The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a dominant football team in the National Football League since their many championship runs in the 1970s with legendary Head Coach Chuck Noll.
Since their 1972 Superbowl win over the Dallas Cowboys, the Steelers have accounted for only seven losing seasons which is quite remarkable considering the difficulty and talent at the professional level.
They continue to maintain their winning ways ever since, so when big changes are made to the roster and staff, Steelers fans do not panic. The legacy of the Rooney family is one that is dear in the hearts of Steelers fans due to its longevity, consistency, and reliability.
Recently, the Steelers decided to eliminate two all-star caliber players and one fairly decent, but struggling player from their 2013 roster. These three players are WR Mike Wallace, OLB James Harrison, and RB Rashard Mendenhall.
Wallace, who the Steelers drafted in 2009 from the University of Mississippi, is one of the fastest, if not the fastest, wide receiver in the NFL today. He is a big play threat with a nose for the endzone.
However, lack of production recently and poor sportsmanship plagued Wallace for the entire 2012 season. It started in training camp when the young wideout decided to show up to camp weeks after camp had started, something that does not sit well with the Rooneys. This seemed to haunt Wallace for the remainder of the season as he constantly dropped balls that he is normally known to catch, and his numbers significantly declined from the 2011 season.
That was a recipe for disaster for Wallace, especially in the city of Pittsburgh. A few days ago, the free agent was signed by the Miami Dolphins in a 5 yr/65 m dollar deal with 35 million guaranteed. It is true that his speed may be missed, but his off the field antics will not.
The other big name player to be released from the Steelers is James Harrison. The strong, quarterback-attacking linebacker was cut from the Steelers roster on many occasions early in his career, but with hardwork and dedication he has transformed into one of the best outside linebackers in the league, even earning the nickname “Silver Back”.
Harrison is known by many for his memorable 99-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown in Superbowl 43 against the Arizona Cardinals. He is also a former defensive player of the year and league-leader in sacks. He and Lamar Woodley have granted Pittsburgh with a gift: being one of the best outside linebacker duos in the league.
It is true Harrison will be missed by Steelers fan everywhere, and when asked about his departure from the Steelers, the linebacker expressed great gratitude and appreciation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, a very respectable act.
The last player to be released from the Steelers was former first round draft pick Rashard Mendenhall. A running back with quick feet and explosiveness between the tackles, he shined early in his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2009 and 2010. Mendenhall carried the load of the carries for Pittsburgh runningbacks until last season when he was plagued by injury and selfish behavior.
After tearing his ACL in the 2011 playoffs, Mendenhall could only rack up 182 years during the 2012 season. He was constantly rotated around in a three man backfield that included Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman, and Baron Batch. This did not sit well with Mendenhall, and when his starting job was given to Dwyer against the Redskins, Mendenhall decided to not even show up for the game, a decision that the Rooney family does not tolerate.
Like Wallace, Mendenhall’s 2012 season was essentially a one-way ticket out of Pittsburgh. Lack of performance and bad attitude proved to be disastrous for two players, but for one, a lack of salary room and money took him out of Pittsburgh.
The 2013 season could be a rebuilding one for the Steelers, but knowing the winning nature of the Rooney family, it is expected that they perform to their highest level no matter what.
