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View Full Version : In their place: new leaders must step-up for Steelers



LLT
09-06-2012, 05:30 AM
September 6, 2012 12:22 am
By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette




For a franchise that prides itself on stability and consistency, the Steelers are embarking on a season of major change -- the biggest since Mike Tomlin became coach.

Gone are long--time stars Hines Ward, James Farrior and Aaron Smith, not to mention four other major contributors from their Super Bowl teams -- Bryant McFadden, Chris Hoke, Chris Kemoeatu and William Gay.

That's a big chunk of passion, commitment, stardom and leadership ripped not only from the roster, but also from the locker room.

Ward is the team's all-time leading receiver for a franchise that includes two Hall of Fame receivers -- Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Farrior was the team's defensive captain and the soul of one of the top defenses in the NFL during the 2000s. And Smith was called by defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau as the best 3-4 defensive end he has coached.

The trio combined to play for 37 years, in 531 games and were a part of three Super Bowl teams.

Now, the Steelers must move on. Sure, they head into the regular season Sunday with a team still loaded with veteran stars -- Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller, Brett Keisel, Casey Hampton, James Harrison, LaMarr Woodley, Ike Taylor and Troy Polamalu, not to mention blossoming young stars Maurkice Pouncey, Mike Wallace and Antonio Brown.



Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/steelers/in-their-place-new-leaders-must-step-up-for-steelers-652030/#ixzz25gUb1s00