Who is your favorite Pittsburgh Steeler?
We are well into the second week of Steelers training camp, and I have to admit that it is getting to be a bit boring. After all, it’s just practice. Also, it is getting HOT. The team was blessed with great weather for the first week of practice, but this week, the temperatures have risen. It was over 90 degrees yesterday, and today is supposed to be the same. Ouch!
Since practice is becoming a bit redundant, I thought I’d talk about something a bit different today. As I look at all of the fans here at Steelers training camp, I see them wearing lots of different Steelers jerseys. At a glance, it is very clear that Hines Ward, Ben Roethlisberger, and Troy Polamalu are the most popular Steelers. Their jerseys are everywhere. But based on his Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes’ popularity has definitely increased. I see lots of #10 jerseys here at training camp. James Harrison’s popularity has also increased after his NFL Defensive Player of the Year season. There are lots of #92 jerseys here at camp.
Looking at all of the jerseys got me to thinking about which players Steelers fans like most, and why they like them. So I decided that it would be interesting to find out by asking my readers.
So my question is: “Who is your favorite Pittsburgh Steelers player or coach, and why?”
Having been at training camp, I always hear the women screaming at Troy Polamalu. Not a day goes by that someone doesn’t yell, “I love you, Troy”. So if you ladies (or guys) like a particular player because you think he’s cute, don’t be ashamed to say so.
I’d like everyone to start their answer by saying “I like (fill in player’s name) because…”. Okay, I’ll go first.
I like James Harrison because he is a hard worker. Harrison got cut by the Steelers several times, but he never gave up. Now he is a Pro Bowl player, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but he still works just as hard as ever. Also, if there were ever a fight, I would want Harrison on my side. 
I like Aaron Smith because despite his quiet and humble demeanor, he is the best there is at what he does.
I like Tyler Grisham because the Steelers’ rookie isn’t as big, or as fast, or as talented as most of the other wide receivers in training camp, but he is out there giving 110% everyday. He’s diving for balls and throwing nice blocks. He probably won’t make the team, but he’s made a fan out of me.
#19 Tyler Grisham
Okay, those are my picks. So who do YOU like? You can pick one player (or coach) or you can choose more than one. But tell us who you like and why. Also, don’t worry about whether someone else has already picked your favorite players. Tell us why you like him anyway. I expect Troy Polamalu to get more than one vote, and he deserves it.
So go ahead and click on the button below to leave a comment. Then tell us which Steelers player(s) you like and why. I’ll print my favorite responses in an article later in the week. Let your voices be heard Steeler Nation.
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My favorite Steeler is Hines Ward because he works so hard at what he does whether it is blocking or receiving, and if the team needs a tough catch he is the one who is going to make it. A close second is James Harrison because he never quits. And my all time favorite from the old Steelers is Jack Lambert, enough said.
1My favorite is Tyler Grisham. Even though he’s a 5’10 white guy, he plays as well as the rest of the WR out there. He has more heart than any of them. He hustles and does his best in whatever assignment he’s been given. I really hope he isn’t cut.
2Great Blog man!
3My Favorite Steeler is LaMarr Woodley because the guy is simply amazing, my first ever NFL game was the 2007 playoff game against jacksonville where he simply destroied!
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Can you take a look at my Steelers blog? even know you probably won’t undertand a word.
I like Ben Roethlisberger because of the excitment he brings to every single game.
I liked Greg lloyd because he was so damn mean. Sadly my old “Lloyd Have Mercy.” poster dissapeared one day because: “we don’t live in a bachelor pad.”
I liked Jerome Bettis because he could get you so pumped up after a 7 or 8-yard run. All you had to see was that head shimmy.
4my favorite steelers is defensive innovator DICK LeBEAU. 3 Superbowl wins with LeBeau as D.C.. and 7 division championships. NO COINSIDENCE!!
5My favorite Steelers player has got to be Hines Ward. The biggest reason he is my favorite is because of the smile. I love it when anyone in any aspect of work smiles while doing they’re job. I try to enjoy life and I find it so much easier to do that while smiling, which others will tell you is infectious. Other than the smile Hines looks like he gives it everything he’s got while he’s out on the field. Also I would like to add that no one at the wide reciever position has ever hit as hard as he does which adds to his unquie style of play and character. I’ve got other reasons that he’s my favorite but I’ll save the rest for when I petition for him to be in the Hall of Fame (which is hopefully a long time away).
6Gotta go with the posters above.
Hines Ward and James Harrison:
Career Steelers, Hard Workers, Never Quit, and Fearsome
They changed the rules because of Hines. They don’t call the rules they have because of James (else he dwarf the current sack record).
All the Steelers Linebackers:
Is there any other position that has significantly defined the Steelers since the 70′s?
And the new crew… Wow. Not taking anything away from Foote, he was great. But Timmons? He is like a Kendrell Bell that (hopefully) won’t get caught freelancing or get injured as much. I still remember when he ran down Sproles last year. I couldn’t believe my eyes. And it wasn’t an “angle” run down, he flat caught him.
7This is a tough one but one of my favorite all time Steelers has got to be Greg Lloyd because he was just plain nasty and that is the Steeler way. When he hit an opponent they remembered it. Other than that I would have to say Hines, Troy, Ben, Lambert, etc….. There are so many to choose from
8Favorite current Steeler is Hines Ward. Just the toughness he brings to this team is incredible. Not the tallest, fastest or most athletic, he gets the most out of his body with hard work and determination. Close second is Troy Polamalu. Love the diffence in his demeanor on and off the field. On the field he is the tazmanian devil. Playing with reckless abandon. Off the field he is the most soft spoken member of the team. All time favorite is Greg Lloyd. Got to meet him twice. Very intimidating but has a soft side too.
9My favorite steeler is Jerome “The Bus” Bettis,
10I like a lot of other players old and new. But The Bus was the man he was everything pittsburg, he was one of the hardest working players in the league and I know that a case could be made for Franco,but as of now I believe he is by far the best steeler runningback ever
Salgado,
11Nice site. You’re right, I didn’t understand it. But I’ve added it to my blogroll anyway. It looks great.
Steelersfan55,
12I’m shocked that it took this long for someone to mention “the Bus”. Good choice. Very good choice.
Tyler Grisham. Thanks for showing him some love. If he makes the cut, he will no doubt be the hardest working Steeler on the team. He is Rudy with talent. He will be the Steeler’s version of Wes Welker. STEELER’S DON’T CUT TYLER GRISHAM!!!!!!
13Rodney,
Good call. At first, I just asked for Steelers players, but then I decided to add coaches because I thought some people might want to vote for LeBeau, Noll, Tomlin, or Cowher.
LeBeau is definitely a good pick.
14Jack Lambert. Without a doubt, forever and ever.
15GRISHAM – the kid is unbelievable. And, he wants to be there. Yeah, he’s a little fellow, compared to the rest of the tree trunks out there, but his heart and spirit is unreal. Somebody said he just got married a few weeks ago, and he’s here giving it his all, everyday. He’s the man.
16My favorite Steeler is Big Ben Roethlisberger.Before Ben came, we had too many unfulfilled promises, too many empty January’s and no jewelry on the other hand! Ben is a winner and it became infectious! Without Ben, no 5th or 6th ring. This does not mean that Hines, Jerome, FWP,Heath,Harrison,Cowher or Tomlin havent been important, they are VERY important. But Ben stirs the drink.
17Correction. 3 Superbowl appearances with LeBeau as DC. Would have been 3 wins if it wasnt for Neil O’Donnell.
18I love Polamalu for his work ethic and its resulting entertainment factor. It always seems as if he wants to make a big impact in every play. Just when you think somebody’s going to break away and run for a touchdown, here comes a blur flying in from way across the field with his hair cape flowing, ready to save the day.
I also love Ward for his attitude. Even when he’s talking trash he’s got a big smile on his face. It is always apparent that he loves the game and he loves his team. Oh yeah, he’s an okay player too.
19I like the whole team they all did a great job.LEBEAU is the greatest
20How comes nobody’s talking about Santonio Holmes? He did make a good catch at the Super Bowl and has been the unsung hero all year!
21My favorite player is Hines Ward because he represents what the Steelers are
22tyler grish all the way! he is a hard worker, and he is a beast! STEELERS KEEP THE GRISH!
23Tyler Grisham!!! He is Rudy!! He has the heart of a lion and doesn’t quit. GO GRISH!!!
24Matt Abshire,
25Good question. But don’t be fooled. Santonio has plenty of fans. I see LOTS of #10 jerseys at training camp. Also, the fans seem to cheer anytime Santonio makes a catch. It wasn’t that way last year. It’s amazing was being Super Bowl MVP can do for a player’s popularity.
Kemo Eat U,
26I agree. Hines is the personification of the Steelers.
Rodney,
27Glad you caught that. I was going to mention the error, but I decided to let it pass.
Mark,
28Excellent point about Big Ben. I like your “Ben stirs the drink” comment.
Vicki,
29I see you’re sticking with the old school Steelers. Nothing wrong with that. Lambert is one of my favorites too.
Steel Nasty,
30Greg Lloyd is a great choice. And you’re right, there are so many to choose from.
Grisham is the man! I heard he just got married and is there giving it his all. Make him a Pittsburgh Steeler.
31My favorite Steeler is Rocky Bleier. He overcame all odds (blown up in Vietnam, told he would never walk again) to make it to the Super Bowl, and had a work ethic that no one else could beat. Did not have any of the “measurables” that usually mean NFL success, but there he was winning Super Bowls. He got a starting role because of his BLOCKING ability; he spent time on the practice squad, and took several years before he got his chance when Franco Harris got hurt. Guy was the wrong size, wrong color, too slow, and by all accounts should not have made the team.
32Reminds me of Tyler Grisham. From what I can see, that kid brings the blue-collar work ethic that will make him a Steelers star if he gets the chance. Have seen him with the fans and he seems like a great kid. Hope he gets the chance to be a Steeler. I would rather he play for us than against us!
My favorite Steeler is Hines Ward because everyone in our division hates him which makes me love to wear his jersey to Cleveland and Cincinnati games (I live in Ohio)and rub his greatness in their faces.
33Well My all-time favorite has to be Jack Lambert http://www.typophile.com/files/Lambert.jpg
He played in an Era where money was not the controlling issue for players… Passion was in his game!
My Current Favorite Has to be BIG BEN http://chuvachienes.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/ben-roethlisberger.jpg
Every Year he is the last mention when it comes to teams and their QBs, all the analysts talk Payton this and Tom that and Oh and If he can learn to play better ball Big Ben! The guy Has 2 superbowls, His first superbowl everyone forgets they were the wildcard in a tough division and his arm carried them through those 3 games and so he had a bad Superbowl THEY WON! I was so happy He drove his team down the field and won the second NUFF SAID he is ALL-PRO and He is a BIG GAMER!
Rod Woodson, Jerome Bettis, Terry b., and Dermonte Dawson always come to mind!
Thats my list!
34My favorite currently is Troy Polomolu. He is a fantastic player, never gives up, and is such a gentle spirit off the field and a maniac on the field. He is also cute as hell! My old time favorite is Lynn Swann. He was so exciting to watch and made the best catches!
35I love them all, but currently my favorite player is Ryan Clark. Clark puts every inch of his body into his hits. He leaves it all on the field. Now, my favorite from the old school is Jack Lambert.
36TGrish is the man. Have you ever seen an undrafted free agent who hasn’t played a down get so much love….wait till he does start making plays!!!!!!!
37I LIKE HINES, HE DEFINITLY TOOK THE MANTLE FROM BETTIS WHEN NUMBER 36 RETIRED. YOU GOT LOVE THE PASSION THAT HINES DISPLAYS SNAP AFTER SNAP, HE JUST DOESN’T LET UP. HIS DESIRE, UNSELFISHNESS, AND JUST THE CHIP HE CARRIES, IT INOFITSELF JUST SHOWS ” STEELER BALL “
38I LIKE HINES, HE DEFINITLY TOOK THE MANTLE FROM BETTIS WHEN NUMBER 36 RETIRED. YOU GOT LOVE THE PASSION THAT HINES DISPLAYS SNAP AFTER SNAP, HE JUST DOESN’T LET UP. HIS DESIRE, UNSELFISHNESS, AND JUST THE CHIP HE CARRIES, IT INOFITSELF JUST SHOWS ” STEELER BALL ” WHEN HE GETS HIS BLOCK KNOCKED OFF, HE GETS UP SMLING, WHEN HE KNOCKS SOMEONE ELSES BLOCK OFF, HIS SMILE IS EVEN BIGGER,,, HINT ED REED.
39rookies, i love tyler grisham, i go to clemson and have watched him play there all last year and he is such a hard worker and a really good guy. I watched him at the training camp and he gave 110% all the time, i got his autograph on my clemson hat and was talking to him a little, it definitely made my day, everyone was asking me who he was, but i feel like after camp people will know his name. he isnt the biggest guy but he is like a dallas clark i really hope he isnt cut, cause he will make plays for sure.. no matter where he ends up
40go grish!
There’s no way to pick a favorite – think about all the hardworking players. Think about the way they play…how they let their actions on the field do the talking…their ability to win by force of will – always believing, never quitting. DON’T CUT TYLER GRISHAM! This kid will do the job if you give him the chance. Okay Steeler Nation – let’s get together and make sure GRISH sticks around…remember – Always Believe, NEVER Quit!
41Steeler Nation wants Tyler Grisham as their next Steeler. This kid gives so much and I have watched him play at Clemson for the last 4 years. He is a great player, you just have to throw the ball to him. He has been overlooked because of much larger, faster players, but he always catches the ball and gains yards. Also I have watched him with the fans and they all love him. TYLER GRISHAM YOUR NEXT STEELER!!!!!!
42I like Dick LeBeau because of everything he has done for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
43I like Chris Kemoeatu and all of the offensive linemen because they work their butts off to make it possible for the backs and receivers to become ‘Stars’. Always overlooked except when they make a mistake they make it possible to put points on the board. Dick LeBeau is awesome too!
44i have been a steeler fan my whole life and when it comes to the best steeler ever, jack lambert has got to be the best because he did anchor 4, count them, 4 superbowl championship defenses. he had a great cast of players around him, but he called the plays and he led by example to set the tone for the steel curtain. no other middle linebacker during the superbowl era can claim that. not butkus, nitchske, singletary or anyone. that’s it! GAME OVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, i am the guy in the video by Steve Mellon wearing no other number than #58.
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