Steelers' William Gay Fined Multiple Times By NFL For Absolutely The Dumbest Rule; Brother Ike Taylor Would Pay Fine

For 11 seasons, including 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, cornerback William Gay was Mr. reliable. He never missed a game over the course of his career, appearing in 176 total contests spanning from 2007 - 2017. While Gay was far from a household name during his time with the Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, his durability and versatility made him a fan favorite who always seem to have a knack for making a big play in a crucial moment. He was one of the best defensive backs the Steelers have had over the past 15 years. With that being said, when people look at where his biggest impact has occurred, the argument can be made that it has nothing to do with the game of football. 

Gay tragically lost his mother when he was eight years old after she was killed by his stepfather in a murder-suicide. Since then, he has used his platform as a professional athlete to bring awareness to the subject of domestic violence, which included wearing purple cleats during his time with the Steelers. During a recent appearance on the Not Just Football podcast hosted by Cam Heyward, NFL reporter, Aditi Kinkhabwala, shared a heartwarming story between Gay and fellow former Steelers corner, Ike Taylor. 

"William used to buy Minnesota Vikings cleats because the color against domestic violence was purple. He would be fined by the NFL because he wasn't wearing accredited cleats. Ike Taylor said, 'if he wears those cleats and the NFL fines him, I will pay that fine'," said Kinkhabwala. 

Needless to say, the bond between members of the Steelers' defense of this time period was extremely tight. As Kinkhabwala explained in the podcast, this closeness is something that is unique to teams in the NFL. 

"This is what I love about football teams. When there is that brotherhood, when there is that camaraderie, when there is that I have your back for something that matters to you," described Kinkhabwala. 

"Big Play Will Gay" Is One Of The Most Underrated Steelers Players In Recent Era

As Heyward points out in the podcast, Gay is one of the most underrated players in Steelers history. A fifth-round pick out of the University of Louisville in 2007, he fought his way to receiving significant playing time during his third season in 2009, starting in 14 games recording 78 total tackles to go along with 10 passes defended. 

His best season came in 2014 in which he recorded three interceptions and returned all of them for a touchdown. No, that is not a misprint. Three interceptions. Three pick-sixes. Perhaps his most memorable play, or more specifically celebration, came in 2015 against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Many Steelers fans would guess that Hall of Fame safety, Troy Polamalu, owns the team record for most career interceptions returned for a touchdown. However, this is not the case. Gay, along with Rod Woodson, who is also in the Hall of Fame, share the title with five-career house calls. For Gay to co-own such an honor speaks to the type of player he was during his playing career. He certainly earned his nickname of "Big Play Gay."

Gay, who recently accepted a position with the Dallas Cowboys as part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship program, has gone above and beyond in making his late mother proud. His highly successful NFL career, including a Super Bowl title during the 2008 season, is impressive, but his work off the field in bringing awareness to something so near and dear to his heart is far more impactful. He truly is one of the most under-appreciated individuals in recent memory for the Steelers. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation? 

Were you aware of the impact Gay had in domestic violence awareness prior to the podcast being released? Do you remember when he would wear the purple cleats? What is your favorite memory of him in the black and gold? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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