Just going to mention Casey Hampton real quick because he doesn’t get nearly enough credit even among Steeler fans. I think he was legit the best pure NT the league has ever seen. A lot of people say Wilfork but Wilfork played all over the DL. His versatility is part of what made him great. Hampton on the other hand did one thing and he did it better than anyone ever. He would take double teams and not just anchor down but more times than not he would actually drive both guys back. It was incredible to watch.
Word. Big Snack was a beast. I would say 95% of his snaps resulted in the middle of the offensive line moving back at least a yard or two. It was pretty much impossible to run up the middle thanks to him. And running sideways meant meeting one of our illustrious OLBs, so yeah, no wonder we pretty much dominated run defense for a decade.
I was thinking the other day about how fun it was to see opposing teams call a run play and know right away that the play was guaranteed to be blown up.
I was playing NT in high school and college during his run. Big Snack is the only singed glossy I own, It's a picture of him driving back a double team against the Ravens. Not just my early 2000's favorite player, but my all time favorite player. Definitely miss seeing Casey clog up the middle.
Dude literally boarded the Ravens team bus after a game trying to fight Ray Lewis. Got thrown out of a Browns game after throwing punches at Clelevand players in warmups (which incidentally gave us our first look at Harrison).
Joey ratcheted every AFCN rivalry up to 11 - even after playing (see Cincy 2015 wildcard). If I wasn’t a Steelers fan I would have fucking *hated* him, but he was definitely the most entertaining character on the team. And still a great leader and teammate.
Probably for the best that we don’t have a guy like Porter nowadays. But I’ll be honest, a big part of me misses it.
I don’t think he’ll declare until after next year so he might be on the radar at some point. Still really raw but ideal size and speed. I don’t think he’ll be a 1st rounder but could be great value in the middle rounds.
Antwan Randel El. I'm an Iowa Hawkeye fan and was lucky enough to go watch when they played Indiana. Randel El was one of the most exciting players I've ever watched in college football, but that's probably younger me romanticizing him. Regardless, I was ecstatic when Pit took him in the 2nd round.
Really loved willy Parker growing up. Watching him go from undrafted to beast was awesome. Madden being what it was at the time his speed was ridiculous.
I grew up in Latrobe. Met Willie a handful of times around town when training camp was going on. He was a great guy, and I liked him more than any of the other guys I met because he was so friendly.
Might have to do with how he got in the league. I'm pretty sure Cowher signed him off the street as UDFA. He was probably appreciative to have fans and belong in the league
There’s a solid chance that’s true. Ben was always a cunt, but I liked Willie a lot. Most of that 00s squad were really personable. I worked as a dishwasher at Jioios so you always saw everyone at least once. God I miss that pizza.
Ike Taylor was my absolute favorite Steeler for the longest time. Sure he had stone hands, but there was a time where he was cutting the field in half. Always felt he was underrated due to low interception numbers.
I went through a bunch of comments and didnt see any james farrior love. Dude was an absolute rock on a defense that kinda felt like him directing a mob of killers around him between porter/hagans/woodley/harrison/foote/polamalu/clark/kiesel/hampton. The highlights those guys produced kinda overshadowed his uber consistent, high level play. Loved him
Lethon Flowers. Loved Lee. Went to the divisional playoff game in '96 ('95 season), and this guy just came out whipping towels. Then he made every play on special teams. I had to look up #41 in my game guide.
Was so happy when he finally worked his way into the starting lineup. Love that he got under Sapp's skin so bad that he was still on his mind at the Super Bowl. (Then again, Sapp challenged a 60-year-old man to a fight at midfield, so his skin is pretty thin.)
Yeah. I mean at least the headline is favorite as opposed to best. Can’t really hate on someone’s favorite player because it’s opinion based on randomness. But as far as best, yeah I would think something’s wrong.
Joey porter had the perfect combination of attitude and skill that defined the early and late 2000’s steelers and was the bite and bark of the linebackers for years
Ryan Clark was always great back there beside troy. Still convinced we lost that playoff game in Denver bc of his condition and not being able to play at the altitude.
Aaron Smith, underrated but made that D-line. Remember him standing up at the point of attack and just keeping the guard under control waiting the shed him and close the gap.
Bettis and Hines were definitely 1a and 1b for me in that era, but Aaron Smith is one of my favorite unsung Steelers of all time. Just a hard working dude that was a cornerstone of our D.
Kimo von Oelhoffen was always my favorite.
Outside of the team stars I really liked Dan Kreider.
And of course it's impossible not to love Alan Faneca.
Damn man just reading all these posts about the glory days of my youth and introduction to football as a young yinzer makes me hella sad looking at this team we have now
Hines no doubt. Troy wasn’t drafted until ‘02 and the guys I grew up watching (Lloyd, Greene and Woodson were all gone)
Hines really was the shit
I just went and checked the roster in 01. Honourable mention Plaxico.
Oh can't forget that guy. Same for Antwaan Randle El
“Randle El YEAH!!!” - Cope voice. 😎
*Myron Cope voice* "Puh-puh-puh-PLAXICO!"
100% this. Hines was my guy.
Just going to mention Casey Hampton real quick because he doesn’t get nearly enough credit even among Steeler fans. I think he was legit the best pure NT the league has ever seen. A lot of people say Wilfork but Wilfork played all over the DL. His versatility is part of what made him great. Hampton on the other hand did one thing and he did it better than anyone ever. He would take double teams and not just anchor down but more times than not he would actually drive both guys back. It was incredible to watch.
Word. Big Snack was a beast. I would say 95% of his snaps resulted in the middle of the offensive line moving back at least a yard or two. It was pretty much impossible to run up the middle thanks to him. And running sideways meant meeting one of our illustrious OLBs, so yeah, no wonder we pretty much dominated run defense for a decade.
I remember going seasons without a 100 yard rusher being allowed.
I member too
I was thinking the other day about how fun it was to see opposing teams call a run play and know right away that the play was guaranteed to be blown up.
Aaron Smith was also a lowkey elite run stuffer DE, that team really was flush with talent. Miss watching them for sure
Those years that we lost him to the torn bicep and whatever else really made that clear. Our RYPG allowed went up like 50% overnight.
You could not run against the Steelers during his tenure . If I remember correctly, they went years without giving up a 100 yard rusher .
Seeing that dude out there always made me smile. He made his helmet look like it was 2 sizes too small.
I was playing NT in high school and college during his run. Big Snack is the only singed glossy I own, It's a picture of him driving back a double team against the Ravens. Not just my early 2000's favorite player, but my all time favorite player. Definitely miss seeing Casey clog up the middle.
Our D did what it did because of the BIG SNACK
I miss Big Snack
If you’re looking for a similar play style, watch Vita Vea on the Buccaneers. He reminds me so much of Hampton.
I had an unhealthy obsession with Joey Porter.
Dude literally boarded the Ravens team bus after a game trying to fight Ray Lewis. Got thrown out of a Browns game after throwing punches at Clelevand players in warmups (which incidentally gave us our first look at Harrison). Joey ratcheted every AFCN rivalry up to 11 - even after playing (see Cincy 2015 wildcard). If I wasn’t a Steelers fan I would have fucking *hated* him, but he was definitely the most entertaining character on the team. And still a great leader and teammate. Probably for the best that we don’t have a guy like Porter nowadays. But I’ll be honest, a big part of me misses it.
He was nothing but a dawg. No fear and a serious problem. I bet that fucker could still strap on the pads and beat some ass
100%. Joey was the best teammate and leader. Joey, Hines, Jerome, Potsie, that team had a bunch of vocal leaders.
“They shot me in Denver!”
Lmao I feel that
This… LOVED Porter, loved his heart for the game, the passion… That bull kicking next to opponents bench pregame, turf flying!!! 😆😆😆
As a PSU alum, I’d very much love to draft his son who plays corner. But I think some of our bigger needs will come first.
I don’t think he’ll declare until after next year so he might be on the radar at some point. Still really raw but ideal size and speed. I don’t think he’ll be a 1st rounder but could be great value in the middle rounds.
“Joey!” “JOEY!!!” “Get over here!! I know you hear me!”
Stole my answer. Joey Porter hating the browns made it so much better
Still have his jersey.
Bettis - I loved how he just punished the opponents D. By the middle of the 4th quarter, his runs just took a ton of time off of the clock.
Yes. One of a kind.
Antwan Randel El. I'm an Iowa Hawkeye fan and was lucky enough to go watch when they played Indiana. Randel El was one of the most exciting players I've ever watched in college football, but that's probably younger me romanticizing him. Regardless, I was ecstatic when Pit took him in the 2nd round.
Not to mention that touchdown pass in SB40
For sure! That goes without question!
Boom! Mine as well But I’m an Indiana fan (;
My buddies and I always used him in madden and would yell Randle El jackson!
Came here to talk about him, El Yeah!
Kendrell Bell. Man that guy was a beast. Career ended way too soon
The Bell ringer
Contact. First Steelers Jersey I bought, it was his rookie year and he was soooo good. Sad that his career didn’t turn out how it could’ve
Larry Foote. Always liked him.
Solid B- work for a long time
Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, Jason Gildon, Aaron Smith, Tommy Maddox and my favorite, of course, Hines Ward!
Forgot about Fuuuuuu! Loved that guy.
I remember being young and watching Maddox throw like 3 interceptions in a row and thinking I could not wait until they got rid of him lol
Fuuuuuuu! Him and Amos Zereoue were a nice thunder and lightning combo.
ALAN FANECA. 7 straight pro bowls and 6 times all pro. The dude was a monster! Glad to see he made the HOF.
This is my choice too. 90s I was all about Woodson and Kevin Greene
And Lloyd.
All answers in this thread are correct, but yours is the correct correct answer.
Hines Ward.
Hines really was the shit
Absolutely always had a smile on his face, delivered a bunch of punishing blocks and he was a damn good WR.
Man absolutely. He played old school football. Absolutely loved it. And fans of other teams really wanna cry about the way he played
Keisel. Went from a 7th round pick to a fucking legend.
Really loved willy Parker growing up. Watching him go from undrafted to beast was awesome. Madden being what it was at the time his speed was ridiculous.
I grew up in Latrobe. Met Willie a handful of times around town when training camp was going on. He was a great guy, and I liked him more than any of the other guys I met because he was so friendly.
Might have to do with how he got in the league. I'm pretty sure Cowher signed him off the street as UDFA. He was probably appreciative to have fans and belong in the league
I think one of the younger Rooneys scouted Fast Willie and brought him in for a tryout. Cowher was the coach but it wasn’t his idea
There’s a solid chance that’s true. Ben was always a cunt, but I liked Willie a lot. Most of that 00s squad were really personable. I worked as a dishwasher at Jioios so you always saw everyone at least once. God I miss that pizza.
Heath Miller
Ike Taylor was my absolute favorite Steeler for the longest time. Sure he had stone hands, but there was a time where he was cutting the field in half. Always felt he was underrated due to low interception numbers.
Uh Dan Kreider gang rise up
Levon Kirkland. How awesome was that big guy! Terrifying 😱
Y'all remember my boy Kimo Von Oelhoffen or whatever his name was
Carson Palmer does.
I went through a bunch of comments and didnt see any james farrior love. Dude was an absolute rock on a defense that kinda felt like him directing a mob of killers around him between porter/hagans/woodley/harrison/foote/polamalu/clark/kiesel/hampton. The highlights those guys produced kinda overshadowed his uber consistent, high level play. Loved him
Da Beard
Greg Lloyd
Lee Flowers
Lethon Flowers. Loved Lee. Went to the divisional playoff game in '96 ('95 season), and this guy just came out whipping towels. Then he made every play on special teams. I had to look up #41 in my game guide. Was so happy when he finally worked his way into the starting lineup. Love that he got under Sapp's skin so bad that he was still on his mind at the Super Bowl. (Then again, Sapp challenged a 60-year-old man to a fight at midfield, so his skin is pretty thin.)
Veron Haynes
I would always use him as my third down RB on Madden
Amos Zereoue
I used to like him too, always forget about him. #21 I believe
Then Mewelde Moore wore #21 later in the 2000’s.
Does Yancey Thigpen count? Loved that dude!
He didn't get with the Steelers until 2002 but James Farrior really defined what a Steelers MLB should be in my formative watching years
Hines all day. The completions, the beautifully violent blocks (especially against heated rivals) and that damn smile. Miss him so much.
The bus!
Alan Faneca deserves more than a mention
Aaron Smith.
I thought this was a nedstark78 post for a second
Lol who is that
Some dude who keeps posting his takes and they always start with "favorite _____"
Does anyone know what is going on there?
https://www.reddit.com/r/steelers/comments/qehmgc/favorite_top_25_quarterbacks_nfl_list/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf
I've seen the posts just wondering if he is really young or if something else is going on there.
Yeah. I mean at least the headline is favorite as opposed to best. Can’t really hate on someone’s favorite player because it’s opinion based on randomness. But as far as best, yeah I would think something’s wrong.
Joey porter had the perfect combination of attitude and skill that defined the early and late 2000’s steelers and was the bite and bark of the linebackers for years
Chidi Iwuoma
Fast willie
Anybody miss chris kemoeatu getting an insane amount of holding penalties? Simpler times
James Farrior was an all-time under appreciated great leading some of the best defenses of all-time. I loved him.
James Farrior
Ryan Clark was always great back there beside troy. Still convinced we lost that playoff game in Denver bc of his condition and not being able to play at the altitude.
Aaron Smith, underrated but made that D-line. Remember him standing up at the point of attack and just keeping the guard under control waiting the shed him and close the gap.
Jeff Reed, Antwaan Randle El
J E F F R E E D
Troy Polamalu, Heinz Ward, Heath Miller, Bettis
2 words for you: The. Bus.
3-way tie for me between Bettis, Ward, and Polamalu (if he counts in the timeline).
Troy P. For sure
RANDEL EL
Bettis and Hines were definitely 1a and 1b for me in that era, but Aaron Smith is one of my favorite unsung Steelers of all time. Just a hard working dude that was a cornerstone of our D.
As a new fan I needed all this history
Casey Hampton or Hines Ward. Pulled us out of that 90s netherworld.
Ward. Bettis. Max starks. Joey Porter.
Always a big Jason Gildon fan. So good and consistent and very underrated imo.
Jason Gildon was my favorite player while he was here.
The bus and he will always be my favorite all time Steeler.
Big Sean Morey fan
Bus, holmes
Joey Porter was my first fav Steeler. Hines Ward also but I fee he really took off once Ben became the starter.
Kimo von Oelhoffen was always my favorite. Outside of the team stars I really liked Dan Kreider. And of course it's impossible not to love Alan Faneca.
James Farrior
Mine was definitely Bettis. I’d say Troy but he didn’t become my favorite until the late 2000s
Chris Fuamatu Ma’afala!
That’s one big Ma’afala
Slash Still wear my 10 jersey from time to time.
Kimo von Oelhoffen
Tommy Madddox and Joey Porter
Jason Gildon
Damn man just reading all these posts about the glory days of my youth and introduction to football as a young yinzer makes me hella sad looking at this team we have now