All week long I heard the same thing from every NFL expert out there on television and radio. My beloved Pittsburgh Steelers – despite being banged up, were nine and a half point favorites against Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos. Sure we were beat up with a Quarterback on a gimpy leg, without his Pro Bowl Center, and a Running Back that had torn his ACL the week before to end his season. Even our Defensive Safety, who would have been healthy enough to play in 31 other stadiums that night, was out due to a rare blood disorder that threatened his life the last time he played in Denver.

None of that appeared to matter to all the experts as I watched and listened all week long. A David vs. Goliath showdown if there ever was one.

But that’s why we play the game.

I’m not going to lie to you, I wanted all these experts to be right. I’m a diehard Steelers fanatic through and through. In my view, there are 31 teams in the NFL, and then there are the Pittsburgh Steelers. But I’ve also seen and experienced the dynamic power of “belief” – and all week long, that one key element made me apprehensive and uneasy. It was a perfect storm, with Denver being at home, the Steelers being beat up, and a young Quarterback named Tim Tebow who doesn’t realize that he’s not the quintessential NFL Quarterback.

Turns out my fear turned into reality last night as the lowest rated NFL Quarterback threw just 10 completions last night – for 316 yards. Who does that?

Tim Tebow does – that’s who.

Tebow mania has been a top story even before he took over that starting position when the Denver Broncos were just one and four. Denver fans were clamoring to put him in to save their season because the knew better than the Denver management and staff – including Hall of Fame Quarterback John Elway. Tebow may not have the mechanics, the arm, or the experience to be a top rated passer in the NFL – and he may never have two of the three. None of that really matters when you have the belief and the faith that he does. He just knows how to will a win.

Ironically, it’s not his arm or his pocket presence that makes Tebow so polarizing. It’s his faith. Tim Tebow is a Christian first, and an NFL quarterback somewhere after that. It’s a subject matter that gets all kinds of emotions stirring and those who can’t handle it seething. His faith has been mocked – been the brunt of jokes, and even a sketch on Saturday Night Live. And none of it appears to phase him one bit. (Of course it helps when you just ousted the Defending AFC Champions in your first Wild-Card win – ever.)

Like business, it appears to be tabu to bring your faith into the sports arena. His words and praise for his Lord and Savior have been mocked and maligned all year long by some, and praised by others who follow the same path. Like it or not, there’s no denying that it works for him, and his team and those around him elevate their game and their standard of living when they buy into what he’s got.

But make no mistake, that’s his faith and belief – not yours. While some protest that he’s shoving it down everyone’s throat, I simply don’t see any of that. Just because he thanks God for this opportunity at every Press Conference doesn’t mean he wants or even expects you too. He’s never mentioned that – once. Nobody but Tim Tebow was given this unique opportunity – and unless you just beat a Goliath in your first Wild Card game – there’s no ownership required by you.

Funny thing is – It’s not the first time I’ve seen a phenomenon like this occur. A group so polarizing that it stirs the pot and makes front page news for defying all the odds and the experts. A company that some just love to mock and frankly hate. But like Tebow, YTB faithful like me just ignore the nay-Sayers and do what we do because we believe differently. I do it not because I think it’s divine, but because I’m smart enough to know how it all works.

Lesson learned here.

For Tim Tebow and the faithful that follow him – I’d simply like to offer up my congratulations and say job well done. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t typical, but it was a “W” when it was all said and done. And frankly, that’s all that really counts as you move on to Divisional Round against New England next weekend.

Just as I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers organization is the Class of the NFL, Tim Tebow is one class NFL player.

Get ‘er Done.

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We’re getting the outside of the house painted next week. If you would have asked me 6 months ago which I would rather do – watch Dancing with the Stars or watch paint dry, I probably would have opted for the latter.

Two things have changed my views concerning this type of “reality TV” this season. One is the relationship with my wife, Ronda. This year, we’ve been doing more and more together as a couple. As a result, our relationship has blossomed into a love affair that has exceeded both of our wildest dreams. Two, is the appearance of one of my favorite NFL players of all time who appeared in this seasons series of Dancing with the Stars, Hines Ward.

Hines is the perfect Pittsburgh Steeler. Blue collar, hardworking, and just plain tough as nails. I’m also partial to his smile. He truly loves what he does. Even when he gets popped on the gridiron, all you see after he jumps up after getting hammered are those white teeth behind his face mask. He’s always smiling.

Some don’t like Hines. They think he’s a dirty player. Truth is, nobody likes to be out manned and out muscled by a 6 foot, 205 wide receiver. Its wide receivers that get hammered by linebackers, not the other way around. He’s unquestionably the most all around football player I’ve ever seen play the game.

When I found out that Hines had been selected for this year’s season with Dancing with the Stars, I knew he’d give it his all. What I didn’t know is the man just doesn’t dance. He didn’t even go to his Prom from what I read – that’s how much he doesn’t dance.

Understandably, he also took some ribbing from his football peers for doing this. It’s not exactly something that screams Steeler toughness. I mean, Chad Johnson you can understand. (He’s always doing goofy stuff on and off the field.) But Hines was a bit of a surprise to everyone because you just can’t wrap your head around the guy doing a Waltz, Two Step, Samba, or Cha Cha. (Not even the Cha Cha Slide.)

Too everyone’s surprise however, Hines turned out to be a pretty good dancer. In typical Hines fashion – if he’s going to do something, he’s going to do it well.

Word first came to me via Ronda who loves the show. (She was trained in Ballet and Jazz.) After some coaxing, to watch I saw how smooth and talented Hines really was with my own eyes. Part of the Hines Ward allure was once again his smile. He truly looked like he was enjoying himself. You couldn’t help but enjoy his routines because it looked so natural. (One of the Judges deemed him “Twinkle Toes”.)

As the season progressed, many of his teammates started to show up and support him – because like me, they were surprised at how good he actually was. It wasn’t “girly” or “sissy” like any longer because he was that good. And you know when Steeler nation shows up – so do the Terrible Towels. After each routine, the audience twirled away to support Hines and his partner Kym Johnson.

If you’re going to do anything in life, you might as well do it right and go for it all. And that’s exactly what Ward and Johnson did, winning the whole shebang – the Mirror Ball Tuesday night in the season finale.

Honestly, the finale was about 2 and half hours too long. All I really needed to see was the last set of dances from ABC. In typical network fashion, the network had to stretch this thing out over 3 hours to find out the final three spots for the show. (Honestly, a painful experience and one of the reasons I never watched the shows like this.)

The final results were a Mirror Ball trophy for Hines and Kym. Not exactly a Lombardi, but an accomplishment to be proud of all the same. It certainly takes some of the sting out of letting the Super Bowl earlier this year slip away.

Now my only problem is that Ronda wants to learn to dance like that with me. While there’s no Mirror Ball in store for me – it does look like something I would enjoy, simply because we’ve always worked well together.

Congratulations to Hines and Kym for a great job this season. You made a believer out of me, along with millions across America. It was a pleasure watching you.

And the best part – I don’t have to watch paint dry next week!

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Super Bowl XVL had all the makings of a classic match-up. Two of the most storied franchises in the league going head to head for the World Championship.

Congratulations go out the Green Bay Packers. Truly a class organization.

Obviously, I wanted my Steelers to win the game, and bring home a seventh Lombardi Trophy. However, I was cautious about this game, because I think back to Pittsburgh’s run for Super Bowl XL. A sixth seed at that time, on the road like Green Bay’s run to take it all the way. Because Green Bay reminded me of that team (also a sixth seed this year) I knew they had the same opportunity we had. Mid-season, Green Bay was 8-6 and they caught fire the rest of the way.

All the way – and they certainly earned it.

Not to take anything away from Green Bay – because they capitalized on each of the three turnovers they had with touchdowns. You just can’t turn the ball over and expect to win games. That was the stat the won it for Green Bay.

Regardless of the loss, it was a great game. Statistically, Pittsburgh played well enough to win the game – minus one of the three turnovers. Held the ball for over 33 minutes, and had more total yards. Roethlisberger and the offense had another chance to pull out a second Super Bowl in three years with one, final drive — eerily similar to their comeback against Arizona two years ago.

But it wasn’t meant to be for this game.

While Rogers, in my opinion didn’t look comfortable because of the pressure, and because of several easy dropped passes from normally sure handed receivers, they capitalized on each of the three turnovers with touchdowns. Green Bay stepped up when it was handed to them, and that’s what really mattered when it was all said and done. They made the plays when they needed to and Pittsburgh didn’t.

What also impressed me about this game was the respect both teams had for each other. Actually, Green Bay fans were top notch for the most part as well. It’s some of the other fans that got a bit obnoxious and over the top. (To be expected when you’re the one sitting at home, and we’re the ones in the big game.) It was if these two teams and fans knew what really mattered was during the game. No amount of trash talk, or smack had a prayer of helping either team.

As Berman so eloquently likes to point out – “That’s why you play the game.”

Disappointed, yes, obviously, but proud of both organizations. I wish more teams and more fans were like them.

The focus now is on the CBA. I love this game and owners and players need to get a new deal worked out. The NFL has something special – and I don’t want to see what happened to Baseball a couple years ago happen to the NFL. (I lost all interest in the game during that strike.) There’s a reason why this is America’s number one sport. I’m sure I speak for all Football fans – no matter who they root for – we need to get this deal done and bring back the game we all love without any type of lockout.

Besides – Pittsburgh still needs that seventh Lombardi!

Until then – Enjoy your thirteenth World Championship Green Bay – you earned it and you deserve it.

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But you can’t take the Steelers out of the boy.

I read an article this weekend that a Pittsburgh area hospital near where I grew up is wrapping newborns in Terrible Towels. While it could be considered a right of passage for us fans, others I’m sure are scratching their heads thinking we all belong in another ward or wing in the hospital.

While I’ve been living in Atlanta since 1992, our daughter was adorned here at Piedmont Hospital with Steelers garb at birth. (Pictured) We watched a Monday Night Football game together as Pittsburgh crushed Tennessee 34 – 7 before she was released from the hospital.

For the record – that’s how I know about the “other wing” in the hospital. ;-P

If you follow the NFL at all, you’ve heard about Steeler Nation. Anyone can certainly understand and appreciate rooting for the home town team. As part of Steeler Nation, it doesn’t matter what town you travel to. I can pretty much promise you that there will be a Steelers Fan Club or Bar that supports the Black and Gold in that town.

When I first moved to Atlanta, I was shocked at the number of bars and clubs that carried Steelers games. The first couple of years, I frequented several different establishments to watch the game. When someone asked where you were from – they weren’t talking about the local landscape, but instead where you first became part of Steeler Nation.

I remember the first club I hooked up with. The Mellow Mushroom in Buckhead. The owner hailed from Pleasant Hills. It was like going home again. One entrance. One Exit. No windows. WDVE stickers. And while I don’t drink, Iron City Beer both in cans and on tap.

And we can NOT forget the dialect. “Yunz guys dah-know whatcher missin’ n’at.”

Heaven…

After our daughter was born, I was finally able to convince my wife that NFL Sunday Ticket was the way to go. This way, I could be home for the games and take care of the kids. (During commercial breaks of course.) With the money I spent at the club for food, drinks, and tip each week – Sunday Ticket would be a wash in terms of expense.

I absolutely love it.

If you’re wondering how or why we as fans are so fanatical – I can only speak for myself. For me, it’s a can do, blue collar work ethic, and attitude that can’t be intimidated. I relate to them in that regard.

The team as a whole isn’t flashy. In fact, when you look at some of their games over the years, it’s not even pretty.

But they get the job done.

When it comes time to line up on the gridiron it’s “ground and pound” and we’re usually the ones who show attitude. Others who try to intimidate us as a physical, smash mouth football teams can talk a good game. Pittsburgher’s don’t talk – we do. And when it’s all said and done, we’re the ones who come out victorious because we’re tougher, smarter, and more determined that they could even dream of.

You can break our foot, bust our nose if you want. Not only are we going to play the game – we’re going to find a way to beat you.

The team understands there is a “standard” in being a Pittsburgh Steeler. It’s competing at a high level week in and week out. We focus on hard work on football basics and position assignments. Everyone has a job to do, and this single minded attitude works for the betterment of TEAM. The issue is winning. Every morning when players come to work they walk past six Lombardi Trophies. Others may be more preoccupied with passing titles or rushing yards.

The issue as a Pittsburgh Steeler is winning.

They don’t get distracted and never buy into the hype that others try to create. It’s almost as if they relish the underdog role. No sixth seed has gone on to win the Super Bowl, until Pittsburgh did it in 2005. In 2007 the team had the toughest schedule in over 40 years and they won it all again. And we all know about “the suspension” that took away our franchise Quarterback for four games.

Experts didn’t give the team a chance in any of these instances. This however is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who face every challenge head on, and more times than not, find a way to win.

That’s not to say that there are those who don’t waiver from that standard – some do. Those that do, either conform, or they’re gone.

The team also exemplifies family. The Rooney’s have owned the team since 1933, and they’re always around the practice facility and in the locker room after games to shake hands and talk to the players.

And money can’t buy Championships year in and year out. All those multi-million dollar contracts are sitting at home this week. It’s not that we don’t like “bling” – we do. (We have more Lombardi Trophies than anyone else.)

NFL Film’s did a half hour special on Steeler Nation that I have on the DVR. It may pop up this week on TV, but if not, I found an online version here. I also found this short clip from NFL Network that provides added insight into the phenomenon known as Steeler Nation.

As we explained at the beginning of this article, indoctrination into Steeler Nation starts at birth. You can’t change it, you can’t control it, you can’t intimidate it.

Best you just accept it.

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I want to apologize up front to the regular readers of this blog. Long time followers certainly know the drill at this point. This is the third time in this blogs history that I go off on a Super Bowl tangent.

Faithful readers shouldn’t despair however, there’s still plenty going on within our fine company (like Carnival’s Sail-A-Thon this Thursday) that will keep me on topic leading up to this year’s Super Bowl.

After last night’s victory over the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game, in the mist of all the excitement and celebration after the game I witnessed Ben Roethlisberger down on one knee. A towel covering his face, he took a very private moment to himself in what I believe was a moment of gratitude and prayer.

You would have had to under a rock this past off season not to hear about Ben’s off field exploits and how it shamed not only himself and his family – but Steeler Nation as a whole. The Steeler franchise is a very proud organization, and growing up in this blue collar town, there’s a very distinct and visible line between right and wrong.

While charges were never filed surrounding Ben off the field activities, the Court of Public Opinion certainly had a very potent odder, that for some lingers to this day.

Some will tell you that you can’t change the past, and to a certain extent that’s true. In contrast, I’ve always been taught that you can change the past – by changing today. Those that can actually learn from our experiences instead of dwelling on them in a “Woe is me” mentality – can and do come out of horror stories like Ben’s.

And they’re better people for it.

At the end of the regular season, Ben won The Chief Award, an honor given by local members of the Pro Football Writers to the Steelers player “who best exemplifies the spirit of cooperation with the media.” For as much as the media maligned him for his extracurricular activities and poor personal decisions last spring, (especially the Pittsburgh Media) that’s a huge accomplishment.

You may not think such an award is a big deal. (Most have never heard of the award to begin with.) Considering how this circle of writers interacts with Ben on a regular basis however, they’ve obviously seen a dramatic change in Ben’s attitude and behavior – and that speaks volumes.

That was the regular season with very localized media exposure. Now Ben has an opportunity to show both National and International Media how much he’s changed given his third trip to the Super Bowl in six years.

Don’t think for a second that what happened last spring won’t come up during the next two weeks. It was a huge story – and cost Ben the first four games of the regular season with a suspension. As one writer wrote:

“The Super Bowl’s story machinery can be overwhelming. Small issues become large, major stories become gargantuan. It’s part of what makes the game and the weeks leading up to it great, and not so great.”

In other words, this story is going to be rehashed over the next two weeks at a level that will make it look like it all happened yesterday. Fortunately for Ben, he’s much stronger and wiser than he was last March. It’s a good thing – because unlike last March, he’s not going to be able to go into hiding.

It’s not that winning another Super Bowl or simply being nice to the media equates to full redemption for Ben. He still has this off season to contend with – where all of his troubles seem to stir from. The motorcycle accident in 2006, the Las Vegas fiasco the following off season, and most recently his poor choices in Georgia this past year.

Personally, I know what it’s like to hit rock bottom. I was just a little younger than Ben is now when I changed my life and direction. In order to make it complete, it needs to be a TOTAL transformation – both on and off the field. He’s made it through the regular season, now almost through the post season. We’ll have to wait and see what the upcoming off season has in store for Ben.

Can this current season carry him into the off season and complete Ben’s transformation? I think it can if he follows the same path that got him to the biggest stage in the world. Like his play – it may not be all that pretty – but the man is born leader on the gridiron. I’ve never seen anyone extend and make plays the way Ben does. He never quits.

And he won’t quit on himself.

Ben started the regular season watching his team from home. He’s now on the cusp of leading his team to its seventh Super Bowl Championship and Lombardi Trophy for this storied franchise. Some scorned the Commissioner Rodger Goodell for suspending Ben to begin with – since there were never any charges filed. In my personal opinion, I think it was the best thing that ever happened. It was just the bitter tonic he needed to swallow that made Ben hit bottom. He didn’t have to lose it all – but losing four games may have been enough to get Ben on the right track.

We have to see how the game goes in two weeks – and then the dreaded off season begins for Ben, the rest of the Steelers, and the fans.

Let’s not forget the attitude and actions that got you here Ben. How grateful you are for this opportunity coming up. There can be more – if you are truly changed.

For the record, I think you are. Been there, got the t-shirt and last night I saw it after the game. I along with others have seen it all season long.

While your transformation isn’t quite complete – your current path on and off the field will lead you there.

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Our Father, who Art in Pittsburgh

Football be thy game.

Let Mendenhall run, 6 Superbowl’s won

On earth, as it is in Heinz Field.

Give us this day our playoff victory

…And forgive us our penalties

As we defeat those Jets who play against us.

But lead us into victory, and deliver us to Texas,

For Thine is the D-Line, the Polamalu, and the Harrison

A-Ben

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Since the merger in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been the most successful franchise in the NFL. They’ve won more Super Bowls than any other team in the NFL, and they’ve played in more Divisional Championship games (15) than any other team since the merger.

Can you blame the Steeler Nation for being so proud?

Two years ago, during the hours and hours of Super Bowl pre-game hoopla, I spent part of the afternoon doodling on the computer. What I came up with was this picture of 6 Lombardi Trophies with the Steelers emblem in the hope that I would be able to post it on this blog after the victory.

Larry Fitzgerald’s 64 yard catch from Kurt Warner for a touchdown with 2:30 left in the game to take the lead 23-20 not only gave me a sinking feeling – but my day long project on this artwork wouldn’t be seen for Lord knows how long. Thankfully, Big Ben and Santonio Holmes hooked up with one of the most memorable touchdown catches in Super Bowl history to ultimately win the game. As a result, this work of art was posted at the exact moment of the final gun. (Still logged as 10:10 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2009.)

A post that didn’t have a single word – gets more hits and traffic than anything I’ve ever written in all the years I’ve been blogging. I’ve also seen this picture posted on a number of other websites, forum and message board profiles, and Facebook pages over the last two years.

As a fan, I don’t mind sharing the love. Besides, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I also understand how fanatical Steelers fans are about their team. Truth be told, some would change the word “fanatical” to “obnoxious” – and that’s fine. When you have the hardware and the Championships to back it up – none of the naysayers really matter.

And here we are again – one game away from our 8th appearance in the biggest spectacle of the modern day.

It’s a far cry from what Steelers Nation was dealing with just 6 months ago. Our Franchise Quarterback had tarnished the glimmering logo we adore and the MVP of Super Bowl 43 had been traded away for other off the field shenanigans that the Rooney family just does not tolerate.

Before the season opened – many predicted that Baltimore would win the AFC North crown. In all honesty, it was probably the best shot any of the ACF North team had to take the crown. With Big Ben out for four games due to a suspension – it was a long shot at best to open up the season at 2 and 2.

There’s an old saying that “Defense wins Championships”. What the “experts” didn’t count on was a League leading Defense that shut down opponents and ranked first in total defense. (A far cry from the 2009 season I might add that lost more games in the last minutes of games than I can ever remember any team doing.) As a result, Ben returned to the team with a record of 3-1 and when the matchup between Baltimore and Pittsburgh came up on the schedule, the team did what they always do when Big Ben plays – they won. (7-0 against Baltimore when Ben starts.)

It amazes me that amount of swagger Baltimore always brings into these games. Doesn’t matter if it’s regular season or playoffs – they always come in with some sort of smack – and as a fan, you just want to shut them up. Of course it helps when you’re so busy trash talking that you forget to play fundamentally sound football. For as well as Baltimore capitalized on Pittsburgh’s mistakes in the first half of Saturdays game, the Raven’s 3rd quarter of play was abysmal. They had more turnovers (3) than they did yards (minus 4) during the quarter.

That’s not how you win Playoff games or Championships.

Maybe they should take a page out of Big Ben’s playbook. Say what you want about him off the field of play – but when it comes to playing winning football there’s none better. Only Bart Starr has a better winning percentage (.900) than Big Ben in the Playoffs. (.818) Yes, even better the Lord Brady at .778 or even Terry Bradshaw at .737. There’s no trash talking, there’s no bravado, there’s just winning football.

It’s yet to be determined if Pittsburgh will at another Lombardi Trophy, making my creation obsolete. There’s plenty of football to be played to determine that outcome. It is however a place and a position no other team in League history has experienced – and there’s something to be said about that. When you’ve been there as many times as Pittsburgh has, you don’t get overwhelmed by the stage or the setting.

I don’t just like our chances, I absolutely love it.

They are after all the Men of Steel.

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