James Harrison got his first career start in Week 10 of the 2004 season, after Joey Porter was ejected before the game for brawling with Browns RB William Green.
Harrison got a sack, and began planting the seed that, three seasons later, would grow into the reason for letting Porter go.
Harrison was a Pro Bowl player in 2007, his first year as a full-time starter, and Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.
It's certainly a lot to ask second-year OLB Jason Worilds to begin a similar path when he makes his first career start Sunday against Baltimore. But will he be able to, at least, show which side of the Steelers hot-and-cold second round pick line he's on?
Worilds, the Steelers second-round pick in 2010, is toeing that line, having barely gotten on the field in his first two seasons. He's been inactive for the last four games with a quadriceps injury, but reports indicate he's ready to play.
It's unfair to call him Alonzo Jackson (the team's second-round pick in 2003), but you can't exactly call him LaMarr Woodley, either (second-round in 2007, and the man Worilds will replace at LOLB Sunday). In the few opportunities he's had in two years, he's shown he can get to the quarterback. He has good quickness, and could be a wild card in an otherwise heated rivalry game. While Woodley showed that level of pass rushing ability his rookie year, he wasn't the all-around player he is today. Worilds will have to show he can stand up against the run.
It's time for him to earn his varsity letter, though, much like his battery mate did against Cleveland seven years ago. Worilds will be targeted in the run game as well as in coverage, by an excellent short passing attack and a physical offensive line.
It's the second consecutive game the Steelers have had a linebacker making his first start. Stevenson Sylvester did not fare well against New England last week, starting at the buck linebacker position vacated by Larry Foote, who moved to the mack position, replacing James Farrior.
Harrison will return to the starting lineup after missing the last four games with a broken orbital bone in his eye. That shifts Lawrence Timmons back to the buck position, and Foote will play the mack.
It's a definite upgrade from last week, on paper at least. If Worilds can step up and make a few plays in lieu of Woodley - October's Defensive Player of the Month - he can get on the right side of a recently shaky round for Steelers draft picks.
And maybe help beat a division rival while he's at it.