What The Chief Might Say About The Steelers Condition

[Count Steeler]

By Christina Rivers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were ‘super’ teams in 1974-75, 1978-79. They were Super Bowl Champions and they’d seen a string of success that increased the fan-base, helped make the business of professional football easier, and created a dynasty. The Pittsburgh Steelers of today are in a very similar place. They have won two Super Bowls (Super Bowl XL, Super Bowl XLIII) and gone to another (Super Bowl XLV). They have stars who have been with the team for quite some time. They have players that are injured. Art Rooney Jr., ‘The Chief’, if he were alive might have some recommendations for the 2012 Steelers team that applied long before many of today’s players were even born.

Out of the Super Bowl teams of the 1970′s, ‘The Chief’ didn’t love them as much as he loved his 1976 team. That seems preposterous, but it’s true. The ’76 Steelers lost four of its first five games. The fourth loss was to the Cleveland Browns – an away game. During that game, the Steelers lost star quarterback Terry Bradshaw after being driven into the turf by defensive end Turkey Jones. Bradshaw would miss the next six games. Rookie quarterback Mike Kruczek stepped up. They had a winning streak that coasted them to a win-loss record of 10-4. The defense didn’t allow a touchdown in twenty-three consecutive quarters. Franco Harris had injured his ribs in the Baltimore (Colts) game and wouldn’t be able to participate. Rocky Bleier was hurt, unable to play and kicker Roy Gerela was gimpy.

read more at http://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2012/11/28/what-the-chief-might-say-about-the-steelers-condition/

[VTsteel]

". . . He would expect results, but he would respect the men who put it all on the line out there on the field. Despite adversity, ‘The Chief’ always supported his teams, even those that were never going to make it to the Super Bowl.Today’s Steelers (fans) could use a bit of that kind of attitude. After all, their condition isn’t determined by fate. It is determined by the heart of the team."

It is true a lot of Steeler fans should check their negative attitude and love our team even more during adversity. Calling our guys names and pointing out their faults only makes us look like entitled, selfish shit heads. Be grateful that we still have THE BEST organization to root for (win or lose).

[Craic]

I always love these nostalgia articles, though of course, they're usually more along the lines of fiction than fact.

What would Art Rooney have really said? Probably something along the lines of, "Don't worry about it son, let's go to the track." I mean, after all, the Chief was seven years removed from the day-to-day operations of the team. For all the lore about "the Chief," it was Dan Rooney that made this team successful. Especially since he cared more about his coaches winning, then whether they were willing to go to the racetrack.

That's not to belittle Art Rooney. I mean, after all, he raised Dan Rooney and the things he's done for the team, and the league, it's impressive to say the least.