This is compliments of maryrose who graciously provided us with some Thursday entertainment with his trivia. I'm cutting and pasting the original questions, with his answers and commentary to follow.
-Blitz-
- Who was the Steelers starting quarterback in 1983, the year after Bradshaw?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Cliff Stoudt actually started all but one game in 1983. The last game of the season, Bradshaw started because the Steelers needed to win to get into the playoffs. Against the Jets, Bradshaw gave us one more show with a shot elbow. He led us down the field the first two drives and threw touchdown passes and we never looked back. Brad came off the field after the second one holding his elbow, never to play again. His last pass was a touchdown. Congrats to 5020 and RickVa for the answer.
- Who was the Steelers starting quarterback in 1969, the year before Bradshaw?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Dick Shiner. Only RickVa got this one Hanratty was on the team in 1969 but never started the majority of games, or even close for that matter. It was Shiner's team in 1969. he won his forst game against the Lions - Chuck Noll's first game also - and then proceeded to lose 13 straight. The only benefit was that we got to pick first the next year and grabbed Bradshaw.
- Who was the Steelers head coach preceding Chuck Noll?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Bill Austin. Congrats to 5020 and RickVa again.
- What receiver had one reception in his entire career and, remarkably, that one reception was a touchdown where he beat Mel Blount in a Super Bowl?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Percy Howard. You never heard of him because he had only one career reception. But what a reception it was. How would you like to tell your grandchildren that you caught a touchdown pass in a Super Bowl? Great job 5020.
- Four Steelers have been Super Bowl MVPs (one guy twice). Who are they?
Answer and commentary from maryrose:In order, Franco, Swanny, Bradshaw (2) and Hines. Many had this one. It was a pigeon.
- What was the name of the Jets kicker who blew two game-winning chances at Heinz Field in the 2004 playoffs?
Answer and commentary from maryrose:Doug Brien. Congrats to Wolfpack, Romain and Steelerark.
- Why do the Steelers have a logo on only one side of their helmets?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Many were on target with the two logo questions. The logo originated out of republic Steel in Cleveland (no less) in 1962. The company liked their new logo with hypocycloids and the "Steel" name so they approached the Rooneys, who gave their OK. The helmets were yellow back then. They only put the logo on one side of the helmet since they weren't sure if the fans would like it. They split the difference and figured if it was only on one side, they could remove it easier if there was public outcry. In 1962 the Steelers actually went 9-5 that year in an era where winning seasons weren't aplenty. In fact, those nine wins were a franchise record. The Rooneys thought the logo itself and then on just one side brought the franchise good luck and they never changed.
- Where did the Steelers logo originate?
See Answer to #7
- Who holds the Steelers record of career interceptions (57)?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Mel Blount. Another pigeon answered by many. I have to throw a softball in there once in a while for morale purposes!
- Who holds the Steelers record for most seasons played (15)?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Mike Webster. Only guy to play 15 season with us. He also hold the most consecutive games played record at 177. Congrats to Wolfpack and Steelelmira.
- Who hold the Steelers record for most touchdowns in a season (also 15)?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Louis Lipps, 1985. Congrats to Steelermira.
- Who holds the Steelers record for most career points, almost double the next guy!?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Gary Anderson. Another softball known by all.
- Who is our career sack leader?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Jason Gildon has 77 career sacks. Congrats to Most Violent and Romain.
- This Steeler intercepted two passes in one game for touchdowns. Who?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Dewayne Washington had two picks against Jacksonville in 1998 and returned both for scores, One was 78 yards and the other was 52 yards. I threw this one in because Dewayne has taken a beating on this site (rightfully so) and I wanted to throw the poor guy a bone. No one got it.
- Who is the only Steelers player to officially have his number retired (though a handful of others have not been used again, interestingly)?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Ernie Stautner. Good job by Steelelmira, Romain, 5020, RickVa and Steelerark.
- Who hold the Steelers record for receptions in a game (14)?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Courtney Hawkins. This one was the hardest. No one got it. Courtney snagged 14 balls against Tennessee in 1998.
- Up until last year, the Steelers have had a remarkable run of centers, from Ray Mansfield to Jeff Hartings, covering 1964 through 2006. We all know who broke that string in 2007. Who was the center before that string of 43 great years?
Answer and commentary from maryrose: Buzz Nutter. He was the center before the phenomenal string of Ray Mansfield, Mike Webster, Dermonti Dawson and Jfeff Hartings. Those four gave us 43 great seasons. With a name like Buzz Nutter, few will forget this trivia question.