the previous day; forcing the team to participate in a parking lot close to the school. Even so, the likes of Bill Nunn Sr. and Tim Rooney both saw just what type of player Lambert could be given his selflessness and sacrifice he displayed that day; often diving onto the concrete to make tackles and removing the bits of gravel from his skin. By the time the NFL Draft had rolled around, Jack Lambert would be the Steelers second selection; one of four that would become future Hall of Fame players. Even at the onset of the 1974 Steelers Training Camp, even teammates such as Joe Greene himself would take note of Jack's violent yet controlled tendencies, vicious tenacity and tremendous and intensive desire. Later on during that 1974 season, Joe Greene would say this about Jack;



"Jack is so angry that, sometimes, he does not even like himself."



Jack Lambert's personality and desire to win were so great that, even before the conclusion of the 1974 Preseason, Jack Lambert was named as the starting Middle Linebacker after an injury to then starter Henry Davis. From the first game of the 1974 Season and until the end of his career, Jack Lambert would be not only firming entrenched as the starter for the Steel Curtain but also be the voice of its destructive rage as well. Punishing all before him, Jack Lambert became more than just a contribution to the Defense but a major reason as to why even explosive Offenses like the Cincinnati Bengals, who were 4th in the NFL in Total Offense or even the New England Patriots, who were second in scoring, had tremendous trouble attacking the middle of the field. Bud Carson's "Double Rotating Zone" called for a Middle Linebacker to not just cover ground quickly to the middle of the field but also maintain and patrol that area as well given the fact that said area was exposed. Among all Middle Linebackers who played in the Tampa 2 Defense, no one was better than Lambert in coverage. This very trend would continue all the way through the 1974 AFC Championship Game against the Oakland Raiders and the 1974 NFL MVP, Kenny Stabler. In that game, not only would the Raiders rush for 29 Yards, Kenny Stabler would throw three INT's. While Lambert was not the recipient of any of these, his presence in the middle coupled with the continued onslaught of the Steel Curtain forced Ken to get rid of the ball in area's that were often unfavorable to him in that contest. However, despite winning Super Bowl IX and crushing the Vikings in the process, this rookie season would be nothing but a plateau of how not just how dominant Lambert would be but also be a foreshadowing of what is known today as Steelers Football.



Now, much like the 1974 season, Jack played just as big of a role in 1975. The difference though was in his increased intensity and intimidation, further exemplified as to how the Steelers, who despite dropping two games, would win 12 and win the division in what was the toughest year that the AFC Central had been for the Steelers during the decade. In addition, much like his first playoff run in 1974, Jack would display and play with a controlled fury and rage that would not just inspire his fellow Linebackers but also his teammates. However, Super Bowl X is where Jack Lambert would rise to become the face of the franchise.



Due to Joe Greene being injured during the game, Jack Lambert had to step up and take his place as leader of the defense during Super Bowl X. However, after Roy Gerela missed a 33 Yard Field Goal with 09:53 to go and trailing in the Third Quarter, Cowboys Safety Cliff Harris began to taunt Roy. Lambert's response was one that, to date, remains as arguably the most famous post game scrums in Super Bowl history. What is most important about this exchange was the very foundation that Ernie Stautner had built years ago was not just reforged but also solidified. Thanks to Lambert, Pittsburgh's Defense would prove to be one of the major factors in defeating Dallas 21 to 17. However, Jack Lambert's greatest moment as a Steeler came in the 1976 Season. During the fifth week that year, the Steelers would become 1-4 and were in danger of missing the playoffs after not just a loss to the Cleveland Browns but also losing Terry Bradshaw that game as well. Jack Lambert summoned an emergency meeting; stating to the team that winning every remaining game would be a requirement. During that span since the loss to Cleveland, the Steelers would only give up two touchdowns in total; 28 points after the fact. In addition, they would commit five shutouts on their way to the playoffs. Despite the AFC Championship Loss to the arch enemy Raiders, the 1976 Season still presented Jack Lambert as not only the NFL Defensive Player of the Year but also the new leader of the Steelers Defense as Joe Greene would miss several games due to injury.





In 1978, the Steelers would return to the Super Bowl; only to face Dallas again. Last time the Steelers faced Dallas, the Steelers were the defending Champions of the NFL. Now, Dallas claimed that title. While Cliff Harris would not insinuate this time, another Dallas Cowboy would be the culprit; Thomas Hollywood Henderson. Once again though, this would end up crossing the line but Lambert would not be the one to exact revenge on Dallas nor just the Defense. All members of the Steelers would see to it that the Cowboys would be denied as the team of the decade; defeating Dallas again by the score of 35-31 in what some still consider to be the greatest Super Bowl ever played.




Jack Lambert's biggest Super Bowl moment came in the final Super Bowl for the Steelers of the 70s in Super Bowl XIV. As Vince Ferragamo would attempt to lead the Rams down the field, with 05:53 remaining in the game, Vince would throw an ill advised pass and Jack Lambert would not only shut down the attempted comeback but also allow the Offense to put the game away for good.




Overall, Jack's Career was played with much of the same energy and intensity that was shown during his early years at Kent State; tenacious, vicious, determined and intense. Despite all of this though, the one major element that is oft forgotten to seldom mentioned about Lambert was his Football IQ. Given his primary responsibilities in the Tampa 2 Defense, no other MLB before or since has played the pass as effectively as Jack Lambert. Many teams attempted to fool Lambert many times... yet many had failed. Jack's major contribution to the Steelers though was a new level of violence and intimidation that the team has employed and deployed ever since with the Steeler Way being one of tenacity, desire, intensity and physicality in addition to the original three core concepts that Ernie left behind. Even during his final season, Jack never took plays off and gave it everything he had until a Turf Toe would finally subdue him. Nevertheless, he would be a First Ballot Hall of Famer and rightfully so; fulfilling his life's mission of being one of the best, if not the best ever player at his position.



Jack Lambert checks in at number 3 on the list as, even within our top two contestants that will be revealed, no other player took to or has enhanced the values of the Steeler Way within the same mold that Jack Lambert did. Jack Lambert was also not just the mere rock em' sock em' Linebacker so many portrayed him as. Lambert was a symbol for Steelers Fans everywhere; a face and persona only a specific fanbase could love and only a certain type of fanbase could love. Joe Greene was no doubt the heart 'n' soul of the Steel Curtain but Jack Lambert, even to this day, is widely reputed as the most beloved one among them. To send off Mr. Lambert, what better person than Mr. Warren Buffet; a billionaire who has had as much success within the same vein that Lambert had with the Steelers? His quote is this;



Intensity is the price of excellence.




While there were Steelers during and even after Lambert's retirement that were more athletic, bigger and stronger, few could ever match his burning desire to win among Steelers Defenders. Even if they could, no one in Steelers History had, has or will ever have, the same level of violence, tenacity, rage and controlled fury the way that Jack Lambert displayed.





Alrighty everyone!! Sorry about another late one!!! PC was acting up a bit due to some new updates but all should be good to go now!! Any who, we have effectively reached the top two contestants! Who will they be? How special are they?! Those answers and more will be revealed as we reach the beginning of the end of our ascension! Thank to those who have been with me since the beginning; an honor and pleasure without a doubt!!! With two more players to go, let us wrap this list up on a high note!!




Until next time everyone, take care, stay safe and have an awesome day!!!




*** 3 Days to Steelers Kickoff ***

 

I would have loved Watt and Lambert together.

 

Hello everyone!!


Update!!


2 and 1 will be released later today!! Sorry but family business was important here!!

 

Hello everyone!!!


Sorry about the very late delay!!! A number of software issues had befallen my PC. Had to contact tech support earlier in the day to figure everything out!!! While players two and one have yet to be revealed, the major issue now stems from two corrupted files. In addition, my usual backup files are also corrupted!!!!








Suffice it to say, while this will make zero sense to do come Monday, I will be posting the final two by then; thus concluding the Top 10 as a whole!! That said though, please do not fret!!! The final two players will have interesting stories for certain!! All I ask is a little bit more patience!!!



Thank you for your cooperation!!!

 

Sympathies AQL, so irritating when that happens.