stillers4me
01-07-2012, 08:33 AM
The news broke in mid-October. Aaron Smith needed neck surgery and was going on injured reserve. The career of the greatest 3-4 defensive end in Steelers history almost certainly was over.
"We're all on deck," linebacker James Farrior said that day, one of the saddest of the season for all the players, who adore Smith as a teammate and a man.
That thought -- that so many of the Steelers' longtime players were approaching the finish line of outstanding careers -- didn't hit home at the time. There still was much football to play. The team had a strong year, finishing 12-4 and earning a spot in the wild-card playoff game Sunday at Denver against the Broncos.
But it hits home this week, doesn't it? After the Steelers play their final game -- whether it's Sunday, at Super Bowl XLVI Feb. 5 in Indianapolis or at some point in between -- the players will head their separate ways knowing that many probably won't be back next season. Smith, for one. Nose tackle Chris Hoke, who also had neck surgery in December. Hall of Fame-caliber wide receiver Hines Ward. Perhaps five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. Backup quarterback Charlie Batch. Even Farrior -- the undisputed team leader -- who turns 37 today.
"We all could be gone," Farrior said the other day.................
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12006/1201665-87-0.stm#ixzz1imbePJVs
"We're all on deck," linebacker James Farrior said that day, one of the saddest of the season for all the players, who adore Smith as a teammate and a man.
That thought -- that so many of the Steelers' longtime players were approaching the finish line of outstanding careers -- didn't hit home at the time. There still was much football to play. The team had a strong year, finishing 12-4 and earning a spot in the wild-card playoff game Sunday at Denver against the Broncos.
But it hits home this week, doesn't it? After the Steelers play their final game -- whether it's Sunday, at Super Bowl XLVI Feb. 5 in Indianapolis or at some point in between -- the players will head their separate ways knowing that many probably won't be back next season. Smith, for one. Nose tackle Chris Hoke, who also had neck surgery in December. Hall of Fame-caliber wide receiver Hines Ward. Perhaps five-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton. Backup quarterback Charlie Batch. Even Farrior -- the undisputed team leader -- who turns 37 today.
"We all could be gone," Farrior said the other day.................
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12006/1201665-87-0.stm#ixzz1imbePJVs