“I think it’s meaningful for everybody, for America in general,” said Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. “You don’t have to be a big-market team. You don’t have to be a big-market player. We don’t have any superstars on our team that require attention. To do it with the humility and the unselfishness that this team has done it with sets a good example for teams to follow.”http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/28973195/
We have been Steelers fans going back to the 1970s. Paul's father grew up in Western Pennsylvannia, so our family always loved the Steelers. Three years ago Paul watched Super Bowl XL with his father. It was the first time in over 25 years that together they got to watch the Steelers win a Super Bowl. While they watched the game, newborn Sammy rested at the hospital with his generous mother Michele (who let Paul slip out to be with his Dad).
This year Paul's father could not be with him but Sammy could. So the father/son tradition of watching the Steelers win a Super Bowl was continued. Paul becomes uncharacteristically (very) animated when watching the Steelers -- and Sammy picked up on that right away. When Steeler Harrison ran back an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, Sammy started running around the house shouting, "Go Steelers!"
It was moving to watch the Steelers this season. They had the hardest schedule in the NFL, playing the toughest teams. Their offensive line was porous. Their trademark running game non-existent. While they had the best defense in the NFL, in the end the miracles had to come from the arm of Ben Roethlisberger. Ben executed 5 come from behind victories during the 2008 regular season. But the most moving part was the fact that they played as team...when one person or unit faltered, another stepped up and carried the team.
Super Bowl XLIII was exciting. Although we would have preferred the Steelers to win by a high margin, in some ways it seemed more fitting they came from behind at the very end. Roethlisberger's two minute drill was something to see as he repeatedly lumbered between defensive players long enough for a receiver to break open. Watch this link here to relive it. Six come from behind victories this season were exciting...though hard on Paul's cardiac system.
If you get a chance, take a look again at the video of Harrison's touchdown return interception. There are like six Steeler defensive players involved in providing him blocks for his 100 yard run. Also, notice at the 25yard line how Cardinal Fitzgerald -- who eventually tackles him (but not in time)-- actually runs into a Cardinal on the sideline who is not a player on the field. A good analysis of the play can be read here.
Oh, and for a moment Paul mistook Bruce Springstein for Tony Bennett.
GO STEELERS!!
