There is Always Next Year

I have been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan for the past 34 years. It is hard to think of a time where I was more proud of my boys than today. Yes, our playoff hopes are all but dashed at the time that I write this, but the courage, compassion and heart my team showed today could not have left me more proud of my boys and the Steelers organization.

Ike Taylor delivered a most unfortunate hit on off balance Miami 3rd string QB Pat White that left him with yet unidentified injuries. Ike Taylor was there at his side as the cart carried him off the field. His remorse still evident on the sideline plays later. What a contrast to the dark days of Jack Tatum who delivered a paralyzing blow to Daryl Stingley without a word of regret or concern to Stingley or his family at the time of the injury or years later.

Always first to defend my team when they call the Steelers “dirty”, I will concede hard hitting but never dirty. One of the reasons I have been a Steeler fan as long as I have is the organization itself and the Rooney family and their unwillingness to put up with less than class players for the sake of wins like so many other teams in the league.

Even Joe Greene did not like the term “Mean Joe Greene” in his playing days. And you would be hard pressed to find a man with more compassion than him. Play the game? Yes. Mean? No.

Now, to look at the courage of the day. Ben Rothlisberger was hit by former teammate Joey Porter in what appeared to be a dislocated shoulder. In obvious pain, Rothlisberger still returned to the game to throw accurate strikes that eventually led to the Steelers defeating the battered Dolphins. I haven’t seen this in a Pittsburgh QB since Terry Bradshaw led his team in the playoffs with a cast on his wrist. You did not see Ben complain and it was obvious the amount of pain he was playing with. Since the success of Ben Rothlisberger, it has been my belief that as Ben goes, so goes this Steeler team.

Are we in the playoffs? Miracles are needed. Most likely not. It was tough year riddled with injuries and a less than strong offensive line. But can the Steelers hold their heads high? In my opinion, absolutely. Looking forward to next season. Steeler fans never die. We just grow older.

The Best in History

As I'm just now starting to catch my breath...I am in complete awe and adoration of my Pittsburgh Steelers. They have done it again.

And it was definately different than I expected. I hoped for a good game but I felt it would be fairly comfortable game to watch. I hoped it would not be a runaway for the Steelers because that would make it kind of sad. But I sure didn't anticipate what I got.

In talking to my daughter before the game, she said it was like the varsity team playing the freshmen and that the Steelers should just let the Cardinals win. Not a chance was my response. But it was not as she feared it might be either.

I can't watch a Super Bowl that my Steelers are in with other people because I make a complete and total ass out of myself every time. I'm an outloud thinker and it only gets worse when I get excited.

A rollercoaster ride it was. Winning all but the last quarter and ultimate winning the game, my team of 33 years aged me tremendously in the last 5 minutes of the game and again I questioned why I do this to myself year and after year. I can't quit. I'm a Steeler junkie.

And why the Steelers you might ask. I'm not from Pittsburgh. The answer I'll give you is integrity. Owned by the same family for the entire length (or close to) of their franchise, the Rooney family has done well by it's citizens of Pittsburgh and seemed to keep their heads about them once free agency became such a huge part of the game. Not giving it out to one player but always doing what is best for the entire team, the Rooney's have not jepordized the well fare of an entire team for the sake of one player.

Also, look at the Rooney's year in and year out. They give as much back to their blue collar community as heart and soul it's fans pour back. And this does not look to change. As Art Rooney passed it down to his son, Dan, Dan looks to pass it down to his son, Art. And the dynasty will live on.

Could anything make me not love my Steelers? Yes. Sell the team to Jerry Jones and watch how fast I become a Bears fan. I don't see it happening. I think my love affair is safe. Congratulations to the Pittsburgh Steelers and their loyal fans everywhere.

And Pittsburgh!

How 'bout those Steelers! Once again with an amazing game that went to the wire, my Steelers have pulled out yet another win despite being riddled with injuries. I am a firm believer that as Ben goes, so go my Steelers. When Big Ben pulls the numbers, this team seems unstoppable. One thing that I did notice tonight however was the absurd amount of taunting calls.

Well two but the two that their were seemed ridiculous. If you recall, several years ago they started calling the NFL the NO FUN LEAGUE. I think they are almost on the brink of that one again. The original no fun league started when celebrating in the end zone and "sack dances" became a so called problem. No fun was longer allowed in the end zone and then the league seemed to lighten up on that a little.

Tonight a Jag got called for a 15 yard taunting penalty for saying something over a Steeler receiver after making the catch. Good for us but I had a hard time imagining what could have been said in the NFL that would warrant a penalty like that. Trash talking goes to the extreme but I didn't see the point for the call. Later in the same game, Nate Washington got called for taunting when after making a catch on the Jag sideline, showed the ball to the Jags and went about his way. Again....15 yards.

Hmmmm....Now in a game where you get penalized 15 yards for grabbing some poor sucker by the face mask and yanking his head around 90 degrees I guess I feel like talking a little smack might not warrant the same punishment. Maybe making the crime fit the punishment seems a little more appropriate. Call his mother. Make him serve in a soup kitchen or maybe make the offender take a grammar class or a lesson in charm school but I'm thinking a 15 yard penalty puts the NFL at risk of once again becoming the No Fun League.