6 Super Bowl victories, 8 Conference Championships, 20 Division Championships, and 27 Playoff appearances. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tradition unlike any other in NFL history.
The 1970’s was an unforgettable era for the Steelers, winning 4 Super Bowls in a span of 6 years. During that run of success, nobody was more well known than Franco Harris. Franco was a 9 time Pro Bowler for the Steelers, Rookie of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and MVP of Super Bowl IX. He was on the receiving end of the most notorious pass in NFL history, The Immaculate Reception. All told, Franco rushed for more than 12,120 yards, scoring 91 touchdowns.
Despite his dedication to the Pittsburgh community, and success to the Steelers organization, Franco was unsigned by the Steelers following the 1983 season, after rushing for 1,007 yards. Franco Harris, a Pittsburgh Steelers great, retired with the Seattle Seahawks following the 1984 season.
The Steelers went without a marquee player until 1987 when the organization drafted current Hall of Famer, Rod Woodson. Widely regarded as one of the best secondary defenders to ever play the game, Woodson earned 11 Pro Bowl appearances, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990’s All Decade Team, and was a member of the 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
The former 1st round pick for the Steelers spent 9 seasons in Pittsburgh before the organization decide to not renew his contract following the 1996 season. Woodson has been openly vocal that he wished he could have remained with the Steelers through his whole career.
In 1998, the Steelers began rebuilding their foundation by drafting Alan Faneca with their 1st round pick. Helping the Steelers win Super Bowl XL, Faneca made the Pro Bowl 7 straight years before the organization would choose to not resign him in free agency.
In the same year the Steelers drafted Faneca, the organization drafted a young quarterback out of Georgia by the name of Hines Ward in the 3rd round. Ward earned 4 Pro Bowl selections, named the Team’s MVP 3 times, won 2 Super Bowls, and was named MVP of Super Bowl XL. Ward caught 1,000 passes, for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform.
On February 29th, the Steelers organization announced that they plan to release Ward before the start of the 2012 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers, the NFL’s most storied franchise is solidifying a new legacy by turning their back on their iconic players.
No matter where Hines Ward plays football in 2012, he will feel at home as “Steeler Nation” is always right around the corner. From all Steelers fans, we thank you Hines Ward, and wish you luck in 2012!
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