Giving Thanks for the Pittsburgh Steelers
by maryrose on Nov 24, 2010 11:17 PM EST
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We all have more important things than a football team for which to be thankful. Our families, our health and our religion will be the focal point of this Thanksgiving Day. But since this is a football fan site, I'd like to spend a few minutes and express my thanks for the Pittsburgh Steelers. There are more important things in life than football, but that doesn't mean we cannot or should not admit to the joy that rooting for a football teams brings.
Most of you were not on this earth the day of the Immaculate Reception; the day that football history changed its course forever; the day that exorcized the ghosts of autumns past. Since that day, the Pittsburgh Steelers have collected six Lombardi Trophies, more than any other NFL franchise. Giving thanks for those six glorious pieces of hardware is a great place to start.
But the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs much deeper than a half dozen Super Bowl Championships. Since that 1972 season, we have only experienced seven losing seasons in those 39 years - far and away the best record of success in the NFL. Three of those seven "bad seasons" featured 7-9 records, three more at 6-10 and one at 5-11. That is almost unbelieveable. The Steelers are the only NFL franchise to have never won fewer than five games since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, and that five-win season happened only once. This four-decade stretch of consistency and success is nothing short of incredible. Put simply, the Steelers have won more with less trauma than any franchise in the second half of the NFL's existence.
Behind all that success, I am both proud and thankful for the model of stability that is the envy, or should be, for every other franchise and fan base. Without mentioning names, we're not a senile team, or cheating team, or yoyo team, or trendy team, or desperate team or flash-in-the-pan team, etc. etc. Our owner did not divorce us in 1995 when he saw a prettier gal in another town. The Steelers have hired three head coaches since the year that mankind first stepped on the moon. Our rivals to the northeast have hired five head coaches since they signed their last placekicker.
I am thankful for the Rooneys, the most revered name in NFL history. It is the name always mentioned first by anyone anywhere when talking about league ownership. Throughout the league's 90-year history, the Rooney name has been the flagship of the NFL. First the Chief, then Dan and Art Jr. and now Art II, the Rooneys have been the league's moral compass, voice of reason, standard bearer for diversity and most innovative resource the league has ever known.
Finally, I am thankful for all of you, Steeler Nation. The Nation shows its pride and strength every time the team plays in enemy stadiums. No other fan base is mentioned prominently by television announcers every time Pittsburgh plays on the road. The Steelers are America's team, make no mistake. The Cowboys may have the moniker, but the Steelers have the truth. This web site is a microcosm of the Nation. Yes, we get some miscreants from time to time who want nothing but to stir trouble. But overwhelmingly, this site is home to insightful fans who teach me something every day.
Thank you all and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.
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I want to thank you maryrose
and the rest of the main contributors to this site.
thought provoking and intelligent commentary with a sense of history.
I didnt realize how blessed I was to be rooting for a team that has had only 7 losing seasons in the last 40 years( great stat) All you have to do is look across the parking lot from Hienz field too understand that even in the worst of times for the Steelers( 5 game losing streak last year) , it could be alot worse(18 STRAIGHT losing seasons and counting).
happy thanksgiving to all my BTSC brothers and sisters and of course to momma who keeps us all in line :)
Pittsburgh!
I am from Ukraine, and Thanksgiving is not a grand holiday here. But I would like anyway to say Happy Thanksgiving to this community, and to the Steelers.
I am thankful for a chance to spend a year in Pittsburgh that I had in 2005, I had no clue about football when I came there, but I became a fan by the second week of the season. Needless to say, this was the year of the One for the Thumb.
I am thankful to Pittsburgh (and the Rooneys) for the Steelers – an organization that for me defines the city and its honest and hardworking people.
I am thankful to the NFL for the NFL Game Pass that allows me to watch Steelers football from 4883 miles away.
I am also thankful for this community, its contributors and commenters. This is where I found the possibility to talk Steelers with intelligent, polite and passionate fans (as you can imagine, there aren’t too many NFL fans where I live).
I hope all is well in the Black and Gold nation!
Life's a journey, not a destination.
by kliuch on Nov 25, 2010 2:11 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Salut
Shalom
and Sláinte
to all Yinz
My Steeler Family.
We are Fans of The Greatest Team in The World, it’s a special thing.
Word.
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
everything will be well for the nation, and Happy Thanksgiving to you as ell
rec’d to my a fellow fan in ukraine
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing.....
The words of the beloved Dutch hymn capture the essence of the most American and universal of our holidays. As we return home to our roots, we celebrate who we are, give thanks especially to those who brought us into this world and taught us right from wrong, and we give thanks to God for the precious gift of life from which all other blessings flow.
For many of us in Steeler Nation, our roots are Pittsburgh. We may be scattered across the globe, but the ’burgh is Harvest Home, and the Steelers and other Steeler fans are like family to us.
This is a day of turkey, playing football in the mud and maybe in the snow, watching the Cryboys and the Bears on the teevee, and enjoying the warmth and company of those we love. Happy Thanksgiving.
Sing praises to His name, he forgets not His own.
I would kill everyone in this room for a drop of sweet beer.
- Homer J. Simpson
by Homer J. on Nov 25, 2010 8:38 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Na zdrowie
thanks for the post, mr. And thanks to all members of BTSC for making Steelers football and other random topics interesting each week.
Is very bad to steal Jobu's rum. Is very bad.
"He'll just smile and be cordial out there. Then he'll kill you." --Aaron Smith on Troy Polamulu
Great write up Maryrose
Love the tradition that you bring to the site.
I was just thinking about how much I love this team culture when Tomlin complimented Seymour instead of criticizing him after he punched Ben. It was yet another classy moment from a classy coach playing for a classy franchise.
Thank you Steeler Nation
Great write up, Maryrose (as usual). I’m thankful for the Steelers and Steeler Nation, especially on holidays, because they connect me to home. I grew up in Latrobe, but I haven’t lived in PA for over twenty years. Watching the Steelers on Sunday, celebrating victories, and even struggling through disappointments helps me stay connected to family and friends, and for that I am thankful. Have a great holiday, Steeler Nation.
by Steelerfaninboston on Nov 25, 2010 10:35 AM EST reply actions
Have a happy thanksgiving to you and your family maryrose
may the Lord bless you and every member of this site.
On another note what is everyone eating today? what is the menu?
Mine is:
Roast Turkey stuffed with mirepoix, tons of rosemary and oregano, and adobo. its been marinating with Sam Adams Holiday Porter. Homemade cranberry sauce with vodka, Roasted Garlic Mashed potato. Sweet Potato with orange and honey, Stuffin with sausage and thyme. Green Bean casserole, Collard Greens with smoked turkey. and Crescent rolls. everyone is invited!
"Franco made that play because he never quit on the play. He kept running, he kept hustling. Good things happen to people who hustle."
We love you too, MaLoR. A big hug to you my favorite little Ratbird fan. Happy Thanksgiving
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
Amen borthers and sisters.
and lets not forget those, in other nations today, defending this one. Who would love to be home with thier familes.
If you buy a foreign made product you give money to a person who will not be buying an American made product that you get paid to make. Think about it next time you're at the store.
From one who lives in the future
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have far too many things to list for which I am thankful. May it be the same for each and every one of the readers of BTSC, including our resident crabby patty Ravens fan.
"I don't mind being a symbol but I don't want to become a monument. There are monuments all over the Parliament Buildings and I've seen what the pigeons do to them."
"Canada is like an old cow. The West feeds it. Ontario and Quebec milk it. And you can well imagine what it's doing in the Maritimes."
Tommy Douglas
by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Nov 25, 2010 2:04 PM EST reply actions
Give thanks
I am thankful for TJ Houshmanzadeh reeling in that pass at the back of the endzone in heiney field. I’m thankful for Hines Ward staggering off the field after getting his bell rung hard. I’m also thankful for Seymour’s right hook last week. I’m most thankful the Ravens get another chance to beat the Steelers next week. Thank you God for Art Modell, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Raven-Steeler rivalry, the best rivalry in the NFL. Seriously, Happy Steeler day to Turkey Nation. Ah, you know what I mean…
by ChewbaccaMurphy on Nov 25, 2010 5:51 PM EST reply actions
I am also thankful for....
The Ravens still being our little brother who wants to be JUST like us but still thinks he is better. Keep trying little guys!
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
--------
"Salt in the wound’s going to be Steelers coming to Jerry’s palace to win yet another SB" - Random Cowboy fan on BTB
by svenhoek on Nov 26, 2010 3:01 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Well played.. But the little guy is right about the Steelers-Ravens being the greatest rivalry in the NFL (if you ask a Steelers or Ravens fan, that is)
HERE WE GO STEELERS!
"Our Father, who art in Pittsburgh, Football be thy game. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, at Heinz Field as it is in Heaven. Give us this day, a stellar D and forgive us our bogus fines, as we (sorta) forgive Goodell who trespasses against us. And lead us not into defeat, but deliver us a Victory. For thine is The Steelers, the power and glory of climbing the STAIRWAY TO 7."
Silly Ratbird, Rings are for CHAMPS.
(smiles)
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
by TVsCHACHI on Nov 26, 2010 3:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This was awesome, Maryrose. Gave me goosebumps.
Anyway, I sometimes feel guilty for loving a team as much as I love the Steelers, but how can something that makes thousands of people feel the same way be so bad? Who wouldn’t want to be a part of something that makes total strangers hug and high five one another?
And when you think about the parity in the NFL and how even really good organizations have been so up and down, it’s a marvel that they’ve never won fewer than 5 games since the merger. Great stat and it puts a lot of stuff in perspective when you feel like complaining about something. Haha.
by Anthony Defeo on Nov 25, 2010 9:32 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Happy Thanksgiving from Down Below
After reading your article, it dawned on me that this is the 10th Thanksgiving I have spent outside of the US — and Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday.
You’re right, Mary Rose, Steelers Nation does have many reasons to be thankful.
Those interested can click here from some 2010-specific reasons why Steelers fans should give thanks.
Happy Thanksgiving!
by Hombre de Acero on Nov 25, 2010 10:27 PM EST reply actions
I am thankful for...
The Bengals season.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
--------
"Salt in the wound’s going to be Steelers coming to Jerry’s palace to win yet another SB" - Random Cowboy fan on BTB
by svenhoek on Nov 26, 2010 2:57 AM EST via mobile reply actions
But mainly to all of you for being a part of the best Steelers website ever, hands down. Also for the steelers themselves for being the sole reason I love sports today. Seeing these last six years or so come together has been the most entertaining and emotional thing I have witnessed not related to my actual life. Super Bowl XVIII was everything a fan could ever want from their team. The whole season was.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
--------
"Salt in the wound’s going to be Steelers coming to Jerry’s palace to win yet another SB" - Random Cowboy fan on BTB
by svenhoek on Nov 26, 2010 3:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Whoops meant XLIII. Damn mobile.
Bungles Tank Stupidly like Clockwork
--------
Every night at the club the girls screamed when he'd come
He stood six foot five and weighed 241
Kinda meaty in the face with a head full of stone
And everybody knew you didn't go to the bathroom alone around Big Ben
(Big Ben Big Ben) Big Fat Ben (Big Ben)
--------
"Salt in the wound’s going to be Steelers coming to Jerry’s palace to win yet another SB" - Random Cowboy fan on BTB
by svenhoek on Nov 26, 2010 3:11 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
True Champions
Since that 1972 season, we have only experienced seven losing seasons in those 39 years – far and away the best record of success in the NFL. Three of those seven “bad seasons” featured 7-9 records, three more at 6-10 and one at 5-11. That is almost unbelieveable. The Steelers are the only NFL franchise to have never won fewer than five games since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, and that five-win season happened only once. This four-decade stretch of consistency and success is nothing short of incredible. Put simply, the Steelers have won more with less trauma than any franchise in the second half of the NFL’s existence.
THIS
Amazing Article, THANK YOU SIR!!!
"He was popping off down there the first time they were about to score. So you run your mouth, expect to get something. Everything's between the lines, so he got what he had coming. He was running his mouth and getting in the way of the train, and the train wasn't coming off the track."
-James Harrison on Kyle Orton
Well said
It’s why I have loved being a Steelers fan for the last 40 years. It is amazing, particularly for those of us old enough to have seen all six Super Bowls. I love the continuity, the family atmosphere, players who are grateful for their fans, a franchise who will not abide jerks or selfish players, . Even Ben (who is not yet out of the woods and has no more chances with the fans or the owners) knew when to shut up and accept his fate!
Every game day, we are one nation, passionately cheering for a team we love AND are proud of. I am thankful for this. All the best to my Steeler family members everywhere.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there." Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
by madanthonywayne on Nov 26, 2010 2:39 PM EST reply actions
Thankful for life!
It is an honor to be a Steelers fan.
I love the City of Pittsburgh…a strong work ethic is its heart; the Steelers are its soul.
Thank you, Pittsburgh Steelers, for the joy you bring us.
Thank you, Pittsburgh citizens, for being just the way you are. May you never change.
Thank God for the privilege of being a member of Steelers Nation.
Thankful every day in every way for being alive.
All the rest is details…except when the Steelers are playin’.
Thanks to all who make it all happen…bless you all.
Sports brings us together like no other cause...we all share the moment.
by 1_NATION_STRONG on Nov 27, 2010 6:13 AM EST reply actions
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