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17 years ago today, the Pittsburgh Steelers had the 30th pick in the 2005 NFL Draft. While the Steelers knew that they would have to be patient while 29 other teams drafted their first-round talents, what they did not know was that they would draft a player that would be a quiet franchise cornerstone for the next 11 years.
The Steelers used that first round draft choice on 6-foot 5-inch, 256-pound tight end Heath Miller out of the University of Virginia. Along with being a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, Miller played a pivotal role in an offense that, during his time there, won 111 games, four division titles, and two Super Bowls (appeared in three).
During his 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, Miller amassed 6,569 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns on 592 receptions in the regular season, as well as 49 playoff receptions for 587 yards and four touchdowns.
Miller was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009, and then again in 2012, a year where he posted career highs in yards (816) and touchdowns (8).
Tight end Heath Miller (#83). | Photo via Bleacher Report
The stats aren’t flashy, they don’t jump off the page at you, but for the fans in Pittsburgh, numbers never mattered when it came to Miller. He embodied not only what it meant to be a Steeler, but the blue-collared attitude of Pittsburgh itself.
That’s why no matter if it was a seven-yard catch on first down to set up a second and short situation in the first quarter, or a game-winning catch on the goal line, Heinz Field would echo with the iconic “Heath” chant.
You knew the job was going to get done right and that the ball, as well as the game, was safe in Miller’s hands in a career where he only fumbled seven times.
A player that came to work everyday, was dependable whenever you needed him and led by example, both on and off the field.
While he may not be enshrined in Canton, you can bet that you’ll always be able to hear the echoes of “HEATHHHHHH” fill the city of Pittsburgh.
What did Miller mean to you as a Steeler fan? Any games or plays that come to mind? Share some of your favorite memories of Miller in the comments below.
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
The Steelers used that first round draft choice on 6-foot 5-inch, 256-pound tight end Heath Miller out of the University of Virginia. Along with being a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, Miller played a pivotal role in an offense that, during his time there, won 111 games, four division titles, and two Super Bowls (appeared in three).
The Steelers got the best from Miller
During his 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, Miller amassed 6,569 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns on 592 receptions in the regular season, as well as 49 playoff receptions for 587 yards and four touchdowns.
Miller was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2009, and then again in 2012, a year where he posted career highs in yards (816) and touchdowns (8).
Tight end Heath Miller (#83). | Photo via Bleacher Report
The stats aren’t flashy, they don’t jump off the page at you, but for the fans in Pittsburgh, numbers never mattered when it came to Miller. He embodied not only what it meant to be a Steeler, but the blue-collared attitude of Pittsburgh itself.
That’s why no matter if it was a seven-yard catch on first down to set up a second and short situation in the first quarter, or a game-winning catch on the goal line, Heinz Field would echo with the iconic “Heath” chant.
You knew the job was going to get done right and that the ball, as well as the game, was safe in Miller’s hands in a career where he only fumbled seven times.
A player that came to work everyday, was dependable whenever you needed him and led by example, both on and off the field.
While he may not be enshrined in Canton, you can bet that you’ll always be able to hear the echoes of “HEATHHHHHH” fill the city of Pittsburgh.
What did Miller mean to you as a Steeler fan? Any games or plays that come to mind? Share some of your favorite memories of Miller in the comments below.
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
