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Ken Laird, ESPN1250.com, Steelers Blog
Most Recognizable Visuals in Steelers History
Recently, a pair of Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno's glasses sold for $9,000 in an auction to Nittany Lion fans Kevin and Michelle Copola in an online bid. This genius bit of memorabilia purchase got me thinking about what images from Steelers history are the most recognizable? Here's my Top 15 list (just couldn't get it paired down to a Top Ten)
15. Frenchy Fuqua's Outfits
Known as one of the NFL's flashiest dressers (ever), Fuqua was known to sport platform shoes with clear heels that contained live fish from his aquarium to match his outfits. "The French Count" was one of a kind and remains unmatched league-wide in bizarre taste in apparel.
14. Mel Blount's Cowboy Hat
I was going to go with a visual of Blount punching Dallas Cowboys receiver Golden Richards in the ribs (allegedly) in Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. However, since I've near heard Mel confirm this I instead go with my lasting image of Mr. Blount these days, as he is never seen without his 10-gallon cowboy hat atop his head. Seeing the 6'3 Blount, 6'6 with the eggshell hat, is forever an image of the Steelers glory years of the 70's when Mel intimidated opposing wideouts like few else have ever done in the game's history.
13. LC Greenwood's Gold Shoes
Perhaps to help #68 get out of the shadow of the great Mean Joe Greene, the gold shoes of LC Greenwood on the football field helped bring notice to this famed Steel Curtain member. NFL fines be darned, Greenwood become known as the gold-shoes man wearing them during every game while his teammates wore black. And of course with an unofficial 73.5 sacks LC was much more than just a fashion setter.
12. Bettis over Urlacher
The push for "one for the thumb" in the 2005 season had many lasting visuals, but the one that stands the test of time as years go by is the image of running back Jerome Bettis plowing over Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher at the goal line in a must-win game at Heinz Field (Jerome's 2nd-to-last game ever played in Pittsburgh). The Steelers won the game 21-9 in the snow and went on to win 8 straight, including a Super Bowl 40 triumph. All 8 games were must wins, and in the year where the Bus rode into the sunset in storybook fashion in his hometown of Detroit, Jerome's statement run is something Steeler Nation loves to identify with.
11. Lynn Swann's Leap
Swann's diving 53-yard catch after tripping over a Dallas cornerback in Super Bowl X is one of the most acrobatic in Super Bowl history. Swann went on to win SB MVP honors, the first time a wide receiver would win the award. Of note is the fact that the Steelers produced no points on that 2nd quarter drive. However, it remains the quintessential moment displaying Lynn Swann's great hands, athleticism, and concentration.
10. Terry Bradshaw's Finger
Other than Swann's leaping catch, the lasting memory of Super Bowl XIII is Terry Bradshaw waving his index finger on his throwing hand (with the gold sweat band around his wrist) to a crowd full of Steelers fans at the Orange Bowl in Miami. A 35-31 Steelers victory over Dallas (one of the great Super Bowls of all time) featured Bradshaw's first ever 300-yard passing game (318 yards) and four passing TDs leading to Terry's first of two Super Bowl MVP awards. That finger in the air remains a symbol of the 70's Steelers dynasty.
9. The Steelers Logo (The Three Hypocycloids)
The three-diamond shaped Steelers logo, based on the old Steelmark logo, has been in existence with this football team since 1962. The symbol has not changed since, residing only on one side of the helmet with the yellow, red and blue diamonds giving a colorful pop to Pittsburgh's signature black and gold. The Steelers logo is one of the finest and most appropriate in professional sports, melding a city's history with its most favorite passion.
8. Santonio's Toes
The catch that turned Pittsburgh into Sixburgh not only corrected a rare Steelers defensive lapse that had the Arizona Cardinals poised for their first world championship, the "Ben To 10" catch with 35 seconds to go in Super Bowl 43 in the corner of the end zone displayed a great degree of difficulty not only in catch but in throw. One of the most entertaining Super Bowls in NFL history will always be remembered for the twinkle toes of Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP.
7. The Chin
Although Chuck Noll has Bill Cowher trumped in Lombardies by a score of 4 to 1, Noll's most memorable feature (that tuft of comb-over hair blowing in the wind) just doesn't stack up to "The Chin," or "The Jaw" as he is sometimes referred. So legendary was the protruding visage of Cowher's lower face one fan famously created and wore a Cowher Spit Shield to protect himself from flying spittle, the velocity of which was generated from that mighty chin. 15 seasons, 10 postseasons, 21 playoff games, and "One for the Thumb"; Bill Cowher will live forever in Steelers lore.
6. Troy Polamalu's Hair
Shampoo makers recently decided to make money off it, so it's reached nationwide pop culture appeal (or at least marketing appeal). For sure it's been an instant brain trigger when thinking of the Steelers organization since Polamalu was drafted in 2003. Uncut since 2000 while he was at USC, Troy's hair is not only a sign of his Samoan culture but for Steelers fans a sign that big plays are about. In 2006, Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs tackled #43 by his flowing mane and got a penalty for holding on too long. Mostly, though, when the hair of Troy Polamalu is seen on camera opponents in the picture are seen either helpless chasing after or bracing for impact to come.
5. The Steel Curtain Foursome
The backbone of the 70's Steelers dynasty, this front four of Mean Joe Greene, LC Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White got its name from our radio station (then WTAE radio) in 1971 in a contest (won by a then ninth-grader). The heart and soul of arguably the greatest defense of all time, the Steel Curtain is the essence of a town that loves to watch physicality. An image of the four members walking side-by-side in a pregame shot from that era remains as representative a photo as any of the Steelers organization.
4. Jack Lambert's Toothless Grin
Just enter Lambert's name into your favorite search engine and you'll see the photo: a mean looking man in his #58 helmet glaring back at you. One of the best linebackers in NFL history, the Lambert attitude and snarl signifies one thing: intensity. Ever a fan favorite for sacks, hard hits, and of course his throw down of Dallas safety Cliff Harris in Super Bowl X, Jack Lambert gave Steelers fans a career of thrills. And often gave his gums an opening for chills.
3. Franco's Stretch (The Immaculate Reception)
One of the most famous and improbable plays in the history of North American sports; December 23, 1972 is often seen as a date which changed the fate of Steelers franchise history. The Frenchy Fuqua Jack Tatum collision and subsequent scoop and score by Franco Harris gave Pittsburgh its first playoff win ever after four decades of futility. It also spawned a pretty nasty rivalry between the Steelers and the Raiders which remains to this day. The arguments of the play's legality (based on whether Tatum struck the ball first), on top of the great awareness and hustle of Harris, make the Franco Stretch hard to beat when talking of Steelers symbols. A statue of the catch stands in the Pittsburgh International Airport.
2. The Terrible Towel
Ever "poised to strike" as its creator the late Myron Cope said famously, the Terrible Towel is quite simply the most famous fan symbol of any major professional team. Created in 1975, its popularity has spread to all corners of Steeler Nation and it seems like every fan has one in their back pocket (or in the air) on game days. It's gone beyond just a symbol of the football team; it's become a symbol of Pittsburgh itself.
1. Art Rooney's Cigar
"The Chief" is the founder, and therefore he takes top billing on this list. Like JoePa's glasses, the picture or Mr. Rooney is always accompanied by that cigar (including his statue outside of Heinz Field). Perhaps the city's most beloved figure of all time, there would be no Steelers without Rooney's business acumen (and / or gambling prowess). The Rooney Cigar surpasses even the Terrible Towel and the Immaculate Reception as the most recognizable symbol in Steelers history.
Most Recognizable Visuals in Steelers History
Recently, a pair of Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno's glasses sold for $9,000 in an auction to Nittany Lion fans Kevin and Michelle Copola in an online bid. This genius bit of memorabilia purchase got me thinking about what images from Steelers history are the most recognizable? Here's my Top 15 list (just couldn't get it paired down to a Top Ten)
15. Frenchy Fuqua's Outfits
Known as one of the NFL's flashiest dressers (ever), Fuqua was known to sport platform shoes with clear heels that contained live fish from his aquarium to match his outfits. "The French Count" was one of a kind and remains unmatched league-wide in bizarre taste in apparel.
14. Mel Blount's Cowboy Hat
I was going to go with a visual of Blount punching Dallas Cowboys receiver Golden Richards in the ribs (allegedly) in Super Bowl X at the Orange Bowl. However, since I've near heard Mel confirm this I instead go with my lasting image of Mr. Blount these days, as he is never seen without his 10-gallon cowboy hat atop his head. Seeing the 6'3 Blount, 6'6 with the eggshell hat, is forever an image of the Steelers glory years of the 70's when Mel intimidated opposing wideouts like few else have ever done in the game's history.
13. LC Greenwood's Gold Shoes
Perhaps to help #68 get out of the shadow of the great Mean Joe Greene, the gold shoes of LC Greenwood on the football field helped bring notice to this famed Steel Curtain member. NFL fines be darned, Greenwood become known as the gold-shoes man wearing them during every game while his teammates wore black. And of course with an unofficial 73.5 sacks LC was much more than just a fashion setter.
12. Bettis over Urlacher
The push for "one for the thumb" in the 2005 season had many lasting visuals, but the one that stands the test of time as years go by is the image of running back Jerome Bettis plowing over Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher at the goal line in a must-win game at Heinz Field (Jerome's 2nd-to-last game ever played in Pittsburgh). The Steelers won the game 21-9 in the snow and went on to win 8 straight, including a Super Bowl 40 triumph. All 8 games were must wins, and in the year where the Bus rode into the sunset in storybook fashion in his hometown of Detroit, Jerome's statement run is something Steeler Nation loves to identify with.
11. Lynn Swann's Leap
Swann's diving 53-yard catch after tripping over a Dallas cornerback in Super Bowl X is one of the most acrobatic in Super Bowl history. Swann went on to win SB MVP honors, the first time a wide receiver would win the award. Of note is the fact that the Steelers produced no points on that 2nd quarter drive. However, it remains the quintessential moment displaying Lynn Swann's great hands, athleticism, and concentration.
10. Terry Bradshaw's Finger
Other than Swann's leaping catch, the lasting memory of Super Bowl XIII is Terry Bradshaw waving his index finger on his throwing hand (with the gold sweat band around his wrist) to a crowd full of Steelers fans at the Orange Bowl in Miami. A 35-31 Steelers victory over Dallas (one of the great Super Bowls of all time) featured Bradshaw's first ever 300-yard passing game (318 yards) and four passing TDs leading to Terry's first of two Super Bowl MVP awards. That finger in the air remains a symbol of the 70's Steelers dynasty.
9. The Steelers Logo (The Three Hypocycloids)
The three-diamond shaped Steelers logo, based on the old Steelmark logo, has been in existence with this football team since 1962. The symbol has not changed since, residing only on one side of the helmet with the yellow, red and blue diamonds giving a colorful pop to Pittsburgh's signature black and gold. The Steelers logo is one of the finest and most appropriate in professional sports, melding a city's history with its most favorite passion.
8. Santonio's Toes
The catch that turned Pittsburgh into Sixburgh not only corrected a rare Steelers defensive lapse that had the Arizona Cardinals poised for their first world championship, the "Ben To 10" catch with 35 seconds to go in Super Bowl 43 in the corner of the end zone displayed a great degree of difficulty not only in catch but in throw. One of the most entertaining Super Bowls in NFL history will always be remembered for the twinkle toes of Holmes, the Super Bowl MVP.
7. The Chin
Although Chuck Noll has Bill Cowher trumped in Lombardies by a score of 4 to 1, Noll's most memorable feature (that tuft of comb-over hair blowing in the wind) just doesn't stack up to "The Chin," or "The Jaw" as he is sometimes referred. So legendary was the protruding visage of Cowher's lower face one fan famously created and wore a Cowher Spit Shield to protect himself from flying spittle, the velocity of which was generated from that mighty chin. 15 seasons, 10 postseasons, 21 playoff games, and "One for the Thumb"; Bill Cowher will live forever in Steelers lore.
6. Troy Polamalu's Hair
Shampoo makers recently decided to make money off it, so it's reached nationwide pop culture appeal (or at least marketing appeal). For sure it's been an instant brain trigger when thinking of the Steelers organization since Polamalu was drafted in 2003. Uncut since 2000 while he was at USC, Troy's hair is not only a sign of his Samoan culture but for Steelers fans a sign that big plays are about. In 2006, Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs tackled #43 by his flowing mane and got a penalty for holding on too long. Mostly, though, when the hair of Troy Polamalu is seen on camera opponents in the picture are seen either helpless chasing after or bracing for impact to come.
5. The Steel Curtain Foursome
The backbone of the 70's Steelers dynasty, this front four of Mean Joe Greene, LC Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White got its name from our radio station (then WTAE radio) in 1971 in a contest (won by a then ninth-grader). The heart and soul of arguably the greatest defense of all time, the Steel Curtain is the essence of a town that loves to watch physicality. An image of the four members walking side-by-side in a pregame shot from that era remains as representative a photo as any of the Steelers organization.
4. Jack Lambert's Toothless Grin
Just enter Lambert's name into your favorite search engine and you'll see the photo: a mean looking man in his #58 helmet glaring back at you. One of the best linebackers in NFL history, the Lambert attitude and snarl signifies one thing: intensity. Ever a fan favorite for sacks, hard hits, and of course his throw down of Dallas safety Cliff Harris in Super Bowl X, Jack Lambert gave Steelers fans a career of thrills. And often gave his gums an opening for chills.
3. Franco's Stretch (The Immaculate Reception)
One of the most famous and improbable plays in the history of North American sports; December 23, 1972 is often seen as a date which changed the fate of Steelers franchise history. The Frenchy Fuqua Jack Tatum collision and subsequent scoop and score by Franco Harris gave Pittsburgh its first playoff win ever after four decades of futility. It also spawned a pretty nasty rivalry between the Steelers and the Raiders which remains to this day. The arguments of the play's legality (based on whether Tatum struck the ball first), on top of the great awareness and hustle of Harris, make the Franco Stretch hard to beat when talking of Steelers symbols. A statue of the catch stands in the Pittsburgh International Airport.
2. The Terrible Towel
Ever "poised to strike" as its creator the late Myron Cope said famously, the Terrible Towel is quite simply the most famous fan symbol of any major professional team. Created in 1975, its popularity has spread to all corners of Steeler Nation and it seems like every fan has one in their back pocket (or in the air) on game days. It's gone beyond just a symbol of the football team; it's become a symbol of Pittsburgh itself.
1. Art Rooney's Cigar
"The Chief" is the founder, and therefore he takes top billing on this list. Like JoePa's glasses, the picture or Mr. Rooney is always accompanied by that cigar (including his statue outside of Heinz Field). Perhaps the city's most beloved figure of all time, there would be no Steelers without Rooney's business acumen (and / or gambling prowess). The Rooney Cigar surpasses even the Terrible Towel and the Immaculate Reception as the most recognizable symbol in Steelers history.
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