QUARTERBACK : NEIL O'DONNELL
Neil was a 3rd round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1990 draft. After sitting out the 1990 season, Neil earned the starting job halfway into 1991. O'Donnell made his only Pro Bowl team in 1992. The following season, he led the NFL in lowest interception percentage rate. 1995 was the highlight of his career. Neil was at the helm, as the Steelers went to Super Bowl XXX. He was a New York Jet the next year, and was injured for the rest of the season in the 6th game. He started every game for the Jets in 1997, then went to play for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for them one season and started 11 games. Neil then went to play for the Tennessee Titans, where he would finish out his career backing up Steve McNair. The Titans ended up going to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999, but lost. O'Donnell retied after the 2000 season. Pittsburgh has had 3 Hall of Famers play quarterbacks for them, Bobby Layne, Jim Finks, and Terry Bradshaw. Before Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a Super Bowl win in 2004, Neil O'Donnell was the only quarterback in Pittsburgh history to lead the Steelers to a championship game, besides Bradshaw.
Neil was a 3rd round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1990 draft. After sitting out the 1990 season, Neil earned the starting job halfway into 1991. O'Donnell made his only Pro Bowl team in 1992. The following season, he led the NFL in lowest interception percentage rate. 1995 was the highlight of his career. Neil was at the helm, as the Steelers went to Super Bowl XXX. He was a New York Jet the next year, and was injured for the rest of the season in the 6th game. He started every game for the Jets in 1997, then went to play for the Cincinnati Bengals. He played for them one season and started 11 games. Neil then went to play for the Tennessee Titans, where he would finish out his career backing up Steve McNair. The Titans ended up going to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999, but lost. O'Donnell retied after the 2000 season. Pittsburgh has had 3 Hall of Famers play quarterbacks for them, Bobby Layne, Jim Finks, and Terry Bradshaw. Before Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a Super Bowl win in 2004, Neil O'Donnell was the only quarterback in Pittsburgh history to lead the Steelers to a championship game, besides Bradshaw.
FULLBACK : MERRIL HOGE
Merril was a tenth round draft pick of the Steelers in 1987. He rarely saw the ball in his rookie season, but did manage to snag a touchdown pass. Hoge started half of 1988, and piled up 705 rushing yards and 50 receptions for 487 yards. He also scored 6 times. Now firmly entrenched as the starting Fullback, he scored 8 rushing touchdowns the next season, and was named to the All Madden Team. In 1990, Merril ran for a career high 772 yards and scored a career best 10 touchdowns. In 1992, Hoge suffered a severe concussion. He ended up with the Chicago Bears in 1994, but retired following that season due to the effects of several concussions. In his seven seasons as a Steeler, he led the team in rushing four times. Hoge also caught 241 passes for them. Merril Hoge is the only Steeler, other than Hall of Famer Franco Harris, to run for 100 yards in consecutive playoff games.
Merril was a tenth round draft pick of the Steelers in 1987. He rarely saw the ball in his rookie season, but did manage to snag a touchdown pass. Hoge started half of 1988, and piled up 705 rushing yards and 50 receptions for 487 yards. He also scored 6 times. Now firmly entrenched as the starting Fullback, he scored 8 rushing touchdowns the next season, and was named to the All Madden Team. In 1990, Merril ran for a career high 772 yards and scored a career best 10 touchdowns. In 1992, Hoge suffered a severe concussion. He ended up with the Chicago Bears in 1994, but retired following that season due to the effects of several concussions. In his seven seasons as a Steeler, he led the team in rushing four times. Hoge also caught 241 passes for them. Merril Hoge is the only Steeler, other than Hall of Famer Franco Harris, to run for 100 yards in consecutive playoff games.
HALFBACK : BARRY FOSTER
Barry was a fifth round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1990 draft. Foster did start 10 games his first two seasons, but shared carries with Hoge and others. When Hoge was hurt in 1992, Barry became the featured back. He led the NFL with 390 carries, and gained a career high 1,690 yards. He scored a career high 11 rushing touchdowns, and caught a career high 36 passes. Foster was named to his first All Pro team that year. Barry did manage to pile up 711 yards in 9 games despite being hurt much of the year. He also scored 9 touchdowns. He would be selected to his final All Pro team that season as well. 1993 was the last year that Barry Foster would play in the NFL. He gained 851 yards in 11 games. He tried out for a few teams the next year, but opted to retire eventually.
Barry was a fifth round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1990 draft. Foster did start 10 games his first two seasons, but shared carries with Hoge and others. When Hoge was hurt in 1992, Barry became the featured back. He led the NFL with 390 carries, and gained a career high 1,690 yards. He scored a career high 11 rushing touchdowns, and caught a career high 36 passes. Foster was named to his first All Pro team that year. Barry did manage to pile up 711 yards in 9 games despite being hurt much of the year. He also scored 9 touchdowns. He would be selected to his final All Pro team that season as well. 1993 was the last year that Barry Foster would play in the NFL. He gained 851 yards in 11 games. He tried out for a few teams the next year, but opted to retire eventually.
WIDE RECEIVER : LOUIS LIPPS
Louis was Pittsburgh's first round draft choice of the 1984 draft. He was named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year for 1984. He caught 48 passes for 860 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards on 3 carries, scoring once. Louis led the NFL in punt return yardage with 656, as well. He scored once on a career long of 76 yards. Lipps was also named to his first Pro Bowl team. Louis would make his last Pro Bowl team the nest year, when he caught a career high 59 passes for a career high 1,134 yards. He also caught a career high 12 touchdown passes. Lipps also rushed for another score. He also had a career high 2 touchdowns off punt returns, which led the NFL. Louis would not be asked to return punts full time after that season. He managed to play 17 games over the next two seasons because of injuries. Lipps returned strong in 1988. He caught 50 passes, and averaged a career best 19.5 yards a catch. He caught 5 touchdown passes, and managed to rush for another. He also threw the only touchdown pass of his career. In 1989, he had a career high 13 carries, and gained a career high 180 yards. He also scored the last rushing touchdown of his career. He caught 50 passes for 5 touchdowns as well. Injuries began to take their toll on Lipps, but he still caught 105 passes over the next two seasons. He joined the New Orleans Saints in 1992, and got into 2 game. He retired after the season. Louis Lipps caught 358 passes and scored 46 touchdowns in his 8 seasons in Pittsburgh.
Louis was Pittsburgh's first round draft choice of the 1984 draft. He was named the Associated Press Rookie of the Year for 1984. He caught 48 passes for 860 yards and 9 touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards on 3 carries, scoring once. Louis led the NFL in punt return yardage with 656, as well. He scored once on a career long of 76 yards. Lipps was also named to his first Pro Bowl team. Louis would make his last Pro Bowl team the nest year, when he caught a career high 59 passes for a career high 1,134 yards. He also caught a career high 12 touchdown passes. Lipps also rushed for another score. He also had a career high 2 touchdowns off punt returns, which led the NFL. Louis would not be asked to return punts full time after that season. He managed to play 17 games over the next two seasons because of injuries. Lipps returned strong in 1988. He caught 50 passes, and averaged a career best 19.5 yards a catch. He caught 5 touchdown passes, and managed to rush for another. He also threw the only touchdown pass of his career. In 1989, he had a career high 13 carries, and gained a career high 180 yards. He also scored the last rushing touchdown of his career. He caught 50 passes for 5 touchdowns as well. Injuries began to take their toll on Lipps, but he still caught 105 passes over the next two seasons. He joined the New Orleans Saints in 1992, and got into 2 game. He retired after the season. Louis Lipps caught 358 passes and scored 46 touchdowns in his 8 seasons in Pittsburgh.
WIDE RECEIVER : ROY JEFFERSON
Roy was drafted in the second round by Pittsburgh in the 1965 draft. He got in ten games during his rookie year, and averaged 22.1 yards per catch on 13 receptions. He got 32 passes the following year, and led the NFL with a 24..1 yards per catch average. He also scored on a career long 84 yard pass. In 1967, Roy caught 29 balls. He had his first Pro Bowl season the next year, when he 58 passes and scored 11 touchdown. His 1,074 receiving yards led the NFL. He also led the NFL with 28 punt returns, and scored on a 80 yard return. This would be the only season Roy was asked to be the primary punt returner. Jefferson returned to the Pro Bowl the next year, when he caught a career high 67 passes for a career best 1,079 yards. He also scored 9 times. Jefferson had a falling out with Steelers Hall of Fame Head Coach Chuck Knoll, and was traded to the Baltimore Colts. In his only season as a Colt, Roy caught 44 passes for 7 touchdowns. He also was instrumental in the Colts playoff run, when he caught a 45 yard touchdown pass from Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas. The Colts would go on to win Super Bowl V. Roy then was traded to the Washington Redskins. He would make his final Pro Bowl team in 1971, when he caught 47 passes. Jefferson helped the Redskins reach Super Bowl VII in 1972, where they lost. He played with the Redskins until 1976, then retired. Jefferson had 451 receptions and 53 touchdowns in his career. He had 30 of his touchdowns, and 199 receptions, with the Steelers in 5 seasons. Roy was named to the Steelers Legends Team.
Roy was drafted in the second round by Pittsburgh in the 1965 draft. He got in ten games during his rookie year, and averaged 22.1 yards per catch on 13 receptions. He got 32 passes the following year, and led the NFL with a 24..1 yards per catch average. He also scored on a career long 84 yard pass. In 1967, Roy caught 29 balls. He had his first Pro Bowl season the next year, when he 58 passes and scored 11 touchdown. His 1,074 receiving yards led the NFL. He also led the NFL with 28 punt returns, and scored on a 80 yard return. This would be the only season Roy was asked to be the primary punt returner. Jefferson returned to the Pro Bowl the next year, when he caught a career high 67 passes for a career best 1,079 yards. He also scored 9 times. Jefferson had a falling out with Steelers Hall of Fame Head Coach Chuck Knoll, and was traded to the Baltimore Colts. In his only season as a Colt, Roy caught 44 passes for 7 touchdowns. He also was instrumental in the Colts playoff run, when he caught a 45 yard touchdown pass from Hall of Fame Quarterback Johnny Unitas. The Colts would go on to win Super Bowl V. Roy then was traded to the Washington Redskins. He would make his final Pro Bowl team in 1971, when he caught 47 passes. Jefferson helped the Redskins reach Super Bowl VII in 1972, where they lost. He played with the Redskins until 1976, then retired. Jefferson had 451 receptions and 53 touchdowns in his career. He had 30 of his touchdowns, and 199 receptions, with the Steelers in 5 seasons. Roy was named to the Steelers Legends Team.
TIGHT END : ERIC GREEN
Eric was the Steelers first draft pick in the 1990 draft. He made an immediate impact, catching a career high seven touchdowns on 34 receptions in just 13 games. Green did catch 41 balls for six score the next year, despite missing 5 games. After a injury plagued 1992, Green made his first Pro Bowl team in 1993. He caught 63 passes for a career best 942 yards. He also scored six times. Green went to his final Pro Bowl the next season, catching 46 balls. He went to the Miami Dolphins the next year, and caught 43 passes. Green then ended up with the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. After being injured his first season, he ended up catching a career high 65 passes the following year. After playing one more year in Baltimore, Eric ended up with the New York Jets in 1999. He only played 7 games, and retired. Eric did manage to accumulate 198 receptions and 24 touchdowns in his five years in Pittsburgh. At 6'5" and 280 lbs, Eric Green was an intriguing mixture of great size and nimble athleticism.
Eric was the Steelers first draft pick in the 1990 draft. He made an immediate impact, catching a career high seven touchdowns on 34 receptions in just 13 games. Green did catch 41 balls for six score the next year, despite missing 5 games. After a injury plagued 1992, Green made his first Pro Bowl team in 1993. He caught 63 passes for a career best 942 yards. He also scored six times. Green went to his final Pro Bowl the next season, catching 46 balls. He went to the Miami Dolphins the next year, and caught 43 passes. Green then ended up with the Baltimore Ravens in 1996. After being injured his first season, he ended up catching a career high 65 passes the following year. After playing one more year in Baltimore, Eric ended up with the New York Jets in 1999. He only played 7 games, and retired. Eric did manage to accumulate 198 receptions and 24 touchdowns in his five years in Pittsburgh. At 6'5" and 280 lbs, Eric Green was an intriguing mixture of great size and nimble athleticism.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE : FRANK VARRICHIONE
Frank was the Steelers first draft selection in the 1955 draft. He was named an All Pro his rookie season. He would repeat that honor in 1957 and 1958. In 1959, Frank was named to the NY Daily News Second Team All NFL. He returned to the Pro Bowl the next season, then ended up with the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. Frank was named to his final All Pro team in 1962. In 1964, he was named to the Sporting News First Team All Conference Team. Frank then retired after the 1965 season. With all due respect to Steeler Legends like Jon Kolb and Larry Brown, I chose Frank due to his excellence standing out on some mediocre teams.
Frank was the Steelers first draft selection in the 1955 draft. He was named an All Pro his rookie season. He would repeat that honor in 1957 and 1958. In 1959, Frank was named to the NY Daily News Second Team All NFL. He returned to the Pro Bowl the next season, then ended up with the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. Frank was named to his final All Pro team in 1962. In 1964, he was named to the Sporting News First Team All Conference Team. Frank then retired after the 1965 season. With all due respect to Steeler Legends like Jon Kolb and Larry Brown, I chose Frank due to his excellence standing out on some mediocre teams.
OFFENSIVE TACKLE : TUNCH ILKIN
Tunch was a sixth round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1980 draft. He started 2 games in his first 3 seasons. In 1983, He started 10 games. He became a full time starter the following season, and would do so until 1992. Ilkin mainly played Right Tackle, but also started several games at Left Tackle in 1984. In 1988, Tunch would garner his first Pro Bowl honor. He made his last Pro Bowl team the following season. Ilkin then went to the Green Bay Packers in 1993, and played in one game. He retired after that season. Tunch Ilkin is now a renowned media personality throughout the Pittsburgh area.
Tunch was a sixth round draft pick of the Steelers in the 1980 draft. He started 2 games in his first 3 seasons. In 1983, He started 10 games. He became a full time starter the following season, and would do so until 1992. Ilkin mainly played Right Tackle, but also started several games at Left Tackle in 1984. In 1988, Tunch would garner his first Pro Bowl honor. He made his last Pro Bowl team the following season. Ilkin then went to the Green Bay Packers in 1993, and played in one game. He retired after that season. Tunch Ilkin is now a renowned media personality throughout the Pittsburgh area.
GUARD : JOHN NISBY
John was a sixth round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 1957 draft. He ended up on the Steelers roster that season, and was soon starting. He made his first Pro Bowl team in 1959. John repeated that honor in 1961. John Nisby then became the first African American to play for the Washington Redskins in 1962. He made his final All Pro team that year for the Redskins, the last team to integrate in the NFL. He then retired after the 1964 season.
John was a sixth round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers in the 1957 draft. He ended up on the Steelers roster that season, and was soon starting. He made his first Pro Bowl team in 1959. John repeated that honor in 1961. John Nisby then became the first African American to play for the Washington Redskins in 1962. He made his final All Pro team that year for the Redskins, the last team to integrate in the NFL. He then retired after the 1964 season.
GUARD : BYRON GENTRY
Byron was undrafted, but signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937. He played in just 3 games his rookie year, starting 2 of them. He was a full time starter the next season and was named an All Pro and was on the UPI All NFL First Team. In 1939, Gentry was again an All Pro and was on the International News Service First team All NFL. The Pirates would be renamed the Steelers in 1941. Gentry had to give up the NFL to join the Army because of World War 2. He was a decorated soldier, earning six battle stars as a combat intelligence officer. After the war, Byron was a commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He became an attorney for the city of Pasadena in California, and was a noted author and poet.
Byron was undrafted, but signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937. He played in just 3 games his rookie year, starting 2 of them. He was a full time starter the next season and was named an All Pro and was on the UPI All NFL First Team. In 1939, Gentry was again an All Pro and was on the International News Service First team All NFL. The Pirates would be renamed the Steelers in 1941. Gentry had to give up the NFL to join the Army because of World War 2. He was a decorated soldier, earning six battle stars as a combat intelligence officer. After the war, Byron was a commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He became an attorney for the city of Pasadena in California, and was a noted author and poet.
CENTER : DERMONTTI DAWSON
Dermontti was a second round pick of the Steelers in the 1988 draft. He played Guard his rookie year, starting in 5 of the 8 games he appeared in. He started at Center the next year, and would do so in every game he played until 2000. 1992 was the first year Dawson was named an All Pro, and he achieved that award for seven straight seasons until 1998. His blocking in 1995 helped lead the Steelers to Super Bowl XXX. Dermontti had injury issues in both 1999 and 2000. The Steelers had to release him because of salary cap issue. Dawson then decided to retire. He is one of the most well liked Steelers of his era. He was given the nickname "Ned Flanders" due to his cheerful personality. One could certainly make a very strong case for Dermontti Dawson to be inducted into Canton.
Dermontti was a second round pick of the Steelers in the 1988 draft. He played Guard his rookie year, starting in 5 of the 8 games he appeared in. He started at Center the next year, and would do so in every game he played until 2000. 1992 was the first year Dawson was named an All Pro, and he achieved that award for seven straight seasons until 1998. His blocking in 1995 helped lead the Steelers to Super Bowl XXX. Dermontti had injury issues in both 1999 and 2000. The Steelers had to release him because of salary cap issue. Dawson then decided to retire. He is one of the most well liked Steelers of his era. He was given the nickname "Ned Flanders" due to his cheerful personality. One could certainly make a very strong case for Dermontti Dawson to be inducted into Canton.
KICKER : ROY GERELA
Roy was a fourth round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in the 1969 AFL draft.He was used as both a kicker and a punter his rookie year, averaging 40.4 yards per punt on 41 attempts, to go with 86 points scored. He scored 77 the next season, and was let go. The Steelers signed Roy, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The Steeler fans had clubs like "Franco's Army" and "Gerela's Gorillas." He earned his first All Pro honor in 1972, when he scored 119 points. Gerela led the AFC in scoring with a career best 123 points in 1973, as the Steelers went on to win Super Bowl IX. He then was named to his final All Pro team in 1974, when he led the AFC in scoring with 93 points. The Steelers repeated as Super Bowl Champions that year, and would win again in 1978. Gerela stayed with the Steelers until 1978, then went to play with the San Diego Chargers in 1979. He was hurt the third game into the season, then retired. Though many Steeler fans may say Gary Anderson deserves this spot, I am sure Gary will be in Canton one day. Roy Gerela was not only part of 3 Super Bowl winners, and popular, but he also scored 731 points in 8 seasons with Pittsburgh.
Roy was a fourth round draft pick of the Houston Oilers in the 1969 AFL draft.He was used as both a kicker and a punter his rookie year, averaging 40.4 yards per punt on 41 attempts, to go with 86 points scored. He scored 77 the next season, and was let go. The Steelers signed Roy, and he quickly became a fan favorite. The Steeler fans had clubs like "Franco's Army" and "Gerela's Gorillas." He earned his first All Pro honor in 1972, when he scored 119 points. Gerela led the AFC in scoring with a career best 123 points in 1973, as the Steelers went on to win Super Bowl IX. He then was named to his final All Pro team in 1974, when he led the AFC in scoring with 93 points. The Steelers repeated as Super Bowl Champions that year, and would win again in 1978. Gerela stayed with the Steelers until 1978, then went to play with the San Diego Chargers in 1979. He was hurt the third game into the season, then retired. Though many Steeler fans may say Gary Anderson deserves this spot, I am sure Gary will be in Canton one day. Roy Gerela was not only part of 3 Super Bowl winners, and popular, but he also scored 731 points in 8 seasons with Pittsburgh.
PUNTER : BOBBY WALDEN
Bobby was a forth round draft choice of the Houston Oilers in the 1961 AFL draft. Bobby opted to play in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Eskimos.There, he led the CFL in rushing, receiving, and punting. He left the Eskimos after 1962, and joined the Minnesota Vikings. He led the NFL in punting average as a rookie with a 46.4 average on 72 attempts. In 1966, he booted an NFL long punt of 70 yards. He had a career long of 76 yards the following season. Bobby ended up with the Steelers in 1968. He made his only All Pro team in 1969. He punted for Pittsburgh until 1977. He had the longest punt of the NFL in 1972, when he hit one 72 yards. He was part of 2 Super Bowl Champions. When Bobby Walden retired, he had a career average of 41.6 yards per punt on 974 attempts. He also completed 4 of 7 passes for the Steelers, gaining 69 yards. Walden also had 126 yards on 14 attempts, with a long of 45 yards, in his career.
Bobby was a forth round draft choice of the Houston Oilers in the 1961 AFL draft. Bobby opted to play in the Canadian Football League for the Edmonton Eskimos.There, he led the CFL in rushing, receiving, and punting. He left the Eskimos after 1962, and joined the Minnesota Vikings. He led the NFL in punting average as a rookie with a 46.4 average on 72 attempts. In 1966, he booted an NFL long punt of 70 yards. He had a career long of 76 yards the following season. Bobby ended up with the Steelers in 1968. He made his only All Pro team in 1969. He punted for Pittsburgh until 1977. He had the longest punt of the NFL in 1972, when he hit one 72 yards. He was part of 2 Super Bowl Champions. When Bobby Walden retired, he had a career average of 41.6 yards per punt on 974 attempts. He also completed 4 of 7 passes for the Steelers, gaining 69 yards. Walden also had 126 yards on 14 attempts, with a long of 45 yards, in his career.
KICK RETURNER : LYNN CHANDNOIS
Lynn was the Steelers first draft pick of the 1950 draft. Lynn did catch 162 passes for 2012 yards and 7 touchdowns, to go with 1,934 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, in his seven year NFL career with Pittsburgh. He also completed 19 passes on 59 attempts for 2 touchdowns, and had 66 punt returns. He made his major mark, however, as a kickoff return specialist. He averaged 29.3 yards per kick return as a rookie. Lynn then led the NFL the next year with a 32.5 yard average. In 1952, Chandnois led the NFL again with a career best 35.3 average. He also scored 2 touchdowns, including a career best 93 yard return. He was named to his first All Pro team, and was the 1952 NFL Player Of The Year. Lynn was named to his final All Pro team the next year, when he averaged 29 yards per return. He almost matched his career best of 93 yards, when he scored the last kickoff return of his career. Lynn retired after the 1956 season. Lynn Chandnois ranks second in NFL history with a career average of 29.6 yards per kick return. Hall of Famer Gale Sayers is first with a 30.6 average.
Lynn was the Steelers first draft pick of the 1950 draft. Lynn did catch 162 passes for 2012 yards and 7 touchdowns, to go with 1,934 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns, in his seven year NFL career with Pittsburgh. He also completed 19 passes on 59 attempts for 2 touchdowns, and had 66 punt returns. He made his major mark, however, as a kickoff return specialist. He averaged 29.3 yards per kick return as a rookie. Lynn then led the NFL the next year with a 32.5 yard average. In 1952, Chandnois led the NFL again with a career best 35.3 average. He also scored 2 touchdowns, including a career best 93 yard return. He was named to his first All Pro team, and was the 1952 NFL Player Of The Year. Lynn was named to his final All Pro team the next year, when he averaged 29 yards per return. He almost matched his career best of 93 yards, when he scored the last kickoff return of his career. Lynn retired after the 1956 season. Lynn Chandnois ranks second in NFL history with a career average of 29.6 yards per kick return. Hall of Famer Gale Sayers is first with a 30.6 average.
2 comments:
Some great blasts from the past.
Oh man, I was going to school near Pgh when O'Donnell was QB. Hated watching the guy, just didn't think much of him. But that wasn't shared there with Stillers fans - all I heard was that at least he wasn't Bubby Brister.
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