Giving Thanks for the Pittsburgh Steelers
by maryrose on Nov 25, 2009 8:03 PM EST
46 comments
There are 32 football teams in the NFL. They all share media revenues, have relatively equal stadium sizes, operate under a salary cap and thus, are all created equal. Since the inauguration of the Super Bowl, at roughly the same time the old AFL and NFL merged into one structure, each franchise should have mathematically won a single Super Bowl, with 11 teams lucky enough to grab two Lombardis. The Pittsburgh Steelers have won two by themselves in just the last four years. They have won six overall, more than any other franchise. Thank you Steelers.
Since that merger in 1970, the Steelers have compiled 29 winning seasons. No team has done better, only one has matched (Miami) and most are far behind. The Steelers have finished in the Conference Final Four 20 times. No team has done better, only one has matched (Dallas) and most are far behind. Pittsburgh has played for the Conference Championship 14 times. No team has done better, only one has matched (Dallas) and most are far behind. As a fan who enjoys the journey even more than the bottom-line destination, I am very thankful for that cornucopia of success.
The Steelers have had three head coaches since 1969. Our friends to the northwest will likely hire their third head coach in 13 months. Each of Pittsburgh's three coaches has delivered unprecedented success. Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls, the only coach in NFL history to make that claim. Bill Cowher followed with a 15-year career that delivered 15 home playoff games, an astounding one per season, and achieved the best record in the NFL during those 15 seasons. Mike Tomlin is off to one of the best coaching starts in recent NFL history. Each has hoisted at least one Lombardi. Thanks Pittsburgh.
I want to win as much as anyone in Steeler Nation, but I know how hard that is to do. I know that it is not an inherent birthright for the Pittsburgh Steelers, or any franchise, to succeed. I know that with the spoils of a Super Bowl come the added weight of a bull's-eye target. Division teams like Cincinnati, Baltimore and even Cleveland play Pittsburgh like no other team. They want nothing more than to knock off the Steelers. Even teams like the Kansas City Chiefs play the Pittsburgh Steelers as if it is their Super Bowl. We need to fight that all season. While being the champions is a hard position to defend, I am thankful that we are in that dubious position to begin with.
While I did nothing for the happenstance of being a fan of the team owned by the Rooney family, I am proud of that nonetheless. People in stable positions aften take stability for granted. If you think it is frustrating to figure out how to tackle kick returners or hold second-half leads, try being a fan of an owner who hires and fires general managers like bartenders, or perhaps yanks the team out of town when a more attractive suitor beckons. There are four Rooney brothers who could have made better deals when selling their shares, but decided instead to be like their father and figure out a way to keep the franchise under the Rooney flag. I am forever thankful for that.
Yes, we are 6-4 and no, the sky is not falling. Last I checked those other guys are getting paychecks also. Yes, we need to make changes and no, it won't be easy. Those other guys are also among the finest football players in the world. But I took a tour in my mind of every NFL city and asked myself where would I like to be if I could choose any franchise of which to be a fan. I took into account past, present and future and all the trimmings surrounding a team to fall in love with. My honest answer was the Pittsburgh Steelers, and for that I am eternally thankful.
Finally, I am thankful for being a proud member of Steeler Nation, the greatest fan base on the planet. Game after game after game the television announcers make a concerted effort to point out how many Steelers' fans invade enemy stadiums. Hines Ward scores a touchdown and it doesn't take him long to find a black and gold "86" in the end zone to give the ball to. Opposing players take umbrage over being visitors in their own house. Where else does that happen, in any sport on any level? America's Team is not some self-proclaimed moniker that hs no substance. America's Team shows up every Sunday in every stadium throughout the land.
Thanks also to Blitz and Shake and all the contributors to this site. You have added a touch of spice to my life. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.
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Another great read from maryrose
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
But do we expect anything else
"From time to time gunfighters get shot."-Mike Tomlin the third greatest Steelers coach
by WVPiratesfan on Nov 25, 2009 8:35 PM EST up reply actions
Thank you Maryrose!
It’s like a marriage being a Steeler fan… for better or worse; fumbles, sacks or INT’s…until death us do part… HERE WE GO STEELERS! I’ll kick a husband to the curb in a NY minute; but never, EVER the Steelers.
When the tailgate drops, the BS stops. Shut up and play!
The voice of reason.
Great article, and thanks for reminding us how to keep things in perspective. We should be thankful every day, for the privelege of being able to, “walk past all that hardware,” every day…..
Best wishes for a wonderful thanksgiving.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww...
That made me feel all warm & fuzzy inside…
by Mr 412 on Nov 25, 2009 9:56 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Absolutely beautiful, Mary Rose. Steelers Nation! Here we go, Steelers, here we go!
Being 55 years old, I go a long way back with my beloved Pittsburgh Steelers. I go back to the days in the 1960’s when Pittsburgh was seen as a loser year-in and year-out, never escaping mediocrity or just being plain average. And then Chuck Noll took over and the winning began. Two back to back Super Bowl victories and 4 Super Bowl wins in 6 years. The Pittsburgh Steelers went from a hopeless team to defining what a great NFL team and franchise should be. The Rooneys have established themselves as the best owners in the NFL. The “Steel Curtain” defense is a tradition and standard in the NFL. Dick LeBeau is the greatest defensive coordinator in the history of the NFL. Thanks to the Rooney’s leadership and sportsmanship, we have had 3 of the best coaches in the NFL, and we now have one of the best minority coaches in the history of the game. 6 Super Bowl wins prove Pittsburgh is the standard for the NFL in the modern age. Yes Steeler Nation, we have much to be thankful for and even more to be proud of. Let the tiny minds who hate the Steelers make their idiot little comments. They can never blunt the spirit and heart that defines and sustains The Pittsburgh Steelers and their legions of loyal fans. We may get knocked down but we will always get back up again. And we will keep coming after you until we win. Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. Until they don’t play professional football on Sundays. We are the Pittsburgh Steelers. You cannot stop us. You cannot break our will or our spirit. When the chips are down in the 4th quarter and the game is on the line, The Pittsburgh Steelers will rise up and take destiny in our hands and gain the inevitable victory. You want the Lombardi Trophy? Come and get it! It lives where it belongs-in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Great stuff Maryrose
You made my day just like you always do with your awesome post. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family and all of Steeler Nation.
Pain is temporary pride is forever
Boy after KC, this being the first thing I read on here really brought me back to earth.
We will not win a Lombardi every year, so we really should not panic until we have a losing season 2 years in a row.
Any given Sunday. We've given the Bengals two Sunday's this year.
Ryan Clark aka The Hammer immediately following the game "I would give my left arm to play them again."
Great read. Happy Thanksgiving all!!
Bring a towel to the game. Black or gold or yellow. If you don't have one buy one, If you can't buy one, dye one!!!
by SoCalSteelerFan on Nov 26, 2009 1:15 AM EST reply actions
Happy Thanksgiving to the whloe Steeler Nation!
Great Post maryrose as usual! I’m forever thankful for the Steelers, the greatest franchise in football. Once again , Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow citizens of the Steeler Nation!
Interesting...
But I took a tour in my mind of every NFL city and asked myself where would I like to be if I could choose any franchise of which to be a fan. I took into account past, present and future and all the trimmings surrounding a team to fall in love with. My honest answer was the Pittsburgh Steelers,
I’ve never even considered that.
I was born a Steelers fan.
I will die a Steelers fan.
That’s why my expectations for them are so high. I will not desert them in down years. When they lose, it affects me like a sickness to my own child. I feel it, viscerally.
When they win, I feel an emotion that can not be expressed… but it can be shared… At the Super Bowl, I was surrounded by friends I had never met before, but we were hugging like long lost brother by games end.
Being part of Seeler Nation is like truly like being from a country that only a few understand. Hey, we ever have our own flag: The Terrible Towel. We have history, tradition, myth, and legends.
To borrow from Teddy Roosevelt:
“The Steelers fan knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause;
Who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat"
Another great post, maryrose
Happy Thanksgiving! Reading this is a great way to start a Thanksgiving day.
For ideas on statistical analyses, email me at wolfpacksteelersfan@gmail.com.
by WolfpackSteelersFan on Nov 26, 2009 10:43 AM EST reply actions
Thanks MaryRose!
Tremendous post.
I am thankful for every day on the right side of the dirt. Go out and enjoy today!
Happy Thanksgiving to the Steelers Nation. I will consistently be on the road in the crowd waving my Terrible Towel…Next stop Miami.
When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen
good stuff!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
Thank you Maryrose
That really put things in perspective following a painful loss, really beautifully done.
Hear, hear
Well said as always.
The Steelers are my strongest tie to my hometown. Every game is like going home, no matter where I am. I’m thankful for the connection the team gives me.
Whether you’re from Pittsburgh or never even been, Happy Thanksgiving to all members of the nation.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 26, 2009 2:11 PM EST reply actions
Tear... sniff...
Good stuff. Lofty stuff.
Its a very nice way to zoom out and let people see the big picture. I havent lost hope in this team, although we are walking a tight rope now.
By the way
Barack Obama just beat Troy one-on-one over the middle in a United Way PSA.
Geez, maybe it really isn’t our year.
by Steelers in XLIV on Nov 26, 2009 2:20 PM EST reply actions
+1
Pretty funny. I saw that, too.
by Citizen of Steeler Nation on Nov 26, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
Excellent Post
Looks like my previous comment didn’t appear
Excellent Post maryrose
To be a Steelers fan is something amazing, I’m 42 years old and loving this team for more than 34 years, following in the bad and good times.
Probably this team won’t win again this year (but who knows) but the good players still in shape to repeat soon.
I am passing my love to the Steelers to my two sons and now they like to watch the games with me and have photos wearing the Black and Gold Jerseys
So doesn’t matter if this team win or lose I will love it forever
Steeler forever
thank you maryrose
for the perspective and the healthy reminder. we who love the black and gold sure do have a great deal to be thankful for. go steelers!
...die trying
http://www.agentorangerecords.blogspot.com
thanks MaryRose….I had a vision of creating a similar post, but I’m thankful that you took care of it. You have a way with words to say the least.
thanks,
frank
I'll drink your Milkshake, I'll drink it up!
by Frank Mineo (DYMS) on Nov 26, 2009 5:16 PM EST reply actions
Good Piece!
I sometimes get crap for wearing my Stillers gear here in Seattle where I live. They are still ticked about SB XL but after last year, and their 2nd season in a row in the toilet, it’s certainly jealousy.
Rooting for another team (especially the SeaSquawks)? I’d have to wake up as a different person.
"Does anybody believe that if the NFL had an agenda for steering the direction of the playoffs through the officiating that Seattle would have been in Detroit in the first place?" Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press
transplanted in seattle too
Frustrating and comical to say the least
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Nov 26, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions
Why are Steeler fans so jealous?
Of the Cowboys and their name America’s team?
They of course earned the name, which is why they are America’s team.
It sad when Steeler fans can’t take pride in Steeler accomplishments and are in envy of another team’s accomplishments….
"Why are Steeler fans so jealous?"
I’m not jealous, there’s nothing to be jealous about. I’ll take the Steelers as Pittsburgh’s team and the 6 trophies. Thanks. I think MR was just trying to make a statement, not try to steal something nobody wants.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Before Anyone Accuses Steelers Fans of Being Jealous about "America's Team"
They must first learn the true and full story of the name. It is obvious that you do not know the truth, so please let me enlighten you. Now, you should know that this is a part of NFL history and well documented if you wish to look it up. You won’t wish to, but that will not make it any less true.
In the 70’s the NFL was looking for a team that they could market to cities that do not have a team to strengthen the national fan base and thus the NFL. At that time, the two teams that were winning everything were the Steelers and the Cowboys. Usually the Steelers were winning it all by beating the Cowboys, BTW. So because of this, in 1978 Bob Ryan of NFL Films approached then Steelers owner, Art Rooney and asked if it would be OK if they marketed the Steelers as “America’s Team”. Mr. Rooney said, “No, we are PITTSBURGH’S team!”. Then and only then did they approach the Cowboys. Their owner (Tex Schram?) jumped at the idea, and the phrase was born. In 1979 an announcer used it in the first Cowboys game of the season and the name stuck. Interesting that the Steelers and not the Cowboys won the Super Bowl after BOTH those seasons!
So, in truth the Cowboys didn’t “earn” the name in as much as they accepted a marketing strategy that had already been turned down by the NFL’s first choice. If you need to take pride in that, so be it. I will take pride in the fact that when the Steelers play in Dallas there are 20,000 or more Steelers fans in the stands (and in that new stadium there will be about 50,000) and when the Cowboys play in Pittsburgh there are about 1,000.
Steelers Fans aren’t Jealous. More like annoyed.
Irregardless:
Your comment is just like your name— illogical.
by TheHumbleOne on Nov 27, 2009 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
No Kidding
Is he being ironic?
Or Moronic?
Since there is no such thing as Irregardless… (From Wikipedia)
“The origin of irregardless is not known for certain, but the speculation among references is that it may be a blend of irrespective and regardless, both of which are commonly accepted standard English words. By blending these words, an illogical word is created.”
You mean to tell me we don't have to be suicidal when the Steelers lose?
But I thought we were supposed to win every game until the end of time?
by StoneColdSteel on Nov 27, 2009 12:49 AM EST reply actions
Maryrose as almost always a Masterpiece.
Also, jealous of D-all-ass!!!!, common w/that name.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
And I forgot, Best Franchise in Sports.
O sales tickets,...and let D rest a little, and D Win Championships.
What a great post
Thanks for that Maryrose.
Thank You
Your blog is as true a representation of the Steelers as it gets. The Season is a long way from being over. Should the Steelers be there in the playoffs, Great! Should injuries deal our team a set back, Oh well. I’ve been following the Steelers for Many Many years. More years than I care to mention here. Except for one Super bowl year, the team has always given me something to cheer about. That one Super Bowl was between the Steelers and the Cowboys, with O’Donnel as Quarter back. Remeber that one?
Happy Holiday MR!
And thanks for adding joy and perspective for all of us.
Thanks also for extended comments, particularly by dougalmac. There is only one thing that could stand a bit more emphasis.
Thanks for the community at BTSC. As one of the thousands of Steeler Nation who are in the diaspora it is a joy and a blessing to be able to share the highs and lows, the excitement of the season and the boredom and anticipation of the off season with such a wonderful extended ‘family’. And a special thanks to yourself, Blitz, Shake and all the others who give a bit more of themselves that makes this site so first rate.
Finally; good timing. It’ll be hard to maintain perspective during the holidays when the season moves towards its climax. Just remember, even in the worst case scenario where we may either miss the playoffs or exit early, its still much better than being a fan of teams that are out of the picture already. Life is hard when you are reduced to arguing over potential draft picks in November.
this is all true!
good stuff rick.
Freel free to email me anytime at behindthesteelcurtain@gmail.com with questions, suggestions, complaints, etc, or to just say what's up. -Michael Bean (Blitz)
by Michael Bean on Nov 28, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Really enjoyed the post
I’ve always been tough on them with the highest expectations because I was born in Pittsburgh in ‘69 and have been a fan since the 70’s when my Dad had season tickets. Even though they make me cranky sometimes (particularly when they don’t learn from their mistakes) there is never a thought of jumping ship, I’ll always go down with it. They will always represent the gold standard. Onward into the breach boys…
by SteelCurtain4Life on Nov 29, 2009 12:59 PM EST reply actions
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