I've been working on this for awhile. The recent debate on who is the 3rd greatest Steeler QB of all time has motivated me to post this as is.
Keep in my mind, this is just my opinion. Im sure some will want to argue over some of my choices, no worries, we all have our own opinions! Sorry in advance for any speeling errors (catch that? lol) etc. All facts i tried to verify by using multiple web sites here are some, no guarantee the links will work:
http://www.steelersfever.com/pro_bowl.html
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2007/10/25/101126/61
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/all-pros.htm
SB=superbowl appearances, PB=probowls, AP=allpro, HOF=hall of famer, 75=voted to 75th ann. team, S=team mvp, D=defensive player of the year, R=rookie of the year, MVP=NFL MVP.
Head Coach: Chuck Noll.
QB’S (2): This was by far the easiest position to fill; the only debate was whether to keep 2 or 3 . . .I went with 2. I figure Hines Ward can be the emergency qb.
1. Ben Roethlisberger. SB(3), PB(3), S, R. Holds most steeler passing records and a couple NFL ones too. Future HOFer.
2. Terry Bradshaw. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), S(2), 75, MVP 2 time SB MVP and 1st QB to win 4 SB’s.
Also considered: Bobby Layne, Earl Morrel. Jim Finks, Kordell Stewart, Neil O’Donnell.
RB’S (5): 1st 4 are easy. That 5th spot, though, 4 guys you could make a good argument for. Bell PROBABLY will take Rock's place one day, but lets wait and see if he can perform at a high level over a period of time. I remember once upon a time when a guy named Barry Foster was probably gonna be the next great Steeler running back. A strong argument can be made for Fast Willie Parker also.
3. Franco Harris. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(9), S, R, 75. SB MVP, would make this list for the immaculate reception alone.
4. Jerome Bettis. HOF, SB(1), AP(1), PB(4), S(3) 75. Da Bus!
5. John Henry Johnson. HOF, PB(3). Played for 5 teams but spent 6 years in Pittsburgh and made all his pro bowls from here.
6. Bill Dudley. HOF, AP(1), PB(1). One of the best HB-option passers to play the game. His 3 years with the Steelers interrupted by service in WWII. 1st Steeler in HOF.
7. Rocky Bleir. SB(4), 75. He would be this teams special teams ace.
Also considered: Dick Hoak, Willie Parker, Johnny “Blood” McNally. LeVeon Bell.
Ends/Receivers (8): I included TE’s here. This position has evolved probably the most over the course of NFL history.
8. Hines Ward. SB(3), PB(4), S(3), 75. SBMVP. Probable HOF’er might have to wait awhile. Best blocking WR to ever play the game, they had to change the rules because of his devastating hits.
9. John Stallworth. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), S(2), 75. Mr. consistency.
10. Antonio Brown. SB(1), AP(1), PB(3), S(2). He is already breaking Steeler records and has same amount of AP’s and PB’s as Stallworth and Swann. Only thing missing is a ring.
11. Lynn Swan. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), 75. SBMVP. Doesn’t have huge stats but is a great example of how we should look at more than stats when judging a career.
12. Heath Miller. SB(3), PB(2), S. Too bad guys like this rarely get into the hall. Best ALL-AROUND TE of his time.
13. Elbie Nickel. PB(3) 75. Was a pass caching TE way ahead of his time. Played both ways, DE on defense.
14. Louis Lipps. PB(2), S(2), R. Was also a good return man. A talent that went mostly un-noticed outside of Pittsburgh in the 80’s.
15. Buddy Dial. PB(2). Bobby Layne’s favorite target.
Also considered: Roy Jefferson, Ron Shanklin, Bennie Cunningham, Yancey Thigpin.
OLINE: (10): I didn’t try to keep any certain number by position. Most of these guys are/were talented enough to play multiple positions. It’s amazing how strong we’ve been on the interior of the line. While we have had some decent T’s it seems we have never really had that all-world OT. The best one we’ve ever had played in the 50’s and one was converted from TE. How did Jon Kolb never make a pro bowl?
16. Mike Webster. HOF, SB(4), AP(5), PB(9), 75. One of the best O-lineman to ever play the game.
17. Dermonti Dawson. HOF, SB(1), AP(6), PB(7), 75. Another Steeler who revolutionized the game as the first "pulling" center.
18. Alan Faneca. SB(2), AP(6), PB(7), 75. Probably the best bet as next Steeler to the HOF.
19. Frank Varrichione. PB(5). Played 6 years for Steelers, 5 with rams. 4 PB’s came with the Steelers. My guess is that he finished his career elsewhere is why he wasn’t named to the 75th anniversary team.
20. Tunch Ilkin. PB(2), 75. Underrated and undersized but very effective. Sound like a certain LT currently on our roster?
21. Jon Kolb. SB(4),75. Won world’s strongest man competition twice. Wikepedia says he was “NEA allpro 1979” but the main site I used as a reference doesn’t list him as ever being an all-pro.
22. Ray Mansfield. SB(2), 75. Known as the Ranger, one of the few that Noll kept as he built the dynasty.
23. Larry Brown. SB(4), PB(1), 75. Played 1st half of his career as a TE, then became a PB Tackle. Would make a great "move" tackle on this team.
24. Markice Pouncey. SB(1), AP(2), PB(4). I know a lot of fans think he’s over-rated but look at what he has accomplished in just a few years. He could easily play another 10 years and move way up this list.
25. Byron Gentry. AP(1), PB(2). This is my nod to the Pittsburgh Football Pirates of the 30’s.
Also considered: John Jackson, Charley Bradshaw, Bill Walsh(no, not THAT one), Jeff Hartings, John Nisby, Marvel Smith.
K (1): My Favorite was always Norm Johnson (NORRRRRRMMMMMM!) But the choice here is clear.
26. Gary Anderson. AP(2), PB(4), S, 75. Should get a HOF nod someday.
DLINE (8): As with the oline I didn’t try to have x number of ends and y number of tackles. Just went with the best 8. Hardest decision was Ernie Holmes. Was he overlooked because of his line mates or did playing on THAT line make him look better than he was? In the end I went with 2 guys from the 50’s and 60’s who were pro-bowlers on some bad teams.
27. Mean Joe Greene. HOF, SB(4),AP(5), PB(10), 75, D(2), S, R. Only second Steeler to have his jersey number retired. Star of one of the most iconic commercials ever made. Owns all 6 super bowl rings (2 as a scout).
28. Ernie Stautner. HOF, AP(1), PB(9), 75. 1st Steeler to have his jersey number retired.
29. Casey Hampton. SB(3), PB(5), S, 75. Big snack probably will never be considered for the HOF, and that’s a crying shame.
30. Dwight White. SB(4), PB(2), 75. Along with LC and Donnie Shell, should be in the HOF except for anti-steeler bias towards 70’s steelers by voters. Why should there be a cap on greatness?
31. LC Greenwood. SB(4), AP(2), PB(6), 75. See above.
32. Aaron Smith. SB(3), PB(1). His greatness has been overlooked, even by the Steelers as he was omitted from the 75th anniversary team. Like Hampton, it’s a shame he never got the recognition he deserved, which will keep him out of the HOF.
33. Bill McPeak. PB(3). Defensive mainstay of the 50’s. Was a long time scout and coach in the NFL until his death.
34. Ben McGee. PB(2). Was a great player on some very bad Steeler teams of the late 60’s.
Also considered: Brett Keisel, Joel Steed, Ernie Holmes.
LBS (11): Hardest position of all. Whom do you leave out? The guy that holds a bunch of records (Gildon)? One of the best edge-rushers of all-time that was only a Steeler for a short while (Greene)? Or one of the little known guys pre-sb era? As a rule I have not included players that played the majority of their careers elsewhere (Blood, Layne etc.), but did give a nod to a few as honorable mentions. In this case the exception to the rule is Kevin Greene. I watched Gildon his entire career and, quite frankly, he was just not that impressive. I gave the nod to two old-school cats in the end.
35. Jack Lambert. HOF, SB(4), AP(6), PB(9), S(2), R, 75, D. Even late in his career the toothless menace was still bad enough to scare a rookie named John Elway enough that he considered quitting football. He and Franco should have their jerseys retired.
36. Jack Ham. HOF, SB(4), AP(6), PB(8), 75. Probably the best all- around 4-3 OLB to ever play the game.
37. James Harrison. SB(3), AP(2), PB(5), S(2), D. Made the greatest play in super bowl history. Who can forget his tackle of the idiot stains fan? Another long shot to get into the HOF.
38. Greg Lloyd. SB(1), AP(3), PB(5), S(2), 75. No one hit harder than #95.
39. Joey Porter. SB(1), AP(4), PB(4), S, 75. One of the few who played at a high level after leaving the ‘Burgh.
40. James Farrior. SB(3), AP(2), PB(2), S. One site lists him as AP once, his Wikipedia page says twice. Either way “Potsy” is arguably the best FA signing in Steeler history.
41. Andy Russell. SB(2), AP(1), PB(7), S, 75. One of the few to see the glory of the super bowl after surviving Nolls cuts of the 60’s players.
42. Kevin Greene. SB(1), AP(3), PB(5). Drove a tank in Desert Storm. Should be in the HOF soon, I hope he chooses to go in as a Steeler.
43. Mike Merriweather. PB(3), S. Wikapedia says he was AP 3 times. Not sure if that is accurate but he was a great player from the 80’s. If not for the holdout and trade he might be viewed differently by fans.
44. John Reger. PB(3). Also played guard some. Steeler in late 50’s and early 60’s, he finished his career with the Redskins.
45. Jerry Shipkey. AP(2), PB(3). 1948-1952. He also played FB and some DB.
Also considered: Earl Holmes, Jason Gildon, Chad Brown, Myron Puttios, LeVon Kirkland, Dale Dodrill.
DB’S (8): Lots to choose from here too. If Ike could have caught HALF the balls that bounced off his hands he might be a HOFer. Sadly, people have already forgotten how good he was in coverage. He shut down just about everyone he faced, starting after Cowher benched him in ’06 until the Denver playoff fiasco vs Tebow.
46. Mel Blount. HOF, SB(4), AP(2), PB(5), S, 75, D. Modern passing rules were started because Blount was so physical with recievers. They changed they rules, he adapted, and continued to be one of the most dominant corners of his time.
47. Rod Woodson. HOF, SB(3), AP(6), PB(11), S(3), 75, D. Woody and AB would be my return guys on this team.
48. Jack Butler. HOF, AP(3), PB(4), 75. Took him awhile to get in but the HOF finally did right in 2012. He was born in Pittsburgh, played at St. Bon and was a Steeler his whole playing career.
49. Mike Wagner. SB(4), PB(2). Probably the most under-rated player from the steel-curtain dynasty defense.
50. Troy Palomalu. SB(3), AP(4), PB(8), S, 75, D. I consider he and Ben the 2 current players that are locks to be in HOF someday. (note: first draft of this was written before Troy retired).
51. Donnie Shell. SB(4), AP(3), PB(5), S, 75. Needs to be in the HOF, PERIOD.
52. Carnell Lake. SB(1), AP(1), PB(5), 75. Who can forget the lake effect?
53. Glenn Edwards. SB(2), AP(1), PB(2), S. Finished his career with the Chargers.
Also considered: Ike Taylor, JT Thomas, Dwayne Woodruff, Ricardo Colclough . . .just kidding! lol seeing who is really paying attention!
I chose not to include a punter. I figure this team wouldn’t really punt that often and, if they did, Big Ben has done enough pooch punting to fill the bill. Either that or piss off Mean Joe and have him take it out on the football. There is only one Steeler punter to ever make the pro bowl anyways . . .
Also considered: Bobby Walden.
Honorable Mention: Byron “Whizzer” White. His big money contract (he was paid THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!) was nearly scandalous for the time. Left the Pirates (steelers) to become a Rhoades scholar. Played 2 more years for Detroit then served in the Navy during WWII. Became an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court. . .Moving on with your life’s work INDEED!
Keep in my mind, this is just my opinion. Im sure some will want to argue over some of my choices, no worries, we all have our own opinions! Sorry in advance for any speeling errors (catch that? lol) etc. All facts i tried to verify by using multiple web sites here are some, no guarantee the links will work:
http://www.steelersfever.com/pro_bowl.html
http://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2007/10/25/101126/61
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/all-pros.htm
SB=superbowl appearances, PB=probowls, AP=allpro, HOF=hall of famer, 75=voted to 75th ann. team, S=team mvp, D=defensive player of the year, R=rookie of the year, MVP=NFL MVP.
Head Coach: Chuck Noll.
QB’S (2): This was by far the easiest position to fill; the only debate was whether to keep 2 or 3 . . .I went with 2. I figure Hines Ward can be the emergency qb.
1. Ben Roethlisberger. SB(3), PB(3), S, R. Holds most steeler passing records and a couple NFL ones too. Future HOFer.
2. Terry Bradshaw. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), S(2), 75, MVP 2 time SB MVP and 1st QB to win 4 SB’s.
Also considered: Bobby Layne, Earl Morrel. Jim Finks, Kordell Stewart, Neil O’Donnell.
RB’S (5): 1st 4 are easy. That 5th spot, though, 4 guys you could make a good argument for. Bell PROBABLY will take Rock's place one day, but lets wait and see if he can perform at a high level over a period of time. I remember once upon a time when a guy named Barry Foster was probably gonna be the next great Steeler running back. A strong argument can be made for Fast Willie Parker also.
3. Franco Harris. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(9), S, R, 75. SB MVP, would make this list for the immaculate reception alone.
4. Jerome Bettis. HOF, SB(1), AP(1), PB(4), S(3) 75. Da Bus!
5. John Henry Johnson. HOF, PB(3). Played for 5 teams but spent 6 years in Pittsburgh and made all his pro bowls from here.
6. Bill Dudley. HOF, AP(1), PB(1). One of the best HB-option passers to play the game. His 3 years with the Steelers interrupted by service in WWII. 1st Steeler in HOF.
7. Rocky Bleir. SB(4), 75. He would be this teams special teams ace.
Also considered: Dick Hoak, Willie Parker, Johnny “Blood” McNally. LeVeon Bell.
Ends/Receivers (8): I included TE’s here. This position has evolved probably the most over the course of NFL history.
8. Hines Ward. SB(3), PB(4), S(3), 75. SBMVP. Probable HOF’er might have to wait awhile. Best blocking WR to ever play the game, they had to change the rules because of his devastating hits.
9. John Stallworth. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), S(2), 75. Mr. consistency.
10. Antonio Brown. SB(1), AP(1), PB(3), S(2). He is already breaking Steeler records and has same amount of AP’s and PB’s as Stallworth and Swann. Only thing missing is a ring.
11. Lynn Swan. HOF, SB(4), AP(1), PB(3), 75. SBMVP. Doesn’t have huge stats but is a great example of how we should look at more than stats when judging a career.
12. Heath Miller. SB(3), PB(2), S. Too bad guys like this rarely get into the hall. Best ALL-AROUND TE of his time.
13. Elbie Nickel. PB(3) 75. Was a pass caching TE way ahead of his time. Played both ways, DE on defense.
14. Louis Lipps. PB(2), S(2), R. Was also a good return man. A talent that went mostly un-noticed outside of Pittsburgh in the 80’s.
15. Buddy Dial. PB(2). Bobby Layne’s favorite target.
Also considered: Roy Jefferson, Ron Shanklin, Bennie Cunningham, Yancey Thigpin.
OLINE: (10): I didn’t try to keep any certain number by position. Most of these guys are/were talented enough to play multiple positions. It’s amazing how strong we’ve been on the interior of the line. While we have had some decent T’s it seems we have never really had that all-world OT. The best one we’ve ever had played in the 50’s and one was converted from TE. How did Jon Kolb never make a pro bowl?
16. Mike Webster. HOF, SB(4), AP(5), PB(9), 75. One of the best O-lineman to ever play the game.
17. Dermonti Dawson. HOF, SB(1), AP(6), PB(7), 75. Another Steeler who revolutionized the game as the first "pulling" center.
18. Alan Faneca. SB(2), AP(6), PB(7), 75. Probably the best bet as next Steeler to the HOF.
19. Frank Varrichione. PB(5). Played 6 years for Steelers, 5 with rams. 4 PB’s came with the Steelers. My guess is that he finished his career elsewhere is why he wasn’t named to the 75th anniversary team.
20. Tunch Ilkin. PB(2), 75. Underrated and undersized but very effective. Sound like a certain LT currently on our roster?
21. Jon Kolb. SB(4),75. Won world’s strongest man competition twice. Wikepedia says he was “NEA allpro 1979” but the main site I used as a reference doesn’t list him as ever being an all-pro.
22. Ray Mansfield. SB(2), 75. Known as the Ranger, one of the few that Noll kept as he built the dynasty.
23. Larry Brown. SB(4), PB(1), 75. Played 1st half of his career as a TE, then became a PB Tackle. Would make a great "move" tackle on this team.
24. Markice Pouncey. SB(1), AP(2), PB(4). I know a lot of fans think he’s over-rated but look at what he has accomplished in just a few years. He could easily play another 10 years and move way up this list.
25. Byron Gentry. AP(1), PB(2). This is my nod to the Pittsburgh Football Pirates of the 30’s.
Also considered: John Jackson, Charley Bradshaw, Bill Walsh(no, not THAT one), Jeff Hartings, John Nisby, Marvel Smith.
K (1): My Favorite was always Norm Johnson (NORRRRRRMMMMMM!) But the choice here is clear.
26. Gary Anderson. AP(2), PB(4), S, 75. Should get a HOF nod someday.
DLINE (8): As with the oline I didn’t try to have x number of ends and y number of tackles. Just went with the best 8. Hardest decision was Ernie Holmes. Was he overlooked because of his line mates or did playing on THAT line make him look better than he was? In the end I went with 2 guys from the 50’s and 60’s who were pro-bowlers on some bad teams.
27. Mean Joe Greene. HOF, SB(4),AP(5), PB(10), 75, D(2), S, R. Only second Steeler to have his jersey number retired. Star of one of the most iconic commercials ever made. Owns all 6 super bowl rings (2 as a scout).
28. Ernie Stautner. HOF, AP(1), PB(9), 75. 1st Steeler to have his jersey number retired.
29. Casey Hampton. SB(3), PB(5), S, 75. Big snack probably will never be considered for the HOF, and that’s a crying shame.
30. Dwight White. SB(4), PB(2), 75. Along with LC and Donnie Shell, should be in the HOF except for anti-steeler bias towards 70’s steelers by voters. Why should there be a cap on greatness?
31. LC Greenwood. SB(4), AP(2), PB(6), 75. See above.
32. Aaron Smith. SB(3), PB(1). His greatness has been overlooked, even by the Steelers as he was omitted from the 75th anniversary team. Like Hampton, it’s a shame he never got the recognition he deserved, which will keep him out of the HOF.
33. Bill McPeak. PB(3). Defensive mainstay of the 50’s. Was a long time scout and coach in the NFL until his death.
34. Ben McGee. PB(2). Was a great player on some very bad Steeler teams of the late 60’s.
Also considered: Brett Keisel, Joel Steed, Ernie Holmes.
LBS (11): Hardest position of all. Whom do you leave out? The guy that holds a bunch of records (Gildon)? One of the best edge-rushers of all-time that was only a Steeler for a short while (Greene)? Or one of the little known guys pre-sb era? As a rule I have not included players that played the majority of their careers elsewhere (Blood, Layne etc.), but did give a nod to a few as honorable mentions. In this case the exception to the rule is Kevin Greene. I watched Gildon his entire career and, quite frankly, he was just not that impressive. I gave the nod to two old-school cats in the end.
35. Jack Lambert. HOF, SB(4), AP(6), PB(9), S(2), R, 75, D. Even late in his career the toothless menace was still bad enough to scare a rookie named John Elway enough that he considered quitting football. He and Franco should have their jerseys retired.
36. Jack Ham. HOF, SB(4), AP(6), PB(8), 75. Probably the best all- around 4-3 OLB to ever play the game.
37. James Harrison. SB(3), AP(2), PB(5), S(2), D. Made the greatest play in super bowl history. Who can forget his tackle of the idiot stains fan? Another long shot to get into the HOF.
38. Greg Lloyd. SB(1), AP(3), PB(5), S(2), 75. No one hit harder than #95.
39. Joey Porter. SB(1), AP(4), PB(4), S, 75. One of the few who played at a high level after leaving the ‘Burgh.
40. James Farrior. SB(3), AP(2), PB(2), S. One site lists him as AP once, his Wikipedia page says twice. Either way “Potsy” is arguably the best FA signing in Steeler history.
41. Andy Russell. SB(2), AP(1), PB(7), S, 75. One of the few to see the glory of the super bowl after surviving Nolls cuts of the 60’s players.
42. Kevin Greene. SB(1), AP(3), PB(5). Drove a tank in Desert Storm. Should be in the HOF soon, I hope he chooses to go in as a Steeler.
43. Mike Merriweather. PB(3), S. Wikapedia says he was AP 3 times. Not sure if that is accurate but he was a great player from the 80’s. If not for the holdout and trade he might be viewed differently by fans.
44. John Reger. PB(3). Also played guard some. Steeler in late 50’s and early 60’s, he finished his career with the Redskins.
45. Jerry Shipkey. AP(2), PB(3). 1948-1952. He also played FB and some DB.
Also considered: Earl Holmes, Jason Gildon, Chad Brown, Myron Puttios, LeVon Kirkland, Dale Dodrill.
DB’S (8): Lots to choose from here too. If Ike could have caught HALF the balls that bounced off his hands he might be a HOFer. Sadly, people have already forgotten how good he was in coverage. He shut down just about everyone he faced, starting after Cowher benched him in ’06 until the Denver playoff fiasco vs Tebow.
46. Mel Blount. HOF, SB(4), AP(2), PB(5), S, 75, D. Modern passing rules were started because Blount was so physical with recievers. They changed they rules, he adapted, and continued to be one of the most dominant corners of his time.
47. Rod Woodson. HOF, SB(3), AP(6), PB(11), S(3), 75, D. Woody and AB would be my return guys on this team.
48. Jack Butler. HOF, AP(3), PB(4), 75. Took him awhile to get in but the HOF finally did right in 2012. He was born in Pittsburgh, played at St. Bon and was a Steeler his whole playing career.
49. Mike Wagner. SB(4), PB(2). Probably the most under-rated player from the steel-curtain dynasty defense.
50. Troy Palomalu. SB(3), AP(4), PB(8), S, 75, D. I consider he and Ben the 2 current players that are locks to be in HOF someday. (note: first draft of this was written before Troy retired).
51. Donnie Shell. SB(4), AP(3), PB(5), S, 75. Needs to be in the HOF, PERIOD.
52. Carnell Lake. SB(1), AP(1), PB(5), 75. Who can forget the lake effect?
53. Glenn Edwards. SB(2), AP(1), PB(2), S. Finished his career with the Chargers.
Also considered: Ike Taylor, JT Thomas, Dwayne Woodruff, Ricardo Colclough . . .just kidding! lol seeing who is really paying attention!
I chose not to include a punter. I figure this team wouldn’t really punt that often and, if they did, Big Ben has done enough pooch punting to fill the bill. Either that or piss off Mean Joe and have him take it out on the football. There is only one Steeler punter to ever make the pro bowl anyways . . .
Also considered: Bobby Walden.
Honorable Mention: Byron “Whizzer” White. His big money contract (he was paid THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!) was nearly scandalous for the time. Left the Pirates (steelers) to become a Rhoades scholar. Played 2 more years for Detroit then served in the Navy during WWII. Became an Associate Justice of the US Supreme Court. . .Moving on with your life’s work INDEED!
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