[smoothsailing]

FYI ping.Interesting read in my little "hometown" paper.

[bikepacker67]

Damn... if the Steelers don't pull this out, they'll never hear the end of it!

The over exposure reminds me a bit of a Rammy '01

[infidel29]

Over the years, the Steelers became known as a team that drafted well but were unwilling to give its homegrown talent big contracts once they reached free agency.

As a result, players such as Chad Brown, Leon Searcy, and Mike Vrabel were among many who were allowed to leave when their original rookie contracts ran out.

Not so, they tend not to keep guys that intend to break the bank or guys that are lockerroom distractions.

Chad Brown's wife wanted him to leave dirty old Pittsburgh for trendy, sushi laden Seattle. Leon Searcy wasn't as good as his press clippings and made a boat load of money, but was never heard from again when he left for Jacksonville. Vrabel was not half the player he is now. He toiled on special teams even though he seemed to be a Cowher favorite for years. He was given ample opportunity to break into the starting line up. He moved on to New England and became a star. Good for him and them.

Others were cancerous in the locker room (Eric Green) didn't pull their weight (Brenson Buckner) or were long in the tooth (Kevin Greene, Greg Lloyd, Rod Woodson).

[Beowulf]

Steelers 1974 draft --- "The Steelers only had 4 picks. ALL are now in the Hall of Fame!"

[airborne]

A nice story. Makes me glad I'm a Steelers fan!