Steelers' Aaron Smith Had A Rare Agreement With AFC North Rival Willie Anderson When It Came To The Pro Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the best defenses in the NFL throughout the 2000s. It led the organization to two Super Bowl titles, with countless years of being strong contenders for the Lombardi Trophy. Many legends played on those defenses, including Troy Polamalu and James Harrison - but those defenses also featured some lesser-known guys. Players like Aaron Smith, who oftentimes was the key to the defense's strong play.

Smith is an underrated player when it comes to the entire NFL, but Steelers fans know how impactful he was to the team. Smith often squared off against Willie Anderson, who was an All-Pro right tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals. Anderson went on the Up & Adams Show on Thursday, where he was asked who he missed going against. Smith was the first and only name mentioned, giving Smith his flowers and unveiling a rare agreement the two had.

"Here's a guy that folks may not know, Aaron Smith for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron's an underrated defensive lineman, he played in the Pittsburgh 3-4 defense, so he didn't get a bunch of sacks. But ask any Pittsburgh Steeler, Mike Tomlin said this a few years ago, Aaron was the key to the whole defense. Aaron was an underrated defensive end, he and I had some battles, battles, battles. After the game, he and I would tell each other, 'When it comes to Pro Bowl voting, I'm voting for you.'"

Smith and Anderson squared off in the AFC North from when Smith was drafted in 1999 until Anderson retired following the 2008 season. Anderson was one of the best tackles in the league, making four Pro Bowls and being named an All-Pro four times. Smith didn't have the same individual accolades, his play flew more under the radar. He made just one Pro Bowl for his play during the 2004 season.

Smith and Anderson had a mutual respect and love for one another's game, despite being divisional rivals. Anderson eventually left the Bengals and joined the Baltimore Ravens for his final season in 2008, and squared off against Smith in the last game of his career. This came in the AFC Championship Game, which sent Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XLIII. 

"I couldn't move Aaron to save my life sometimes, you know what I mean? It was a battle. My last game against him was, I was playing for the Ravens, the championship game, the Ravens versus the Steelers in 2008. It was a battle, an unbelievable battle that we had."

Pittsburgh ended Anderson's career when they won the AFCCG by a score of 23-14. Smith managed to rack up 4 tackles and a sack in the game, and gave a crucial block on Polamalu's game-sealing pick six. Baltimore tried to get Anderson to come back in 2009, but he decided to remain retired.

Steelers Honored Smith In 2023

Smith might not be a household name to an average NFL fan, but he is considered one of the best players in the history of the Steelers organization. In 2023, Smith was inducted into the Steelers Hall Of Honor. There have only been 53 inductees, with only 46 being players. Smith was inducted 12 years after his retirement. 

Smith played for Pittsburgh for his entire career, tallying 44 sacks, 481 total tackles, 84 tackles for loss, 7 forced fumbles, and an interception. His ability to stuff the run allowed Pittsburgh to have such success on defense. His influence still exists on the Steelers' defense today, as Mike Tomlin once said that Smith "raised" Cam Heyward. Heyward and Smith overlapped for one season in 2011, and the two grew close, with Smith acting as a mentor to the then rookie. Now Heyward gets to take on that role with Keeanu Benton.

What do you think of Anderson's thoughts about the career of Smith? Let us know in the comments below!

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