is also featured on
Baseball-Almanac.com
Hometown
Heroes
by
Michael Aubrecht
The Pittsburgh Steelers, always western Pennsylvania's team, became a team for the ages during the 1970's by winning four Super Bowls in six seasons. It was then that the franchise erased 40 years of traditional failures through a myriad of turning points. The Steelers combined two staples - a bruising defense and a run-oriented offense - with wise draft picks and a "Whatever it takes" philosophy. The team also found ways to win. The Steelers dynasty reached its zenith in 1979 as a 12-4 regular season brought the team its sixth consecutive AFC Central title and fourth NFL Championship. The list of Steeler Heroes of the 70s is long, but it begins with Head Coach Chuck Noll, who took control of the team in 1969 and created one of the most intense dynasties in NFL history. Many of these legends were awarded membership into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in their first years of eligibility. Here's a tribute to my favorite Steelers from every era (with lots more to come!)
THE EMPEROR
HOF Coach: Chuck Noll
Hired by Art Rooney
in 1969, Chuck Noll went on to become one of the most
successful coaches in NFL history. In his first season, the
Steelers lost 13 games straight. Despite a rough start, he
produced some of the best Draft choices ever, which later
went on to form a Dynasty. On December 26th, after 23 years
as the Steelers head coach, he retired with a 209-156-1
career record. He is the only coach in NFL history to win 4
Superbowls.
A REAL AMERICAN HERO
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back: Rocky Bleier
Rocky Bleier was not
the strongest athlete, or the fastest athlete, but he
certainly was one of the "biggest" players ever to walk onto
a field. Drafted during the War in Vietnam, Rocky chose to
halt his football career in order to serve his country, a
sacrifice that almost cost him his life. His story was so
inspirational; it was made into one of the most critically
acclaimed television movies of the 1970s, "Fighting Back".
It is the story of one man's triumphant return from
battlefield injury in Vietnam to Super Bowl victory. Rocky
took shrapnel in both legs in Vietnam, and doctors said he'd
have trouble walking, let alone playing football. The Chief
kept him on the team and let him have free run of the
training room. Determined to reclaim his starting position,
he worked himself back into playing shape and returned as an
integral part in the Steelers Dynasty of the '70s.
THE ORIGINAL
BLITZBURGH
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Linebacker: Jack Lambert
For decades
Pittsburgh received world acclaim because of its steel
industry. The city grew even more famous as football fans
across the country focused on the Steelers from the mid 70's
to the early 80's as they plowed across the field, mowing
down team after team. The topping to their prowess came as
they participated in four magnificent Super Bowls. One of
the greatest linebackers of all time emerged from that era.
Jack Lambert played in one historic game after another,
winding up as a star in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is
still considered one of the most intense and intimidating
players ever to walk onto a football field and his entire
career has been regarded as a highlight film in the
making.
DOBRA SHUNKA HAM
Polish for "The Great Ham" (70's banner that flew in the
north End Zone)
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Linebacker: Jack Ham
My mother-in-law's
favorite Steeler. Number 59. Jack Ham, in tandem with
Lambert and Andy Russell, formed one of the smartest, best
tackling and most formidable linebacker combos in the
history of the game. He was a consummate All-Pro. He never
made a mistake. He followed every assignment to perfection
and was probably one of the greatest linebackers in NFL
history. A sharp contrast to Lambert's emotional style of
play, Ham was Pittsburgh's humble poster child for calm. A
cerebral LB, Ham was perhaps a notch higher on a personal
performance level than Lambert game in and game out because
of his unparalleled consistency. In addition to being superb
at containing the rush (it was nearly impossible to run
outside on Ham), he was the absolute best LB I have ever
seen against the pass. His performance in the '74 AFC
Championship game was a masterpiece which immediately comes
to mind. He was without question the key player in that
contest (which was probably the most pivotal game in
franchise history), intercepting two critical Stabler passes
and terrorizing Oakland all afternoon, almost to the point
that Madden must have wondered if Ham was somehow sneaking
into the Raider's huddles! While he lacked the emotional
fire of Lambert (which is why Lambert is rated slightly
above Ham for total impact), Ham was a true student of the
game and perhaps the best prepared LB to ever suit
up.
THE MAN OF STEEL
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Center: "Iron" Mike Webster
I grew up in
Pittsburgh and my whole family still lives there. I learned
at a really young age that there's a certain pride and work
ethic that goes along with living in "The Steel City". It's
definitely a "Blue Collar" town full of dedicated and hard
working people. This identity had a lot to do with the
foundation of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fans in the 'burg
expect athletes to work as hard as they do and as the old
joke goes… "Pittsburgh is a Drinking Town with a Football
Problem". People there drive around in old rusted cars
because they spend all of their money on Season Tickets.
They are very passionate about sports and tradition, good
people with a different set of priorities and I'm very proud
to be one of them. No athlete ever symbolized this "Heart
and Soul" of Pittsburgh better than Mike Webster. His work
ethic, dedication and performance are without equal. Its no
wonder he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and
many of his records still stand today. It's unfortunate that
Offensive Lineman are often overlooked. Especially when they
are responsible for the success of the "Marquee"
Quarterbacks and Running Backs behind them. Its amazing to
think that the Steelers have had only 3 Centers over the
last 3 decades, Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster and Dermontti
Dawson. All are without piers.
THE ITALIAN STALLION
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Running Back: Franco Harris
Franco Harris is
still one of the most beloved athletes in the history of
Pittsburgh. His "Italian Army" was one of the largest
fanclubs of any player and his popularity continued off the
field with a wide assortment of local television commercials
and endorsements around the Steel City. Anybody remember
buying "Franco's Pizza" at the local Giant Eagle? He was the
original "Black and Gold Ambassador." He helped spread the
Steelers popularity outside of the Pittsburgh area and made
football fans out of Grandmas. Everyone had a #32 Jersey
(even my Grandmother) and a Red, White and Green flag (even
if you weren't Italian). His dynamic running style and
ability to make long yardage plays out of "no-gain"
situations electrified the fans and enabled the Steelers to
establish a strong rushing game, that continues as the
foundation for smash-mouth, AFC Central football. Franco is
perhaps best known for the "Immaculate Reception", a 60 yard
reception in the final five seconds of the game that gave
Pittsburgh a victory over the Oakland Raiders in a
first-round playoff game in 1972. It is still considered the
greatest play in NFL history as well as one of the most
controversial. Harris remains a fan favorite to this day and
his contributions to "The Dynasty of the 70's" still remain
in many categories of the Steelers record books.
THE BLONDE BOMBER
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Quarterback: Terry Bradshaw
More than just a
player, Terry Bradshaw was (and still is) The Pittsburgh
Steelers… I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to
see him play and he still amazes me everytime I see his
performances on highlight film. No other Steeler has ever
had the impact on and off the field that Terry had. He was a
true hero in every sense of the word and Steeler fans still
regard him as the greatest player ever to wear the Black and
Gold. He still remains the only quarterback to ever lead his
team to four Super Bowl victories and is without a doubt,
one of the greatest quarterbacks ever to play in the NFL.
Legendary for his strong arm, toughness, and leadership,
Bradshaw was virtually unbeatable in the biggest games. Even
though he played at a small college (Louisiana Tech), Terry
was still coveted by the NFL scouts, and was taken by the
Pittsburgh Steelers with the first overall pick in 1970. The
6 foot 3, 215 pounder became a starter in 1971. Many fans
and reporters did not believe that he was talented enough to
make it in the NFL, but he was eventually able to quiet his
critics who thought he was "too dumb" to make it in the
league. His Steelers featured the awesome "Steel Curtain"
defense and a powerful running game led by Franco Harris.
But it was Bradshaw's strong and accurate arm that gave the
Steeler offense the ability to strike quickly from anywhere
on the field. The combination of Bradshaw and his receivers
(Swann and Stallworth) was more than NFL Films could have
ever hoped for. A tough competitor, Bradshaw excelled in
pressure situations. He led the Steelers to their first
Super Bowl victory (over the Minnesota Vikings) in 1974. The
following year, Terry threw a 64 yard touchdown pass to Lynn
Swan in the last three minutes to beat the Dallas Cowboys
21-17 in Super Bowl X. In 1978, Bradshaw was voted League
MVP and Super Bowl MVP as he won his third ring. He got his
fourth in 1979, along with another Super Bowl MVP award.
Terry Bradshaw retired after the 1983 season, holding
numerous team, league, and post season records. A first
ballot Hall of Fame inductee, Bradshaw retired as one of Pro
Football's ultimate winners. His legacy still lives on, 16
years after his career ended. He is currently one of the top
rated TV Sports Analysts, an accomplished movie actor and a
country western singer.
HEY MEAN JOE
Pittsburgh Steelers HOF Defensive Tackle: Joe Greene
Four Super Bowls...
ten straight Pro Bowls... a slot on the NFL's All-Time
Roster... a Hall of Fame Inductee... the list goes on and
on. As new head coach Chuck Noll's first draft choice in
1969, Joe Greene was the foundation upon which the greatest
dynasty in NFL history (perhaps sports history) was built.
One of the greatest defensive linemen ever to play the game,
Greene also possessed great leadership qualities that
allowed him to continue to be a key figure on the team even
when his abilities began to fade. "Mean Joe" was without
question Pittsburgh's heart and soul throughout the "glory
years". Joe Greene was also a part of the most famous sports
commercial of all time (as determined by a pre-Super Bowl
XXXII vote by the media) - the Coca-Cola jersey commercial.
In the 1979 commercial, a young kid (played by Tom Okon),
offers a hobbling Joe a Coke. Joe reluctantly takes the Coke
and drinks it. In return he tosses the kid his jersey. The
commercial was so famous it was made into a TV Movie - The
Steeler and the Pittsburgh Kid.
THE DYNAMIC DUO
Steelers Wide Receivers: Lynn Swann and John Stallworth
As individuals these
guys were extremely gifted athletes, but together, they
formed one of the most dynamic receiving corps in the
history of the NFL. Every game for them was a highlight film
and every catch was a work of art in motion. They were the
"wing men" for the Steelers Superbowl dynasty. John
Stallworth had a longer career and better numbers than fan
favorite "Swannee". On the field, NFL Films described him as
"a lethal combination of smooth sipping whiskey and greased
lightning." Yes, he was that good, and also a member of the
All-Class group of people you would ever care to know. Lynn
Swann was arguably the most graceful receiver in NFL
history. He made more key catches - in more big games - and
in more spectacular fashion - than any receiver did. His
ballet training enabled him to defy gravity and his hands
were second-to-none. Both deserve to be in the Hall of Fame
and it's a crime that only Swann has been inducted.
THE STEEL CURTAIN
DT Mean Joe Greene, DT Ernie Holmes, DE L.C. Greenwood, and
DE Dwight White
The fans that saw
them will never forget their ferocious attack on NFL
opponents. The players who lined up against the four
horsemen will never completely shake off those
bone-crunching blasts they bestowed every Sunday. They were
the four marauding monsters from four-time Super Bowl
Champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers -- the behemoths who
flattened opposing linemen, quarterbacks and rushers for
nearly a decade. They just don't make men like this anymore
-- and they probably never will!
GREAT NAME, GREAT
GAME
Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver: Louis Lipps
Louie Lipps was one
of the most dynamic receivers ever to wear the Black and
Gold. Unlike Swann and Stallworth, Lipps played for a
Steeler team that was in a transition period, many of the
Super Bowl veterans had begun to retire and the team was
attempting to step out from the "Shadow of the Dynasty" and
make an identity for itself. His attitude and performance on
and off the field made him an immediate fan favorite, and
his contributions are often overlooked due to the Steelers
lack of Championships during the 80's. (We still haven't got
"One for the Thumb".) Still, some of my most fondest
memories of growing up a "Pittsburgh Steeler Fan" did not
take place in the 70's, I was way too young (although I
remember the '79 SuperBowl), it took place in the 80's and
Louie was a big part of that.
SON OF A PREACHER MAN
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back/Wide Receiver/Kick
Returner: Walter Abercrombie
Walter Abercrombie
was one of the most versatile and explosive players ever to
wear the Black and Gold. Like many other forgotten stars of
the 80's, Walter's legacy is often overlooked. He played for
a Steeler team that was in a transition period, most of the
Super Bowl veterans had begun to retire and the team was
attempting to step out from the "Shadow of the Dynasty" and
make a new identity for itself. His speed and agility as a
young I-back, split back, slotback and wide receiver made
him an immediate fan favorite, and his contributions are
often overlooked due to the Steelers lack of Championships
during the 80's. I remember hearing Myron Cope screaming his
name as he split the defense and headed up the sidelines
"Abercrombie breaks away… Yoi and Double Yoi" I had the
privilege of watching this guy in person at several games
and I'll tell you this, he was fast, real fast. Not many
Running Backs also report as Wide Receivers and Kick
Returners. He was "Slash" before Kordell Stewart graduated
high school at a time in the NFL, when "utility" players
were few and far between. He was also an accomplished
Christian singer and often entertained at various Steelers'
banquets. In 1995, Walter went on to become the Director of
Education and Special Projects for the AFCA (American
Football Coaches Association).
COWHER POWER
Coach: Bill Cowher
After replacing
legendary Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll in 1992, native
Pittsburgher Bill Cowher set out to make his own history.
Today he is one of the most consistent and intense coaches
in the NFL. His "60 Minutes of Physical Football" philosophy
and "Lets Go" attitude provide the ever-changing Steelers
with a foundation for success that few teams possess. He has
taken his team to the playoffs in each of his first 6
seasons and the Steelers have already hosted 3 AFC
Championship Games and gone to a Superbowl.
ROD IS GOD
(As the banner at TRS read for several years)
Pittsburgh Steelers Cornerback: Rod Woodson
In my opinion, Rod
Woodson became without a doubt, the best pure athlete in
Steelers history. In the dismal late 80's and early 90's,
Rod WAS the team. While his play at CB alone is enough to
earn him a spot on everyone's all-time roster, his fantastic
kick return ability adds even more punch to his resume. Sam
Wyche once said, "Rod Woodson is the best punt returner I'll
EVER see." Unfortunately, like many great Steelers of the
90's, he has left the 'burg via free agency and gone onto
play with the 49ers and Ravens. Rod is certain to one day
reside in Canton (Hall of Fame). His accomplishments in
Pittsburgh are among the most in franchise history and
definitely worth listing: Perseverance might be best
adjective to describe one of the NFL's elite cornerbacks...
No NFL player has ever recovered from severe knee injury and
returned to play in the same season... Until Woodson
accomplished goal in 1995... One of only 5 active players to
be named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team in 1994... NFL's
1993 defensive player of the year... Voted to 6th
consecutive Pro Bowls following 1994 season... Only 7
Steelers have made more Pro Bowl appearances... 3-time team
MVP and defensive captain... Has played in 118 games and
leads active Steelers with 32 career interceptions and ties
Jack Ham for 6th in team history... Owns Steelers' career
records for PRs (256), PR yards (2,362), KORs (220) and KOR
yards (4,894)... Tied with Jack Butler for most TDs on
interception returns (4)... Until 1995, held single-season
records for KOR and return yardage... Won NFL KOR title in
1989 with 27.3-yard average to become 1st Steeler since Lynn
Chandnois (1951-52) to win NFL KOR title... Led AFC in PRs
in 1992... Has led team in interceptions twice, was leader
in solo tackles in 1993 and 1994... Has scored 8 TDs in
career with 4 on interceptions, 2 on PRs, 2 on KORs... One
of NFL's fastest players, finished 2nd to Darrell Green in
1988 NFL Fastest Man Competition, after defeating Ricky
Nattiel and Willie Gault in semis, adding 3rd-place finish
in 1990.
PAY DIRT
Pittsburgh Steelers Center: Dermontti Dawson
My favorite Steeler,
this guy is named on everybody's All-Star Roster. Definitely
one of the greatest Centers ever to play the game and one of
the most consistent and diverse players at any position.
Dermontti's NFL peers have voted him to 7 straight Pro
Bowls. His teammates have consistently voted him Offensive
Team Captain and he has started in more consecutive games
than any other current Steeler has. He made 5 starts at
Guard before moving to Center in 1989. He also doubled as
the Long-snapper until 1993. He was the 44th player drafted
overall in 1988 and the 6th Offensive Lineman. At Kentucky,
Dawson was named second team All-SEC as a Sr. in his 2nd
year as starting right guard. He placed 1st in the SEC
off-season weight lifting competition with a total lift of
1,570 pounds. Until 2001, he was one of the last remaining
Steelers from the Chuck Noll era.
THE ULTIMATE WARRIOR
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker: Kevin Greene
Kevin Greene only
spent 3 years as a Pittsburgh Steeler, but it was a very
good 3 years. He was instrumental in helping to define the
"Blitzburgh Defense" designed by Dom Capers and a standout
player in Bill Cowher's "60 Minute Men" (probably the
closest squad we've ever had to the original Steel Curtain).
He is currently the NFL's 3rd All-Time Sack Leader and 7th
on the Steelers' record books with 35.5. The Zone
Blitz/Pass-Rush combination of Outside Linebackers Greene
and Greg Lloyd resulted in Quarterback "casualties", not
seen since the days of Lambert and Ham. His legacy still
remains in Pittsburgh as a member of THE best Steeler Roster
of the 90's and the only team to have a Superbowl appearance
in over a decade. Kevin was also known as one of the most
dominating personalities ever to wear a Black and Gold
uniform. With his ripped jersey sleeves and long blonde
hair, he looked more like a Viking warrior and less like a
professional athlete. He was famous for mingling with the
fans and his "blue collar" work ethic and tough-guy attitude
made him an immediate favorite. He was involved in many
local charity organizations and even stopped by Three Rivers
Stadium to help fans who were waiting in line to buy playoff
tickets pass the time. He was one of the first Steeler
"superstars" to go via Free Agency (at the height of his
career) and many fans are still shocked and angry at his
"untimely" departure. He has moved onto 2 other NFC teams
since leaving Pittsburgh, but his stats and contributions
still remain among the best.
AVOID LLOYD
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker: Greg Lloyd
My wife's favorite
Steeler, this guy is also named on everybody's All-Star
Roster. Definitely one of the greatest Linebackers ever to
play the game and one of the most intense and controversial
players at any position. For the better part of 11 seasons
Greg Lloyd has terrorized Quarterbacks all around the NFL.
However, the last few seasons have been one injury after the
other. In 1996 he suffered a torn patella tendon in his left
knee in the season opener and he also suffered a serious
infection that left him hospitalized during the 1997 season.
Although he has moved on from Pittsburgh, his contributions
to the Steelers are second to none. The 2-time Steeler MVP
(1991 and 1994) has 50+ career sacks ranking fourth in team
history. He is the 4th Linebacker in Steelers history to
play in 5 Pro Bowls. In 1995 he was voted Defensive
Co-Captain and led the team with a career high 117 tackles.
He was the 150th player selected overall in 1987. At Fort
Valley State, he was voted 3-time team MVP, 3-time All-SIAC,
1986 SIAC Defensive Player of the Year and Team
Captain.
THE BUS
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back: Jerome Bettis
The Steelers have
always been a smash-mouth football team. In their playbook,
it's all about pushing the pile and stuffing the ball down
your opponent's throat. Pittsburgh has had great
Quarterbacks and Receivers on their rosters, but it's their
Running Backs that have been their constant through the
years. Guys like John Henry Johnson, Franco Harris, Barry
Foster and Bam Morris just to name a few. The Steelers have
always had BIG backs that can plow through the line like a
freight train. They want the kind of player that can hit the
hole (or make one) and take a few "would-be" tacklers for a
ride. They also want well-rounded athletes who can catch a
pass and throw a block or two. No Running Back has ever met
these specs as well as #36 "The BUS" aka Jerome Bettis. His
record setting performances and fan popularity has been
without equal in the 90's.
THE INCREDIBLE HULK
Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker: Levon Kirkland
A real life
Superhero that's too good to be true, that's Levon Kirkland,
the star linebacker of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He comes
home every off-season to live with his parents for awhile in
his same bedroom, he's a strong believer in God, and oh yea,
he's the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. But don't try
and find a chip on his shoulder, or a swelled head. You
won't find him in the police blotter, because Kirkland is as
down to earth as most anyone. When it comes to religion,
Kirkland writes letters to God a lot, and he says it's
something that cleanses his soul. Not much was expected of
Kirkland when he joined the Steelers in 1992, a second-round
draft pick out of Clemson. But he has paid his dues, and in
turn, the Steelers have paid him for his outstanding play.
While the team has had to part with several free-agent
starters, they elected to hold on to Kirkland. Despite "Plan
B", he remained as the veteran leader on an ever-changing
roster throughout the 90s. Kirkland is best described as a
"multipurpose" linebacker. He can do anything you need. His
size and speed is amazing and he remains one of the few
linebackers in the league who can also cover tight ends.
Kirkland weighs over 265 pounds and runs a 40' Dash Time at
4.86 seconds. To give you an idea how big he is, Kirkland is
actually five pounds heavier than "Mean" Joe Greene was when
he played defensive tackle for the Steel Curtain in the
70's. In 1997, he was the leading tackler (95 solo stops)
and tied for second in sacks (five) on a defense that ranked
No. 1 in the NFL against the run. In the AFC Championship
Game, a 24-21 loss to the Denver Broncos, Kirkland had 11
tackles, a sack and an interception. He has become a
constant and hasn't missed a game in college or the pros. He
was elected to the ProBowl in 1997 and 1998 as well as an
AFC Alternate in 1999. He was unanimously voted Steelers
Team MVP in 1998 and 1999.
HINES 57 SPECIAL
Pittsburgh Steelers Wide Receiver: Hines Ward
This guy is fast
becoming one of my new favorite Steelers. Another "Slash"
type player, he is a truly multi-talented athlete and has
played receiver, flanker, tailback, quarterback, split end
and punt/kick returner. He has also become one of the most
dependable performers on an ever-changing Steelers roster.
As a starter on both Offense and Special Teams, he is able
to take punishment as well as give it. This balance of speed
and toughness, along with a great set of hands, has enabled
Ward to lead the team in many categories including: total
receptions, TD receptions, yard-per-reception average and
more. As a 3rd year man, his career has only started and I
hope to watch him continue to grow (in a Black and Gold
uniform) for years to come.
IT'S MILLER TIME
Pittsburgh Steelers Punter: Josh Miller
OK, I know what
you're saying… "A Punter?" Yes, a Punter. Believe me, this
guy DESERVES a tribute. He went from being Bill Cowher's
chew toy, to one of the top punters in the entire NFL, as
well as one of the most dependable Steelers on an
ever-changing roster of inconsistent performers. He is also
one of the most well rounded athletes on the team, He was a
wide receiver, place-kicker, punter, basketball guard and
track decathlete. Not bad for a guy who only kicks for a
living. Special Teams seldom get credit, especially kickers
and punters. They may only be on the field for eight seconds
at a time, but those eight seconds can make or break a game.
Josh has proven himself in "crunch" situations over and over
again. He is a perfect example of what practice and
dedication can do for achieving success. Look for Josh
Miller at an upcoming Pro Bowl near you.
THE 12TH MAN (The
FAN)
Pittsburgh Steeler
fans have a special bond and are among the most loyal and
hardcore followers of any sporting organization. Anybody who
has ever lived in or around Pittsburgh knows the importance
of football. After all, western Pennsylvania is said to be
the birthplace of the professional game and the "Quarterback
Cradle of America". These "Die Hard" fans play a big role in
a team's home-field advantage and everyone knows winning in
the Steeler's House is easier said than done. Pittsburgh
truly is a Football Town. The fire trucks are Black and
Gold, the waiting list for season tickets is 8-10 years, and
during football season, even Sunday Sermons are paraphrased
to accommodate game time. Newborn babies are often seen
returning home from the hospital wrapped in Terrible Towels
and legends of the Dynasty are passed down from generation
to generation. Steeler fans are also famous for some the
best Tailgating in the NFL. No matter how good or how bad
the Steelers Play, every game is sold out and no matter how
many players come and go via free agency, the fans are
always there, rooting for the home team. "HERE WE GO
STEELERS, HERE WE GO!"
THE HOUSE THAT ART
BUILT
Three Rivers Stadium 1970-2000
I can't tell you how
many Games, Concerts and Festivals I have attended there
during my life. Three Rivers is more than just a local
landmark; it's "hallowed ground". A cathedral of Black and
Gold and site to countless magic moments in sports history.
It is one of the loudest and most intense Stadiums in the
NFL. Any team visiting Pittsburgh knows the value of
earplugs. Fans play a big role in a team's home-field
advantage and everyone knows winning in the Steeler's House
is easier said than done. Three Rivers was replaced in 2001
by a 2 new ballparks: PNC Park (Pirates) and a new Steelers
Stadium (hopefully called Rooney Field), Both facilities are
state of the art and architecturally breathtaking, but Three
Rivers will always remain The House That Art Built and the
home of 2 Champion franchises. The last regular-season
Steelers game at Three Rivers Stadium was played on
Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000 against the Washington Redskins (a
WIN). A few months later, the structure was imploded. Many
items from the stadium including seats, turf and bricks were
sold as collector's items after the structure was knocked
down. I was fortunate enough to add a few of these "holy
relics" to my memorabilia collection. Thanks for the
memories "TR".
YOI AND DOUBLE YOI
Pittsburgh Steelers Broadcaster: Myron Cope
Myron Cope is as
much a Pittsburgh Tradition as Iron City Beer and has just
as much bite. His play-by-play commentaries and special
brand of "Copeisms" have made him one of the most beloved
sportscasters in NFL history. (Plus, he's the inventor of
the Terrible Towel!) Unless you're from Pittsburgh, you have
no idea what you're missing (and you won't understand a word
he is saying). Right "Yinz Guyz"?
STEELERETTES
Yes, believe it or not, even the Steelers had Cheerleaders;
Lovely ladies in Black and Gold.
The Steelerettes
performed from 1961-1970. They were founded by a group of
young coeds at Robert Morris Junior College, now Robert
Morris College, (my wife's Alma Mater) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Most coaches, players, and owners, including Art Rooney,
believed women had no place on a football field. Around this
time, the Dallas Cowboys broke new ground by allowing a
squad of pom-pom girls in skimpy uniforms to dance around
the field calling themselves "The Dallas Cowboy
Cheerleaders". Nobody knows who approached Mr. Rooney with
the idea of cheerleaders for his beloved Steelers, but
whoever it was had to convince him that they weren't going
to be there inciting riots among the spectators. He was
assured that the Steelerettes would be wholesome, young
students from Robert Morris Junior College and they would be
properly clothed. Times have changed, but this just goes to
show that Pittsburgh has always been a class act.
Email questions-comments-corrections
Copyright
© 2002 Pinstripe Press. All Rights Reserved.
All essays researched and written by Michael Aubrecht.
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the New York
Yankees or the Pittsburgh Steelers.