steelers running backs last 10 years

Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. The following is another in a series that picks a Steelers All-Modern Era Team. Mendenhall spent five seasons in Pittsburgh and was a member of two Super Bowl teams. He was also an excellent receiver, both out of the backfield and split out as a wide receiver. PITTSBURGH (AP) Mike Tomlin wasn't ready to go there, with all due respect. Mendenhall provided the following reason for retiring so young: Football was pretty cool, but I dont want to play anymore. Sep 20, 1992; San Diego, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Barry Foster (29) in action against San Diego Chargers defenders Junior Seau (55) and George Thornton (93) at Jack . In 2015 Williams rejuvenated his career with the Steelers, filling in for the suspended and injured Le'Veon Bell for 10 games. Let's take a look back at the rest of the Steelers picks since the 2000 season. When it comes to this room, the Steelers are indeed looking for them to step up. Parker never regained his starting job and was released only to make on attempt at staying in the NFL with the Washington Redskins in 2010 where he spent his time on the practice squad before retiring. He also made the Pro Bowl in 2013 and 2016, the last of which with the Titans. The next season, he racked up 1,273 yards and 13 touchdowns on the way to an AFC Championship win. It's hard to believe, but the second decade of the 21st century is nearly complete. In 2015 he finished second in the league in rushing and earned a spot on the All-Pro Team. He ran for over 1,000 yards in his first season and scored 10 rushing touchdowns on his way to winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. He was an example of how great players can not only break the rules and succeed, but sometimes even make up their own rules. Fran Rogel: For Steelers fans who watched the team in the 1950s they would be familiar with a famous nursery rhyme with a Pittsburgh Steelers twist. To no ones surprise, Art Rooney Sr. mailed a post card to his running back while in recovery that said, Rock We need you. That was the kind of man The Chief was. No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. Lucrative opportunities to leave. He led the Steelers in rushing from 1961 to 1964 and made three straight Pro Bowls from 1962 to '64. He will be called an innovator or maybe even a genius when his team wins a Super Bowl by smashing its way through flimsy NFL defenses that are designed to stop passing attacks. Franco Harris is the Pittsburgh Steelers career leader in rushing yards with 11,950. Dick Hoak: The running backs coach for the Steelers for an incredible 35 years, Hoak was also an excellent player at the position he would spend so many years coaching up. In 2005, speedy Willie Parker took advantage of paths cleared by Kreider, and the Steelers won the Super Bowl. The team made it to the playoffs ten times ( 1992-1997 , 2001-2002 , 2004-2005 ) and had a 12-9 record under Coach Hoak in playoff games. But he stayed. Until recently, the fullback was an important player in the Steelers' offense. Jerome Bettis is the latest Steelers running back to become a member in Canton, Ohio. Former Tulane Green Wave running back Tyjae Spears made a big splash at the Senior Bowl, but that was hardly the first time he put on a show. Fullback Franco Harris came to the Steelers in the 1972 draft and made an immediate impact. Today's NFL teams do not use fullbacks as often as they once did, instead favoring spread offenses and dynamic passing attacks featuring three or more wide receivers and multiple tight ends. But Harris and the Steelers' rushing attack were just getting started. There have been some running backs in Steelers history who had one or two good seasons in Pittsburgh, then went on their way. When running the ball, they often do so out of one-back sets and shotgun and pistol formations. Find out more. A fullback is not required in this type of offensive game plan. He made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team as a Steeler and inspired a Pittsburgh Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLone of the greatest wins in Steelers history. He also earned the first of two consecutive First-Team All-Pro selections. Parker set the record for longest rushing touchdown from scrimmage in a Super Bowl (XL) with a romp of 75 yards which still stands today. The Best Pittsburgh Steelers Tight Ends Of All Time, Vote up the players who had the most success playing tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He already has as many touchdowns rushing as Bam Morris Unfortunately, before the season began last year, Bell was arrested with LeGarrette Blount for a DWI and possession of marijuana. He also was a punt returner, bringing back 20 punts with a 14.0 average per return. As a punter, he kicked the ball 18 times during his career and averaged 32 yards per punt. West Virginia's Senate passed a bill Monday that would give $25,000 in tax credits to former residents who move back to the state to work. The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Morris peaked as a rookie, rushing for 1,613 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2012. Overall contributions to the Steelers franchise. name the pittsburgh steelers running back to the last 10 years. He spent his first year in the NFL with the Giants before coming to the Steelers in 1970. Who should be on top of the Steelers NFL Free Agency board? Last season he rushed for only 885 yards, but that came in 12 games. The Steelers haven't shied away from targeting lesser-valued positions by the modern standard early in recent drafts, such as running back, linebacker and maybe to a lesser degree, safety. These honorable mentions may not have a place on this list of all-time best Steelers running backs, but if you are a Steelers fan, there is a good chance you'll remember them fondly. Still young at 38 years of age, Zereoue stays in shape these days by playing soccer for a New York amateur club called the Central Park Rangers FC. Last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:43, Boston Braves / Boston Redskins / Washington Redskins, List of National Football League records (individual), List of National Football League rushing champions, List of National Football League career rushing touchdowns leaders, List of National Football League annual rushing touchdowns leaders, "NFL Rushing Yards Career Playoffs Leaders", "History of the Career Rushing Yards Record", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_National_Football_League_career_rushing_yards_leaders&oldid=1140354500, This page was last edited on 19 February 2023, at 18:43. No matter what happens with the evolution of this position, these Pittsburgh tight ends have left a legacy for this that cant be taken away. That couldn't have been further from the truth. As it is, he has 5,336 rushing yards and nearly 8,000 yards from scrimmage since coming into the league in 2013. Thornton was also a member of the Super Bowl winning teams for Pittsburgh in 1979 and 1980. Abercrombie played one more season in 1988 with the cross state Philadelphia Eagles before retiring. But Stewart posted 5,366 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in the decade. He stepped in for a banged-up Willie Parker in 2009 and ran for 1,108 yards and seven touchdowns. 20 and retired with that number despite the departure of Pearson to Dallas. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. In 2015 Williams rejuvenated his career with the Steelers, filling in for the suspended and injured Le'Veon Bell for 10 games. As an undrafted rookie in 2004, Bill Cowher took a chance on the 5-foot-10, 209-pound first-year player and Parker impressed sharing time with The Bus, Jerome Bettis. From the time Fran Rogel became the teams starting running back in 1950 until his retirement in 1957, Pittsburghs first play from scrimmage in every game Rogel was in the backfield began with a handoff to the California State Teachers College and Penn State University product with a rush into the middle of the offensive line. 11 because of four straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin the decade. Gurley has rushed for 4,547 rushing yards and recorded 6,430 yards from scrimmage with 56 touchdowns. He finished his career in Pittsburgh with 3,115 rushing yards, 241 receptions, and 34 total touchdowns. 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Nick Chubb finished first the AFC North in 2021 with 1,259 rushing yards, despite finishing third with 228 carries. Of course, we all know why. Without further ado, here are the best 25 NFL running backs of this decade: It will be surprising to some that Johnson isn't a little higher on this list. 6:02; See All. Matte took over for another fantastic white running back, former Heisman Trophy winner and 1958 NFL Championship Game hero Alan Ameche. Jerome Bettis (1996-2005). Follow Holcomb on Twitter at @dmholcomb. The Steelers have had some incredibly talented players over the years . . Player Team Age Total Value Avg./Year Total Guaranteed Fully Guaranteed Free Agency; Christian McCaffrey: 49ers: 27: $64,063,412: $16,015,853: $36,346,412: $30,062,500 He's averaged 101.2 rushing yards per game during his career and led the NFL in that category each of the last three years. Wanting the jersey number 26 which he wore at Notre Dame, Preston Pearson held those digits so Rocky settled for No. The intent is to lean the offensive game plan toward the passing game and open up the defense with complex formations and plays. Others were blocking fullbacks who spent their careers opening holes for star backs. The Tigers picked up their sixth commitment for the 2024 recruiting cycle - and their first running back - Wednesday with the public . Barry Foster: Unfortunately for Barry Foster, his career was short in the Burgh. The 33rd Team. Sowhos the greatest tight end in Pittsburgh Steelers history? He had the highest usage rate among running backs at 35.8% and was third in red-zone touches with 61. Ibrahim, who . The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some great tight ends throughout the franchises history. During the decade, he has posted 9,187 yards five 1,000-yard seasons and 56 touchdowns. In 2011 Jones-Drew led the league with 1,606 rushing yards and 386 touches. The Steelers had jumped offsides on the play and it was called back. Pittsburgh Steelers Career Rushing Leaders. What those teams dont have is a legacy of bullying and dominating opponents, and that is what brought the Steelers six Super Bowl championships. As the tight end position increasingly becomes more of a focal point in offensive schemes , one. For his service in the war, Bleier received the Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. He'll get the chance to continue his career with the Browns, but he'll miss the first eight games of 2019 because of a suspension. He was Le'Veon Bell when Bell was at Michigan State. It's an inspiring story, but if Bleier wasn't one of the best running backs in Steelers' history, he wouldn't have made this list. One return went to the house. In one of his final interviews before his . The 2016 All-Pro had his own issue staying on the field because of a suspension in 2017, but despite that Elliott has 4,048 rushing yards and led the league in rushing twice in three years. Question, Comment, Feedback, or Correction? Eight players have been recognized as having held the career rushing yards record in the NFL. All-time Receiving Leader: Hines Ward 1,000 rec, 12,083 yds, 85 TD . Buffalo 2007-10; Seattle 2010-15, '19; Oakland 2017-18. Each offense makes its own set of demands on running backs, and every back mentioned in this article needed a specific set of attributes to succeed. Harris is one of the main reasons the Steelers won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. Bleier was an outstanding lead blocker as well as being able to run the ball well and also had solid hands as a receiver. The real results of who touched it first is still undetermined to this day. The on-field portion of the NFL Combine begins on Thursday, marking the start of the testing circuit that propels some prospects into the stratosphere while ruining the stock of others. Copyright 2023 YB Media, LLC. In his rookie season, Morris rushed for 836 yards and a 4.2 yards-per-carry average. Bam Morris: Morris story is a sad, tragic, and unfulfilled one. He's another back who never led the league in rushing and never made All-Pro. In 2012, he made the All-Pro team with 1,590 rushing yards and 1,786 yards from scrimmage. Bill Dudley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and 10 year prior was inducted into College Footballs Hall of Fame. Including last season when Bell sat out because of a contract dispute, the two-time All-Pro has missed 34 games in his six-year career. In 2012, the Steelers found themselves with JONATHAN DWYER as their leading rusher, which is what led to the spending of a second-round pick in the following draft on Le'Veon Bell. All Rights Reserved. In 1992, we found out who the heck that guy was: the man who would run for more yards in one season than any Steelers running back in team history. After five seasons of never finishing higher than RB34, Williams had a career year in 2022, finishing as the overall RB18. Other teams (like the Steelers) have one but rarely use him. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Postseason. Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. Most Steelers fans think of Rocky Bleier as Franco Harris running mate throughout the 70s, and rightly so. The first requirement is an intimidating defense that dominates opponents and makes it tough for them to put points on the board. Le'Veon Bell was one of the best Steelers running backs of all time. By his second season as a Steeler, he had become the heir apparent to Jerome Bettis. Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs for a short gain past Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. He scored seven touchdowns and caught the ball 22 times for an additional 204 yards and a 9.3 yards-per-reception mark. Prior to being drafted by the Army for service, Bleier was a University of Notre Dame product graduating in 1968 earning a degree in Business Management. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. Fuqua led the Steelers in rushing in 1970 and 1971 and totaled 2,942 yards on the ground during his time in Pittsburgh. If I were to ask you to name the sixth-leading rusher in Steelers history, I bet youd say a lot of names before you got to Frank Pollard. With a 3.5 yards per carry average and zero touchdowns, his rookie season was a major disappointment, but Gordon has answered all his doubters since then. 'We'll probably move a little slower than most of our peers, but we don't worry about the Jonses', 28-14 victory caps 7-2 finish, but season ends because Miami's win claims final playoff spot, 'He drinks the Kool-Aid that is Pittsburgh, Pa., he's a Steeler, he teaches it to the young guys', His 111 yards rushing, 10-yard catch for a TD, and physical presence throughout keyed 16-13 win, 'His versatility, his experience allows us to move him and Minkah to diversify our attack', 'The most challenging component of the weather, man, are the poor fans sitting in the stands', Dan Rooney: 'One of the finest, most thoughtful human beings I have ever known', 'I wanted to see Mitch's ability to bounce back from the last game relative to taking care of the ball', Three interceptions, blocked FG prove to be insurmountable mistakes in 16-14 defeat, 'You can take the energy out of an arena on the road when you do some of the things he does', The 19-16 victory represents first winning streak of season and is the third in last four games, The defense made some plays, such as Heyward's sack, but also allowed two 90-yard TD drives, 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Vote below for who you think is the best Pittsburgh Steelers tight end of all time, then head over and check out the top Pittsburgh Steelers players ever. TODAY: Running backs. Rocky Bleier: For some Steelers fans it might be hard to believe that Robert Patrick Bleier, known best in Steelers Nation as Rocky turned 69 years of age this year. Teams run RPOs, or run-pass option plays, where the quarterback decides after the snap whether he will hand the ball off or throw a pass. Those three men will be bypassed for this article despite Johnson ranking third in the all-time rushing yardage for the Black and Gold. His entire career was with the Steelers and he would finish those six seasons with 1,512 yards and 18 touchdowns.

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