Sad times in Pittsburgh as a Steelers Fan!

As I was born and raised in Pittsburgh my whole life, the last two weeks have been tough for me as a Huge Steelers Fan.  Basically it all started earlier when Dick Lebeau, legendary hall of fame player and coach, was not returning as our defensive coordinator.  I know Keith Butler will step in and do a tremendous job, but it will just be weird not seeing Coach Lebeau on the sidelines.

Then over the last couple of weeks, the news started pouring in about the retirement of Brett Keisel, Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor.  These three defensive stars for the Steelers for the last 12 or more years deciding to retire is a big blow to the leadership on the defensive side of the ball.

Troy Polamalu will be in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible, but it will be tough not seeing his flowing locks and his unique style that changed the way safeties play in the NFL.  Every football fan knows and talks about Troy jumping over the line of scrimmage as the ball is hiked as if he knew the snap count.

Not seeing Brett Keisel and his signature beard every weekend will also be tough.  He brought leadership to the Steelers Defense and was a consummate professional on and off the field.

Ike Taylor was a solid shutdown corner in the NFL for a number of years and the Steelers loss of his experience will be a hit to their secondary. Ike always covered the top receiver on the other team, allowing the other defensive backs to enjoy more success because of that.

It is going to be tough to replace the combined experience of these three men and they will be sorely missed on the football field.  

I grew up watching players like Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Joe Greene, Mel Blount and many other legends. That team will never be matched in performance and intensity but the three Steelers players and the defensive coach that will not be on the field this year deserve a lot of credit as well for helping to rebuild the Steelers into SuperBowl Champions again.  

These were great players on and off the field and they will be missed but never forgotten here in Pittsburgh for everything that they accomplished as Pittsburgh Steelers and what they have done for the city.

Thank you for helping the Steelers become Champions again.  Go Steelers!!!!!