A Tribute to Unheralded and Retiring Steelers NT Chris Hoke

by Neal Coolong on Jan 25, 2012 6:19 PM EST

No one will be lobbying for enshrinement into Canton for Steelers NT Chris Hoke, who announced his retirement today after 11 seasons in Pittsburgh.

We didn't see him in Hawaii in those annoying red AFC Pro Bowl jerseys. We didn't even see his name on the draft tracker on ESPN back in 2001, when the Steelers signed him as an undrafted free agent out of BYU.

We did see him on two Super Bowl championship roster, and three AFC Championship roster. We saw him more-than-adequately back-up Steelers legend Casey Hampton his entire career, and in 18 starts, Hoke's Steelers won an eye-popping 17 of them.

It's a stat unlikely to be challenged, mostly because few would bother to farm through historic records to find a comparable player. But that's why the stat is so important; it fits Hoke even better than his facial hair.

Understated, unheralded but completely in control of his craft.

When the Steelers announced Hoke, 35, would undergo season-ending neck surgery, Steel City Insider's Jim Wexell penned an excellent piece on second-year NT Steve McLendon's reaction to Hoke's retirement. Anything that may have been considered unheralded about Hoke was washed away with McLendon's nearly teary-eyed description of the kind of leader and teacher Hoke is.

We don't see what's happening on the sidelines during games. We didn't see Hoke shouting out what he sees, or helping defensive line coach Johnny Mitchell make in-game adjustments. We saw him go in and help the league's best defensive team over the last 10 years when it needed him but we weren't exposed to his true value.

That value is simple; teams do not win without guys like Chris Hoke. It's not the talent of your superstars, but the character of the players on your bench that bring championships. Veteran leadership and savvy cannot be understated, although we always want the next big thing.

The legacy of this defensive line over the last 10 years will be as rich and storied as the Steel Curtain before it, and Hoke is as big a part of it as Hampton, Aaron Smith or Brett Keisel. Fans will always remember 98, 91 and 99, and perhaps less fans will remember 76.

But if there's ever a reunion of the Steelers Super Bowl teams of the new millennium, and all those guys are hanging around meeting with people, with all due respect to the starters, I'm heading straight for Chris Hoke, and I'm asking to shake his hand.

Because he's the one who did the most that no one saw, and I want him to know some people recognize those characteristics as defining points of a champion.

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Long live Hokey

Many solid years with Pittsburgh. Reliable all the time.

by Lamarr56 on Jan 25, 2012 6:28 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

This. x76.

Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."

by YankeeCarp on Jan 25, 2012 7:43 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

It's times like this I wish the players read our blog

Thanks for everything Chris. You were always superb in spot starts and never took more money even though I am sure you had offers in your ear. Thanks so much.

I’m doing the Hokie Pokey in your honor.

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
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by John Stephens on Jan 25, 2012 6:34 PM EST reply actions 5 recs

+76

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."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 25, 2012 10:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

:)

hokey pokey!!!

by moonsteeler on Jan 26, 2012 9:17 AM EST via Android app up reply actions 2 recs

He knows

He was loved by Steeler Nation. I cant think of a time when he was the goat, nor did I really ever hear anyone complain about him. He was the ideal worker, the mighty soldier and one hell of a leader even when there were many leaders among the defense. Hoke is a great man, and an all-time Great Steeler whom I will never forget. Id love to meet him someday and express that to him. I wish more Steelers could be like he was on and off the field.

I'd sooner get Flacco'd out here in the middle of nowhere than lose face in front of my friends and family.

by steeltech on Jan 25, 2012 6:34 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Hell yeah!

One of my favorite players. It was always nice to be able to read the news and find that Casey was out for a game and be able to say “NO BIG DEAL” and mean it completely.

Congrats on an awesome career and a deserved retirement, and if we ever need a defensive line coach, I think we all know who we should call.

by JDSpartan on Jan 25, 2012 6:46 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

spot on

This guy was The BESTback up NT in the league. Any other team he would be the starter. Actually felt he should be the starter, especially the last couple of years. More durable and never gave up on any play. I truely feel this is a big hole that must be addressed immediately. More concerned with loosing Hoke than Hampton. Sorry to see you retire Mr. Hoke, but your health is more important and respect your decision completely.

by lamberts58 on Jan 25, 2012 7:26 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

great stuff. Rec'd!

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 25, 2012 6:48 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Forever a beloved Steeler

17 wins in 18 starts is only the tip of the iceberg with Hokie’s value to this storied organization.
His team-first attitude, sideline humor, mentorship skills and humility is rare but priceless in today’s NFL.
Thank you Mr. Hoke for all the great memories.
Steeler Nation appreciates all you have done.

by ToonaSteel on Jan 25, 2012 6:55 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Hoke: another great Steeler

as good as Hampton was in his prime, Chris Hoke might have been just as good. Both will be tough to replace.

" I think this is probably the best team ever assembled. They talk about the Vince Lombardi Era, but I think the Chuck Noll Era is even greater. " - Mel Blount

by michaelbro8 on Jan 25, 2012 7:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Sad to see you go Hokey, you’ll be missed. I wish you nothing but the best in your football afterlife. A true Steeler!

Can I get some hot sauce for my doughnut?

by FrankWyt on Jan 25, 2012 7:05 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Thanks for all of your services Mr. Hoke

and if I remember correctly, you were having an awesome year before your injury. Good luck on your retirement and hopefully we see you coaching the Steelers DL in the future

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by seton hall and steelers on Jan 25, 2012 7:16 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

http://pit.scout.com/2/1136603.html

by c63tho on Jan 25, 2012 8:00 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

That article is just wonderful

A great tribute – thanks for linking it again.

by Weirtonite on Jan 26, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Also, Neal, can I get a link to that Wexell piece?

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Follow @steelersrule124

by seton hall and steelers on Jan 25, 2012 7:17 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I tried googling it myself

You have to be a subscriber to steelcityinsider.net to read it

by ZacP on Jan 25, 2012 9:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Hoke,

….11 Years of brotherhood doesn’t end cuz you retired.

by Marvin, The Paranoid Android on Jan 25, 2012 7:23 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Yes, please stick around and couch these guys up!

by Weirtonite on Jan 26, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

LOVE the trench guys that do the dirty jobs.

Thanks for everything, Hokey! Enjoy your retirement!

Just once I'd like someone to call me "Sir," without adding, "You're making a scene."

by YankeeCarp on Jan 25, 2012 7:47 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Chrise Hoke is the definition of boss. Someone should link him on his facebook, or is that tacky?

by klompus on Jan 25, 2012 7:48 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Epitomizes the Steelers tradition

Stay thirsty my friends.

by SteelerMessican on Jan 25, 2012 7:59 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I played nose tackle in HS and idolized Hamp and Hoke so much…cheers to an awesome dude…

by c63tho on Jan 25, 2012 8:02 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Right on and a half!

It’s guys like Hoke that make the Steelers great. Big name draft picks get the limelight, but it’s the guys in the trenches that are the true heroes of the team.

It’s sad to see him go, and I hope that he has success and much happiness with his “life’s work”.

Bound to cover just a little more ground.

by Steeliver on Jan 25, 2012 8:20 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Thank you Mr Hoke

You were one of the foundation stones for the team we have today. Your efforts were often unseen and under-appreciated but crucial nevertheless. Thank you for all you have done.

anyone trying to contact me via my yahoo account should be aware it has been hacked

by Cold_Old_Steelers_Fan on Jan 25, 2012 8:22 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I know he played in a different defense, but is he, perhaps,this era's John Banaszak?

by Anthony Defeo on Jan 25, 2012 8:55 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Not a bad analogy

Banaszak did start at least one super bowl on those great defenses, so I would not rate Hoke quite at that level. Banaszak and Steve Furness were excellent in their time.

Hoke is one of many unsung but quality Steelers d-lineman over the years. From John Baker and Ben McGee in the 1960s, and Gary Dunn in the 80s, there have been others as well.

by SteelStealth on Jan 25, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Well when you backup the Big Snack

it’s hard to start a SB

Players who should be in the Hall of Fame: Pat TIllman, Dwight White, Donnie Shell, L.C. Greenwood, Ray Guy, Steve Tasker, Jack Butler, Greg Lloyd, Andy Russell, Cris Carter, Kevin Greene, Curtis Martin, Willie Roaf, Andre Reed and Jerry Kramer
"Clemson should've stopped turning the ball over" Dana Holgorsen when asked about running up the score in the Orange Bowl

by WVPiratesfan on Jan 26, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Great job Hoke!

Steeler Nation can I hear an Amen?

by Jaminriley2 on Jan 25, 2012 9:01 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Amen!

(couldn’t leave you hanging.)

by bananajr6000 on Jan 26, 2012 1:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Amen!

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 26, 2012 7:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Amen, brotha!

Fly by night, away from here
Change my life again
Fly by night, goodbye my dear
My ship isn't coming and I just can't pretend
RUSH

by Flying Polamalus on Jan 26, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Amen!

"I've been trying to justify you, in the end i will just defy you" Dream Theater

by OhioYinzer on Jan 26, 2012 6:57 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs

Amen +1

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Jan 26, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

All the best to Chris Hoke

Until that Wexell article, I didn’t really know much about Hoke except that when Hampton missed several games a few years ago, the D didn’t miss a beat.

I would be surprised if Hoke doesn’t end up coaching somewhere. It sounds like he is just a leader of men.

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 25, 2012 9:04 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Hokey was a throwback

Blue Collar. Underrated but loved. Cheap but priceless. Selfless.

A great Steeler, one of my favorites. Enjoy retirement, youre a two time world champion. Youve earned your rest

Formerly known as Steeler_

BTSC's token Kiwi fan. That means I'm a New Zealander. Yes, that small country next to Australia....no we are not part of Australia

by Michael Hewitt on Jan 25, 2012 9:36 PM EST reply actions 5 recs

This gets a rectum

"SteelFever gets #93. Just like Ron Artest. Great game just keep an eye on him that he doesn't go into the stands after a fan."
- 5020 on my making the BTSC active (riot) squad
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVACUjHn6yU

by Steel Spike on Jan 26, 2012 1:24 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Really a fine tribute, Neal.

If there’s a tougher position than NT for a part-time player, I can’t imagine what it might be. You’re right that Hoke helped define what being a Steeler is all about. He’s the guy who upheld the standard and never forgot that there’s no “i” in “team.” Godspeed Hokey!

GO STEELERS!!

by Billy52 on Jan 25, 2012 9:58 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Hokie, you will be missed

Good luck with whatever you plan to do with your future

Things can always be worse....

by ncmt40 on Jan 25, 2012 10:51 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

How do you thank a guy like Hoke properly?

The toughest people to thank properly are the ones who gladly give everything they have, and never complain. Those who are equally as good as the “guy in front of them” but they never cop an attitude: they just do what they do and support 100%. The unsung hero never gets the publicity, the honors or the tributes… until now. We’ll never forget what a great Steeler you are. Maybe that’s the best way to say “Thank you for EVERYTHING”… to never forget.

You’ll be missed, Hokie… Best of luck and Godspeed.

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 25, 2012 10:52 PM EST reply actions 5 recs

right you are

People don't ever seem to realize that doing what's right is no guarantee against misfortune.
- William McFee

by stillergorillar on Jan 26, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Fewer fans will remember 76

But dammit, those fans who do will own all conversations about who is a real fan!

by theobserver on Jan 26, 2012 2:07 AM EST reply actions 3 recs

Heard

I pledge allegiance to the Terrible Towel and the only team in America, and to the franchise for which it stands, one nation under Rooney, indivisible, with the ability to crush you all.

"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

Follow @TVsCHACHI

by TVsCHACHI on Jan 26, 2012 3:38 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

You were America, and Pittsburgh Buddy Lee. Thanks.

"You might as well appeal against the thunderstorm."
-William T. Sherman, the Battle of Atlanta

by Jon Ross on Jan 26, 2012 3:37 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

The definition of a pro

Absolutely sad to see him go but it’s time now. I hope he takes good care of himself and enjoys retirement.

Definitely one of my favorite Steelers, and probably my favorite backup in the game. Never had anything bad to say and you can always see his contributions in measurable and significant ways.

Thanks Hoke for the long run with us.

by Mechem on Jan 26, 2012 4:01 AM EST reply actions 3 recs

Wonderfully written.

by Randy Steele on Jan 26, 2012 7:15 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Sad to see him go

Though he’s earned it. Good luck senor Hoke.

"I think the beard will decide when the time is right to come back. It will know when the time is right and all of a sudden appear." -The Deisel

by count'em_six on Jan 26, 2012 8:24 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Great Tribute Neal!

Hoke has been a great Stalwart cog in the middle for a long time and not being in the limelight has never gotten the recognition he so rightly deserves. He was also one of the first Steelers that my wife met when going to her first “Ladies Night Out” and said he was a great guy, she will be sad to hear of his retirement.

Thanks for everything Mr. Hoke, you may have been unheralded, but we all saw you and appreciate your efforts and leadership, thank you.

"My mentality is singular in that I want to be world champs each and every year, so that's what we work toward. I have a tough time acknowledging levels of success short of that. That's just how I'm wired." - Mike Tomlin

by MDSTEELERSFAN on Jan 26, 2012 8:25 AM EST reply actions 3 recs

Hoke - Thanks for the memories

Hoke will be successful in life. I hope he goes into coaching at any level, high school, college or pros. He could make a real difference with players and men.

You wore the black and gold with pride and made a difference. Thanks

by Steeler Nation VA on Jan 26, 2012 9:00 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

All The Best Hoke

Thanks for giving your heart and soul to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Steeler Nation.

When You Run The Ball Good Things Happen

by 5020 on Jan 26, 2012 10:20 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

If I knew how to do the Chris Hoke version of the Hokey Pokey I would

great career for a guy who filled in at every spot on the DL at some point in his career and did a damn good job at each spot

by WVPiratesfan on Jan 26, 2012 10:58 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

i wish this thread was a wave of green

by klompus on Jan 26, 2012 11:33 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Did my part

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Me too

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.

by SNW on Jan 26, 2012 3:05 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Got my recs in

by WolfpackSteelersFan on Jan 26, 2012 8:34 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Chris Hoke retires to a wave of green

Bruce Arians retires, yeah, not so much green.

by furthur56 on Jan 27, 2012 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

i’m dreaming… of a greeen, tribute.

by klompus on Jan 26, 2012 2:53 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

I honestly don't know what to say about Chris Hoke that you guys haven't already eloquently said.

He is a consummate professional. He always played as hard as he could and made the most out of every single opportunity given to him. Ill never forget that week 2 game against the Titans last year. Chris Johnson had 11 or 12 straight 100 yard games up to that point an the talk of the national press was how nobody could stop him, not even the Steelers who were called old and slow and especially not without All-Pro Casey Hampton in the line-up. By the end of the game, CJ2K became CJ2.1YPC, Lawrence Timmons had one of his best games as a pro (due in no small part to the big fella occupying blockers up front). And Hoke even nabbed himself a Fumble Recovery.

About the best thing I can say about Chris Hoke is the exact same thing I always say about Joey Porter. The man loved playing football and the man loved being a Steeler.

by furthur56 on Jan 26, 2012 4:09 PM EST reply actions 3 recs

Sad to see you go...

Cause I loved the way you worked and played the game with everything you had.

Hoke = anti-Diva.

by SteelheadOH on Jan 26, 2012 8:24 PM EST reply actions 2 recs

Da hell happened here?

"It’s easy to lie with statistics, but it’s easier to lie without them." -Fred Mosteller
Follow me on Twitter

by John Stephens on Jan 27, 2012 9:23 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

The people of Steeler Nation have spoken...

…no one fan’s expression of appreciation for Hoke is better than another, so klompus’ great idea to green everything was seen for what it was, and, voila!! A Green wave of love and respect for a fine example of a man, and a PIttsburgh Steeler.

United we Stand, melded like Steel
To Roger Goodell, We'll never Yield.

by PaVaSteeler on Jan 28, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

We all 'felt' it were true, but Chris Hoke indeed confirmed it.

"The feeling of family and togetherness and the feeling that’s down in that locker room truly makes this a special place," said Hoke. "There is no other organization in sports that is like this."

by 1BlkGldFan on Jan 28, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

A true warrior

May you have even greater success in your life after football, Mr Hoke!

by Steelgator on Jan 28, 2012 11:32 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Really sorry when I heard this news

I have come to appreciate Chris Hoke, and was sorry to hear that he is hanging it up. I am particularly saddened because Casey is going to be gone next year as well, and those two have been in the middle of the best defenses in the NFL for the past 11 years.

by BuccoFan21 on Jan 28, 2012 4:08 PM EST reply actions 3 recs