I know this is a little premature, but after killing myself getting all my work done for this upcoming week, including taking a test early, I plan on having a great time for my birthday, as Monday and the weekend will be a blast.  I haven't been posting much recently, as I've been very bogged down in school and real-life issues, but I have kept up-to-date on the happenings of this site.  As usual, all the pieces are well-written and thought provoking; I only wish I had the creativity and talent of most on the site.

As a side-note, over the past few hours I've begun to feel rather old and strangely mature.  Weird.

In honor of my 21st  B-Day, here are my 21 Most Memorable Steeler Moments and Players.  As always, thanks for reading.

-1998 Week 13 (Thanksgiving Game vs. Detroit)

This was the infamous "Coin Flip" game, and the only loss on my list.  It's memorable, however this was the first live Steeler game for me.  The Silverdome was rocking that day...too bad I was rooting for the Black and Gold.

-2001 Week 7 (Bucs)

My best friend from middle school/high school is a Bucs fan, and although the Steelers only won 17-10, they racked up 10 sacks, and this was a huge game for bragging rights between friends.

-2004 Week 8 (Pats)

This was the first week in a 2-week stretch where the Steelers established themselves as the team to beat in the NFL.  Going into Foxboro, the Steelers put a dagger in early, capped by the pick-6 by Mr. Townsend, and ended the Pats 21-game win streak.

-2004 Week 9 (Eagles)

Week 2 of the undefeated barrage featured the Eagles coming to town.  A thorough cross-state beatdown was higlighted by a frustrated T.O., as he was battered all day by the Steelers D, and ended up yelling at QB Donovan McNabb.  Polamalu covered him all day and lit him up while going over the middle.  Insult to injury? Hines did the "Eagle Flap" when he scored on a reverse.

-2005 Week 9 (Packers)

Another seemingly dull regular season game, this game was big for me as well, as my little brother and a gaggle of other close friends I know are Packer fans.  Even better? Charlie Batch started and won his first game at Lambeau, Duce filled in well for Bettis and Parker, and Troy returned a fumble for a long TD against Favre.

-2006 Wildcard Round (Bungles)

The first game on the magical SB run, the Bengals came into the game thinking they were the big dogs (cats?) on the block after winning the division title, but their hopes were derailed as the Steelers put on a strong second half showing and pulled away.

-2006 Divisional Round (Colts)

The "unstoppable" Indianapolis Colts ran into a brick wall led by Joey Porter and Co.  This game was highlighted by intense, hard-hitting action, and a very non-descript, unimportant tackle by 4th-string LB Ben Roethlisberger.

-2006 AFCCG (Denver)

Champ Bailey lost his jockstrap (courtesy of Cedric Wilson) and Ike Taylor caught a pass (courtesy of Snake-Bitten Jake).  This was a blowout, and the first AFCCG victory I remember in my lifetime.

-SB XL

Not only was this "one for the Thumb", but it was my senior year of high school, and it was-of all places-in Detroit.  I went to most of the pre-game festivities throughout the week, but the wallet contained too many moths and not enough Benjamins to get tickets for this oen.

-2006 Week 17 (Bungles)

After a rather disapointing season, the Steelers finished with a bang, ending 6-2.  That's not all they ended; with an overtime victory, the Steelers ended the Bengals post-season chances.  Santonio Holmes scored the game-winning TD.  Us English majors call this "foreshadowing".

-2007 Week 9 (MNF, Ratbirds)

The first time the throwback uniforms were used, this rainy MNF game featured the announcement of the 75th anniversary team, many of whom were in attendance, and the battered and bruised Ravens getting schellacked by this Steelers Squad.  Hines Ward decking Ravens like he was a contractor, Ben having 5 TD passes, and James Harrison ballin' all over made this night special for all.

***Just as a note...my hometown Lions 75th anniversary season was celebrated in style, with an 0-16 finish.  Makes me all the more glad I'm a Steeler fan.***

-2008 Week 4 (Ravens)

Another MNF game vs. the Ravens, this game was controlled by the Steelers early before the Ravens came roaring back, then LaMarr Woodley scored his first NFL TD on a FR TD after a sack from Harrison.  This was mere seconds after a deep pass to Holmes went for a TD after breaking 2 tackles.  Once again, foreshadowing.  Jeff Reed would kick the game-winning FG in OT.

-2008 Week 9 ('Skins)

Jason Campbell and the red-hot Redskins hosted the Steelers in this SNF match-up.  Campbell was abused all night, as he was sacked seven times, and Byron Leftwich announced his return to the league in style.  Steelers cruise to an easy 23-7 win.

-2008 Week 13 (Pats)

The Steelers finally got that elusive Foxboro victory en route to a huge 33-10 win over the Pats.  Ryan Clark destroyed Wes Welker, and James Harrison beasted on anyone who tried to block him.

-2009 AFCCG

This game was so epically physical Ali had to turn away.  The game was close until a late Polamalu pick-six.  The air was taken out of the building, however, when Ryan Clark almost killed Willie McGahee, and both players lay on thee ground for several minutes, with McGahee having to be carted off the field.  The Steelers proved who the #1 Defense was, and moved on to SB XLIII.

-SB XLIII

Epic. 

My Top 5 Steeler Players of my Lifetime.

1) Hines Ward

Gritty player who does whatever it takes to get the extra 2 feet, let alone the victory.  Has overcome so much to do what he's accomplished in his lifetime.  Also, I played WR in high school.

2) LaMarr Woodley

A Michigan man, born and bred.  My school played against Woodley in high school, and he was a beast.  Then went to U of M, another huge bonus for me.  Is now wreaking havok for the Steelers.

3) Kendrell Bell

Explosive, hard-hitting MLB who loved the game.  I love his play and general demenor; unfortuniately injuries derailed his career and he left the Burgh after a short career here.

4) Greg Lloyd

Mean, nasty, scary S.O.B.  Don't remember much about him, as I was still pretty young.  Imagine Lambert, Lloyd and Porter on the same LB corps.  Beyond scary.  which brings me too...

5) Joey Porter

Always produced on the field, and was the vocal leader for a number of years.  Got into a fist-fight with the Brownies.  Always talking garbage and backing it up.  Would want to tag-team with him in a bar fight.  Total BAMF.