3 opposing players that Steelers fans will always hate

3 opposing players Steelers fans will always hate

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 08: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots prepares to take a snap during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Defensive back George Atkinson #43 of the Oakland Raiders. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Opposing players Steelers fans will always hate

2. S George Atkinson

It was one of the most intense rivalries in NFL annals, and much was on the line when these clubs played.

The then-Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers squared off in the playoffs from 1972-76. It remains the only series in league history in which franchises have met in the postseason five consecutive years. It all began with Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoffs. The clubs met in three consecutive AFC title games, with the winner going on to capture a Super Bowl title each time.

Both clubs had their share of standout players and their calling card was physical play. In the case of Raiders’ safety George Atkinson, he seemed to take a particular interest in Pittsburgh wide receiver Lynn Swann. A brutal blow from behind knocked the Hall of Fame wideout out of the 1975 AFC Championship Game at since-demolished Three Rivers Stadium.

A year later at Oakland, the Raiders stunned the Steelers with a late fourth-quarter rally for a 31-28 victory in both team’s season opener. In that contest, Atkinson once again knocked Swann out of the game with a similar hit. Pittsburgh head coach Chuck Noll used the words “criminal element” when describing Atkinson and the rivalry would spill off the field and into the courtroom. Different times indeed.

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