3 NFL legends you forgot played for the Pittsburgh Steelers
By Rylie Smith
The NFL is the most successful sports franchise in the US and has drawn in several talented players across all teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most decorated teams in the NFL. They currently have six Super Bowl wins which put them in a tie with New England Patriots for the most all-time. They have come far with a talented roster of players over the years. Some players have stayed with the team for several years, while some have come and gone pretty quickly.
Some players have made their biggest impact with other teams in the NFL but made a quick stop with the Steelers. Who are some of the most forgotten players from the Steelers?
3. Mike Vrabel
Mike Vrabel mainly made a name for himself with the New England Patriots, but he started his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1997. He was mostly known for his work as a linebacker before he retired in 2010 and became the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel had a successful career and won many awards and achievements throughout it.
Vrabel had the most achievements in 2007 where he earned two Player of the Week awards, was named to the First All-Pro team and played in his first Pro Bowl. He also became AFC Defensive Player of the Month in 2003. All of these achievements were with the Patriots.
He was initially drafted to the Steelers but came onto a team with a lot of talent. This made it difficult for him to break out in his first few seasons. Because he was an underdog at the beginning of his career and broke out during his time with the Patriots, he’s not commonly remembered for his time with the Steelers.
He played four seasons total with the Steelers, but he never started in a game. He played 51 total with the Steelers and produced seven sacks and 56 tackles. Though he didn’t hit his career peak with the Steelers, he seems to be grateful for the opportunity to have started his career with them.
"“You start your career there with an unbelievable organization. I learned a lot about pro football and what it should be from the people there. It starts at the top with the Rooney family, and everybody involved, all the way down to the coaches. John Mitchell was my first professional position coach and ‘Mitch’ is still with the team. Jim Haslett was my defensive coordinator and is on our staff now. Just the type of people that have been there. Coach (Bill) Cowher, the entire Rooney family. I know a lot of people have come and gone, but the one constant that remains is the Rooney family, and Mike (Tomlin) has done an unbelievable job to represent them on and off the field.” -Mike Vrabel, via Steelers Wire"