A number of Former Steelers Make SI’s NFL Quarter Century Workforce

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been among the finest and most constant franchises all through the historical past of the NFL. Simply within the twenty first century alone, they’ve received two Tremendous Bowls and made it to a 3rd. So, it’s not a shock that a number of former Steelers (and one present Steeler) made Sports activities Illustrated’s NFL Quarter Century Workforce.

As an alternative of simply placing collectively one staff, SI broke it into three groups, with six staffers voting.

Former Steelers S Troy Polamalu and OG Alan Faneca have been the one Pittsburgh gamers who made the All-Quarter Century First Workforce. WR Antonio Brown made the third staff, as did C Maurkice Pouncey. CB Patrick Peterson spent the final 12 months of his profession with the Steelers, additionally touchdown on the third staff, whereas RB Cordarelle Patterson, who remains to be on the roster, was named to the second staff as a kick returner.

CB Jalen Ramsey, who the Steelers acquired in a commerce this offseason, additionally acquired a vote at cornerback.

Senior NFL reporter Albert Breer, senior author Conor Orr, employees writers Gilberto Manzano and Matt Verderame, managing editor John Pluym and senior editor Mitch Golditch voted on the groups.

EDGE T.J. Watt acquired 4 votes however didn’t make any of the three groups, regardless of Myles Garrett touchdown on the primary staff. DL Cameron Heyward didn’t obtain a single vote. QB Aaron Rodgers additionally didn’t obtain any votes, though Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson acquired one.

It’s just a little bit stunning to not see Watt and his 108 profession sacks make any of the groups, regardless of Khalil Mack touchdown on the third staff whereas having much less sacks (107.5) in 167 profession video games in comparison with Watt’s 121. It was additionally stunning to not see Heyward on the listing in any respect, however a powerful group of defensive lineman made his path troublesome.

Polamalu is greater than deserving of being on the primary staff, and it’s no shock that he was there. He’s a Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer and the 2010 Defensive Participant of the 12 months, and he joins his longtime rival Ed Reed because the beginning safeties on the primary staff.

Faneca was a member of the 2000s All-Decade Workforce and, like Polamalu, is a Corridor of Famer. He was drafted by the Steelers within the first spherical of the 1998 NFL Draft and spent 10 seasons with the staff, enjoying in 158 video games and successful Tremendous Bowl XL. He was a key cog of a number of sturdy Steelers offensive traces and led the best way for the likes of Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker.

His block in Tremendous Bowl XL helped spring Parker for a 75-yard landing within the second quarter.

The longest run in #SuperBowl historical past

Sprung by a crushing Alan Faneca block, the #Steelers‘ Willie Parker takes it 75 yards to paydirt simply after halftime in Tremendous Bowl XL.

This date in 2006 pic.twitter.com/FSVk8TQ5GB

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) February 5, 2022

Brown was essentially the most dominant receiver within the league throughout his tenure with the Steelers, racking up over 11,000 yards and 74 touchdowns in 9 seasons, however a scarcity of longevity probably damage him on this train. He landed on the third staff with Tyreek Hill and Marvin Harrison, whereas Larry Fitzgerald, Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson made the primary staff with Terrell Owens and Julio Jones on the second staff.

Pouncey completed behind Jason Kelce on the primary staff and Corridor of Famer Kevin Mawae on the second staff, however edged out Jeff Saturday by one vote to make the third staff. One of the vital dominant facilities within the league, Pouncey made 9 Professional Bowls in 11 seasons and was a five-time All-Professional.

Each Peterson and Patterson made the staff because of their success with different groups. Peterson was a dominant nook for the Arizona Cardinals and can probably wind up in Canton as a Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer. In his one season with the Steelers, he confirmed versatility in serving to out a protection decimated by accidents, enjoying security in addition to cornerback and selecting off two passes.

Patterson joined the Steelers final 12 months however struggled within the return sport, however he’s been one of many higher return males within the league all through his profession. He’s at present on the roster bubble with Pittsburgh, however he rightfully earns a spot on the second staff as among the finest returners in league historical past.

Watt not making any staff whereas Garrett made the primary staff doesn’t make a ton of sense, and Chris Boswell not even receiving a vote whereas Kansas Chiefs Ok Harrison Butker made the third staff is just a little bit puzzling, however Butker’s postseason success factored in. Within the subsequent quarter century, perhaps we’ll discover extra Steelers on the listing.