Throughout the years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have become one of the winningest franchises in the NFL. Since its inception in 1933, their 652 wins are third behind the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. Of course, their six Super Bowl rings is tied-for-most in NFL history with the New England Patriots. Their excellence got a bit of a late start when the Steel Curtain took the league by storm in the 1970s.
Those years, led by the likes of coach Chuck Noll, the Rooney family, and the elite players that took the field in black and gold, began the Steelers winning standard. That standard remains to this day and is something that's discussed on a regular basis, despite the lack of playoff success the past few years. The Steelers haven't had a below .500 season since 2003, a year before their 15-1 regular season. Head coach Mike Tomlin has proved to be the perfect hire by the organization, as he constantly embodies accountability within the building.
Dec 23, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Now, it's on the current Steelers team to return to that excellence on the field and begin competing for Super Bowls again. Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick signed a contract extension on Wednesday, a deal that made him the highest-paid safety in the league. Entering his fourth season in Pittsburgh this year, Fitzpatrick knows the standards set forth by the organization.
"I think the thing that I appreciate most about this organization is [their] commitment to winning. This program is a winning program. They're going to do whatever it takes to win. They're going to hold you to that standard on a day-to-day basis."
Throughout his Thursday press conference via the Steelers YouTube page, Fitzpatrick echoed how the team's standards align closely with his. Ever since being acquired from the Miami Dolphins in 2019, it's been a flawless fit for the two sides. Fitzpatrick came in and immediately made the Steelers defense better. His leadership often goes unnoticed, but it's clear he holds himself and the guys around him to a high standard.
The Steelers way
"That's what Coach T and the coaching staff and Mr. Rooney do. If you're not moving and focused on winning and being the best, then they're not going to want you here. That's a reflection of a background that I come from."
ESPN
That's what makes being a Steeler so special. Or even being a Steelers fan. If you look at the history of the team dating back 50 years, it's been a seamless flow from Chuck Noll to Bill Cowher to Tomlin. In the meantime, there's been one common theme: the Rooney family. In turn, the black and gold have become the NFL's most historic franchise.
This is all great to hear, but it's time to get back to winning playoff games. Will that break that spell this season? Let us know your memories of the Steelers and their rich tradition in the comment section below!
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