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July 8th, 1933. The day 'The Chief' started what has become the most successful NFL franchise in the Super Bowl era. What started as the Pittsburgh Pirates in '33, has now turned into the Pittsburgh Steelers franchise. The organization which set the trend for success after being the lovable losers of the league for a number of years is turning 82 today.
On this day, we here at BTSC want to wish the Steelers a happy birthday. After all, without the Steelers we wouldn't have this little slice of cyberspace for us all to call home every day.
People often ask me why I am so fanatical about the team. My answer to that question is more than just, "I grew up in Steelers country and my father was a die hard fan." No, there is something special about the team which none other can duplicate. Whether it is their iconic uniforms, the logo on only one side of the helmet, the blue collar mentality of the team, the fact they've only had three head coaches since 1969 and so many more things which make the Steelers special.
Winning is great, and it has been awesome watching my favorite team not have a losing season since 2003, but the stigma which surrounds the Steelers is so much more than wins and losses. Although difficult to describe, every single member of Steelers Nation knows exactly what I'm talking about. We all feel it, and it is what bonds us together like a gigantic brotherhood across the globe.
All because Art Rooney took a gamble - figuratively and literally - on a football franchise in Pittsburgh, PA. Needless to say, the gamble paid off in a big way.