The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their legendary defenses. It is fair to say that they have built one of the most respected and successful franchises in NFL history on the backs of those defenders. One of the defenders responsible for the team's string of success in the early 2000s was cornerback Bryant McFadden.
Gene Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers' Bryant McFadden.
McFadden and the Steelers had tremendous success during those years. Now, he is very grateful for the opportunity he was given when General Manager Kevin Colbert and Head Coach Bill Cowher drafted him. But that wasn't always the case. McFadden admits he was disappointed with his draft experience and was not thrilled to be headed to Pittsburgh.
Recently, McFadden joined The Water Boyz Show podcast and was asked by the hosts about his draft experience. Originally from Hollywood, Florida, McFadden played for Florida State. He liked the idea of staying at least somewhat close to home and says now that he thought the Atlanta Falcons would draft him in the first round, and when that didn't happen, he was angry.
He told the show hosts that he was the 12th or 13th cornerback taken in 2005 and was shocked to be left on the board for so long. Corners like Adam "Pacman" Jones, Antrel Rolle, and Carlos Rogers were in his class. McFadden said that only a few players, maybe the top five, are satisfied with where they are selected.
"I was p***ed. My expectation was first round or higher in the second round. I thought I was going to get drafted to Atlanta because I had a phone interview with Mr. [Arthur] Blank, and he was saying, 'We like your style of play blah blah blah.' I'm like, Atlanta ain't far from Tallahassee, so I'm like, 'That could really work out well.' So my mind goes, maybe Atlanta in the first."
But that wasn't what happened. The Falcons took wide receiver Roddy White with their first pick. While McFadden was disappointed, he said he understood. He had played against White in college and understood how good he was.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Former Steelers CB Bryant McFadden celebrating the team's Super Bowl XL victory.
That wasn't the only team to lead McFadden on. He also got a call from the Carolina Panthers, who indicated they planned to take him with their second-round pick, which would have been 54th overall. They told him it was between him and another player and then chose the other player. So McFadden said when Pittsburgh called, he knew he wouldn't let himself get fooled again.
"So now I'm p***ed. I went from being up to down. But Pittsburgh called me, 'It's Kevin Colbert, GM. Has anybody contacted you yet?' So I'm looking at the draft board, I see the teams in front of Pittsburgh. I'm like, 'Yeah, man, I just got off the phone with the Chargers and the Eagles (actually the San Diego Chargers and Indianapolis Colts).' I'm saying you're not about to get me again. I actually didn't talk to either team. He's like, 'Hey, don't worry about taking their calls, we're about to take you right now with our second-round pick.' Number one, I didn't go where I wanted to go and I lost some money. Number two, I'm going to Pittsburgh. Who visits Pittsburgh? The only thing I think about Pittsburgh is like Gotham City, it's always gloomy."
McFadden said his mind quickly changed when his old high school coach, who'd been at his house with him for the draft, shared that he was attending a championship organization. His coach told him that what you want in the pros is to win, and in the Steel City, you'll be going to the playoffs every year. He said he believes God puts you where you are meant to be, and he was meant to be a Steeler. His teammates, coaches, and passionate fans didn't take long to win him over.
Another Steelers Cornerback Was Shocked To Be Drafted By Pittsburgh
McFadden hasn't been the only player surprised by being drafted to the Black and Gold. Current cornerback Joey Porter Jr. said that he never expected to be drafted by the Steelers. This sounds ridiculous, given that Porter is the son of a former Steelers player and coach. Porter grew up around the Steelers' facilities, playing against players like Antonio Brown for fun.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Joey Porter Jr.
However, Porter swears that Head Coach Mike Tomlin played it so cool that he figured they didn't want him. He cites a time when he greeted Tomlin at the NFL Combine, but the coach acted like he didn't even see him and just walked away.
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