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Saturday, 04 February 2012 19:30
The 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame class has a decided Pittsburgh flavor. Former Steelers Demontti Dawson and Jack Butler were selected for induction today as were former Pitt greats Curtis Martin and Chris Doleman. To add to the Pittsburgh touch, Martin is a graduate of Pittsburgh Allderdice High School.
Jerome Bettis was one of 17 finalists but was elimated when the field was reduced to 10.
The elections of Doleman and Martin give Pitt eight Pro Football Hall of Famers. USC has the most with 11, followed by Notre Dame with 10 and Pitt, Michigan and Ohio State with eight. A look at the Pitt careers of Martin and Doleman.
By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
INDIANAPOLIS -- Selected here today and set for induction in Canton this summer, the road to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 nevertheless must go through Pittsburgh.
Of the seven new Hall of Famers chosen today, four have strong Pittsburgh connections. Among those elected were former Steelers Jack Butler and Dermontti Dawson, and former Pitt Panthers Curtis Martin and Chris Doleman. Butler and Martin also are Pittsburgh natives.
Butler made it as one of two seniors nominees, 42 years after he retired at the end of the 1959 season. He played cornerback, Dawson center, Martin was a running back and Doleman a defensive end/linebacker.
Others in the new class include defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy and offensive tackle Willie Roaf.
Read the rest of the story.
Comments (47)
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written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 05:37 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 05:37 PM
The committee did an excellent job again this year...well done!!
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written by Jopa-n, February 04, 2012 - 05:41 PM
written by Jopa-n, February 04, 2012 - 05:41 PM
Amen to Dawson!!! Probably the most overall physically talented center to ever play the game, finally doesn't have to pay for the fact that many before him with Steelers did well. His combination of range, strength, technique, quickness, intelligence and years of production at the top of the game means this was way overdue.
No person should be kept out of the hall due to there being too many from a team. The best are the best, and always will be, no matter how many play on one team or another through the years.
No person should be kept out of the hall due to there being too many from a team. The best are the best, and always will be, no matter how many play on one team or another through the years.
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written by Arriba Wilver, February 04, 2012 - 05:42 PM
written by Arriba Wilver, February 04, 2012 - 05:42 PM
Congrats to Dermontti. They said for 10 years he was clearly the best, maybe one of the best of all time. Well deserved.
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written by estrago, February 04, 2012 - 05:43 PM
written by estrago, February 04, 2012 - 05:43 PM
Congrats to all. Dawson should have been in sooner. The Bus will have to wait but will get in. Hall of Fsme voting is subjective...I have my doubts about Hines Ward ever making it
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written by SonnyDrysdale, February 04, 2012 - 05:47 PM
written by SonnyDrysdale, February 04, 2012 - 05:47 PM
Just watched Jack Butler on NFLN, what a great humble man. He and Dick LeBeau should go fishin.
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written by price.pittsburgh, February 04, 2012 - 05:50 PM
written by price.pittsburgh, February 04, 2012 - 05:50 PM
As much as I wanted to see Bettis make it I know he is still a sooner than later inductee.
He's barely missed his first two attempts and both were due to RBs of his era being either just ahead in rush yds(Martin) or ahead in total yds(Faulk)
Dawson and Butler gives us two Steelers in the same year which is always awesome.
He's barely missed his first two attempts and both were due to RBs of his era being either just ahead in rush yds(Martin) or ahead in total yds(Faulk)
Dawson and Butler gives us two Steelers in the same year which is always awesome.
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written by hammertime, February 04, 2012 - 05:50 PM
written by hammertime, February 04, 2012 - 05:50 PM
you know the bus is getting in eventually.
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written by out-n-ltfield29, February 04, 2012 - 05:58 PM
written by out-n-ltfield29, February 04, 2012 - 05:58 PM
Great stuff.
Dirt Dawson should have never had to wait this long. Much deserved in my opinion.
Congratulations to Curtis Martin, who was a model of consistency and went about his business every year while being as durable as anyone who ever carried the football.
Dirt Dawson should have never had to wait this long. Much deserved in my opinion.
Congratulations to Curtis Martin, who was a model of consistency and went about his business every year while being as durable as anyone who ever carried the football.
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written by Pitt1977, February 04, 2012 - 06:04 PM
written by Pitt1977, February 04, 2012 - 06:04 PM
Congratulations to Curtis Martin, Chris Doleman, Demontti Dawson, Jack Butler, and the city of Pittsburgh! This now moves Pitt into a 3rd place tie with Michigan (behind USC and ND) for most members inducted into the Pro Football HOF.
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written by Darkhorses, February 04, 2012 - 06:07 PM
written by Darkhorses, February 04, 2012 - 06:07 PM
Bus is running just a little late to Canton
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written by baggy, February 04, 2012 - 06:21 PM
written by baggy, February 04, 2012 - 06:21 PM
Congrats to all. Can remember seeing Jack Butler play. Great day for him!
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written by saneman, February 04, 2012 - 06:27 PM
written by saneman, February 04, 2012 - 06:27 PM
Great to see Dawson get his due. His only blemish was a bad snap in SB XXX that probably cost the team 3 points. Other than that, I can't think of another mistake he made in his entire career.
I don't think Bettis has done enough in the playoffs to get in right now. I think football should be more than stats. Ward's stats may not stand out compared to someone like Andre Reed other than total receptions, but it is the playoff clutch and non stats related contributions that I will remember Ward for.
I don't think Bettis has done enough in the playoffs to get in right now. I think football should be more than stats. Ward's stats may not stand out compared to someone like Andre Reed other than total receptions, but it is the playoff clutch and non stats related contributions that I will remember Ward for.
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written by Brashear99, February 04, 2012 - 07:14 PM
written by Brashear99, February 04, 2012 - 07:14 PM
Nice to see all the Pittsburgh flavor in this years class. Pitt is in some pretty nice company with 8 pro HOF inductees & 4 guys getting in in the last 3 years. Dawson is totally deserving & one of the, if not THE best center of all time. Long overdue.
Jopa-n
Excellent summation of how great Dawson was. I would like to add that he was the first center to ever pull & lead on running plays. I heard Tunch tell a story on the radio broadcast about how when he went to Green Bay the coaches wanted to know how to run the ball like the Steelers. He told them they had to have the center pull & they said that wasn't possible. His reply, then you aint gonna run the ball like the Steelers.
Jopa-n
Excellent summation of how great Dawson was. I would like to add that he was the first center to ever pull & lead on running plays. I heard Tunch tell a story on the radio broadcast about how when he went to Green Bay the coaches wanted to know how to run the ball like the Steelers. He told them they had to have the center pull & they said that wasn't possible. His reply, then you aint gonna run the ball like the Steelers.
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written by CliveJameson, February 04, 2012 - 07:19 PM
Congrats to Dermonti Dawson, a very deserving inductee.
written by CliveJameson, February 04, 2012 - 07:19 PM
Congrats to Dermonti Dawson, a very deserving inductee.
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written by cramden, February 04, 2012 - 07:21 PM
written by cramden, February 04, 2012 - 07:21 PM
Congrats to the Pitt guys! 8 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame! WOW! That is something to build a program on.
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written by turbolover, February 04, 2012 - 07:37 PM
Doleman was at Pitt when I was there in the eighties. He was a freak of nature. He used to play intramural basketball at Trees Hall, and his athletic ability was amazing. Well spoken, too. One of the best players of the Foge Fazio era. Good for him.
written by turbolover, February 04, 2012 - 07:37 PM
Doleman was at Pitt when I was there in the eighties. He was a freak of nature. He used to play intramural basketball at Trees Hall, and his athletic ability was amazing. Well spoken, too. One of the best players of the Foge Fazio era. Good for him.
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written by genius, February 04, 2012 - 07:38 PM
written by genius, February 04, 2012 - 07:38 PM
Been a long time since an original Brown/now Ravens player made it...
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written by gatherer47, February 04, 2012 - 08:10 PM
written by gatherer47, February 04, 2012 - 08:10 PM
I remember this past season hearing Tony Siragusa say Dawson was the best offensive he ever played against.Congrats also to Jack Butler,long overdue!
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written by Burgher in California, February 04, 2012 - 08:22 PM
written by Burgher in California, February 04, 2012 - 08:22 PM
Great day all around for Pittsburgh football.
Meanwhile, the knuckleheads out here are whining and moaning that Eddie DeBartolo didn't get in.
Seriously, what did he do? He overpaid his players to the point that he kept borrowing money from his family to keep the 49ers operating -- to the point his sister, Denise York, forced him to sign over his team to pay off his debts -- let alone pleading guilty for failing to report a felony with his casino shenanigans.
Meanwhile, the knuckleheads out here are whining and moaning that Eddie DeBartolo didn't get in.
Seriously, what did he do? He overpaid his players to the point that he kept borrowing money from his family to keep the 49ers operating -- to the point his sister, Denise York, forced him to sign over his team to pay off his debts -- let alone pleading guilty for failing to report a felony with his casino shenanigans.
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written by kison25, February 04, 2012 - 08:40 PM
written by kison25, February 04, 2012 - 08:40 PM
Bob,
You ever notice that while there are a ton of Hall of Famers from the Steelers and the Pittsburgh area, there is almost no overlap. Does anyone know of a particular reason why the Steelers seem to find talent everywhere but their own backyard.
Not faulting the Steelers as their record speaks for itself. Just one of those odd things. Was wondering if Steelers shy away from hometown guys for any reason.
You ever notice that while there are a ton of Hall of Famers from the Steelers and the Pittsburgh area, there is almost no overlap. Does anyone know of a particular reason why the Steelers seem to find talent everywhere but their own backyard.
Not faulting the Steelers as their record speaks for itself. Just one of those odd things. Was wondering if Steelers shy away from hometown guys for any reason.
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written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 09:13 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 09:13 PM
@kison25
That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around.
Pitt players have been taken in all rounds of the draft, not just the first. The Steelers have had a few over the years. I think it's more coincidence than anything. -- Bob Smizik
That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around.
Pitt players have been taken in all rounds of the draft, not just the first. The Steelers have had a few over the years. I think it's more coincidence than anything. -- Bob Smizik
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written by Joe Lawrence, February 04, 2012 - 09:39 PM
written by Joe Lawrence, February 04, 2012 - 09:39 PM
Just a little more evidence that
Pittsburgh is... someplace special.
Pittsburgh is... someplace special.
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written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 09:51 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 09:51 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 10:13 PM
@kison25
That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around.
Pitt players have been taken in all rounds of the draft, not just the first. The Steelers have had a few over the years. I think it's more coincidence than anything. -- Bob Smizik
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I took kison25's comments as the Pitt players who are going into the Pro Football HOF.........not the overall program. The Curtis Martin's, The Cris Doleman's.....etc etc
@kison25
That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around.
Pitt players have been taken in all rounds of the draft, not just the first. The Steelers have had a few over the years. I think it's more coincidence than anything. -- Bob Smizik
_________________________________________
I took kison25's comments as the Pitt players who are going into the Pro Football HOF.........not the overall program. The Curtis Martin's, The Cris Doleman's.....etc etc
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written by PittsburghSportsRocker, February 04, 2012 - 09:54 PM
written by PittsburghSportsRocker, February 04, 2012 - 09:54 PM
Congratulations to Dawson and Butler! Well-deserved and long overdue.
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written by Knuterock, February 04, 2012 - 10:18 PM
written by Knuterock, February 04, 2012 - 10:18 PM
I loved watching Curtis Martin play in college and in the Pros, but Jerome deserved to be in before him.
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written by neshanock, February 04, 2012 - 10:37 PM
I disagree.
But, I believe Dawson was a 'first round' Hall of Fame member before both Martin and Bettis.
Bettis will get in.
written by neshanock, February 04, 2012 - 10:37 PM
written by Knuterock, February 04, 2012 - 11:18 PM
I loved watching Curtis Martin play in college and in the Pros, but Jerome deserved to be in before him.
I disagree.
But, I believe Dawson was a 'first round' Hall of Fame member before both Martin and Bettis.
Bettis will get in.
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written by STATONJM, February 04, 2012 - 11:39 PM
written by STATONJM, February 04, 2012 - 11:39 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 04, 2012 - 10:13 PM
@kison25
"That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around."
Dan Marino and Johnny Unitas were available for the Steelers to pick. Just imagine how many Super Bowls the Steelers would have won if Marino, rather than stiffs like Malone, Brister, Tomczak, Stewart and Stoudt, had been the quarterback.
Certainly Marino would not have thrown 2 brain dead interceptions as Neil O'Donnell did in the 95 Super Bowl.
I think the miss on Marino was the dumbest mistake the Steelers ever made. At least when they gave up on Unitas they didn't know what they had. But they saw Marino play for 4 years in their backyard and chose senior Sack instead. I still remember how incredulous I was when they passed on Marino. Actually now that I have dredged up those old memories, I think passing on Marino was the worst draft day decision in the history of the NFL.
@kison25
"That answer is rather easy.......draft position. It's not that they have anything against the local products (high school and/or college) it's just that generally these players are the top players coming out of college and as has been the rule for most of the last 40 years those players are generally gone by the time the Steelers choice rolls around."
Dan Marino and Johnny Unitas were available for the Steelers to pick. Just imagine how many Super Bowls the Steelers would have won if Marino, rather than stiffs like Malone, Brister, Tomczak, Stewart and Stoudt, had been the quarterback.
Certainly Marino would not have thrown 2 brain dead interceptions as Neil O'Donnell did in the 95 Super Bowl.
I think the miss on Marino was the dumbest mistake the Steelers ever made. At least when they gave up on Unitas they didn't know what they had. But they saw Marino play for 4 years in their backyard and chose senior Sack instead. I still remember how incredulous I was when they passed on Marino. Actually now that I have dredged up those old memories, I think passing on Marino was the worst draft day decision in the history of the NFL.
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written by STATONJM, February 04, 2012 - 11:43 PM
written by STATONJM, February 04, 2012 - 11:43 PM
The Bus suffered from the "too many Steelers' syndrome just as Dawson did. Hines Ward will also suffer from the same fate.
Ben needs to win one more Super Bowl to get in. This is related to the stigma from his off the field problems.
If Bus doesn't get in next year, I am going to be seriously agitated. On and off the field, he represented the finest example of athletic excellence and professional behavior.
Ben needs to win one more Super Bowl to get in. This is related to the stigma from his off the field problems.
If Bus doesn't get in next year, I am going to be seriously agitated. On and off the field, he represented the finest example of athletic excellence and professional behavior.
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written by WKC, February 05, 2012 - 12:11 AM
written by WKC, February 05, 2012 - 12:11 AM
I must confess: I was a first year season ticket holder to Pitt when Martin played his junior year, and watched him hobble around a bit.
When he left for the NFL Draft and skip his senior season, I told anyone who would listen that he would regret making that jump.
Shows what I know.
When he left for the NFL Draft and skip his senior season, I told anyone who would listen that he would regret making that jump.
Shows what I know.
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written by saneman, February 05, 2012 - 12:13 AM
written by saneman, February 05, 2012 - 12:13 AM
*t's funny how Ben was marginalized in the SB 40 win, yet Eli got praised despite getting a lot of help form his DL and STs in the SF victory. Not to mention, the defensive help he got against NE in the last SB
On a story celebrating Pittsburgh, why is it necessary to introduce Pittsburgh Paranoia? -- Bob Smizik
On a story celebrating Pittsburgh, why is it necessary to introduce Pittsburgh Paranoia? -- Bob Smizik
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written by genius, February 05, 2012 - 12:27 AM
written by genius, February 05, 2012 - 12:27 AM
Revis may be well on his way to Canton, perhaps Larry Fitz too though after a brief time in the spotlight he's back in obscurity in AZ, maybe they'll get Peyton. They would get Pitt to 10 HOF'ers, which would be remarkable.
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written by Scooter, February 05, 2012 - 01:24 AM
written by Scooter, February 05, 2012 - 01:24 AM
Nice video of Jack Butler's career over at Blog n' Gold.
I didn't know he led the NFL in interceptions during his career ('51-'59), ahead of guys like Emlin Tunnell and Night Train Lane (still the greatest nickname in football, IMO).
I didn't know he led the NFL in interceptions during his career ('51-'59), ahead of guys like Emlin Tunnell and Night Train Lane (still the greatest nickname in football, IMO).
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written by heartbeatsings, February 05, 2012 - 06:40 AM
written by heartbeatsings, February 05, 2012 - 06:40 AM
Congrats to Dirt and all the inductees!
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written by 123, February 05, 2012 - 07:12 AM
written by 123, February 05, 2012 - 07:12 AM
I know I am contradicting myself about HOFers getting in as Veterans well down the line, but I am happy about Jack as I was about Maz. Didn't see Jack play but the YouTube highlight film is amazaing. I know Bob covered Barney Dreyfus and promoted his campaign a few years ago.
I am still amazed at Chris Carter. He was surly and unpopular with the press....is he paying for that?
Carter's exclusion is inexplicable. He's fourth in receptions and TD catches and eighth in yardage.
You are mistaken about my support for Dreyfus. He continually refused to raise payroll, so I was adamant in my opposition.
: ---- Bob Smizik
I am still amazed at Chris Carter. He was surly and unpopular with the press....is he paying for that?
Carter's exclusion is inexplicable. He's fourth in receptions and TD catches and eighth in yardage.
You are mistaken about my support for Dreyfus. He continually refused to raise payroll, so I was adamant in my opposition.
: ---- Bob Smizik
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written by Joe Lawrence, February 05, 2012 - 07:30 AM
Unitas was a contemporary of Dan Rooney's, the two having played QB at rival schools ... And Unitas was playing for the Bloomfield Rams when the Colts picked him up. So that miss was just as bad as Marino.
written by Joe Lawrence, February 05, 2012 - 07:30 AM
At least when they gave up on Unitas they didn't know what they had. But they saw Marino play for 4 years in their backyard and chose senior Sack instead.
Unitas was a contemporary of Dan Rooney's, the two having played QB at rival schools ... And Unitas was playing for the Bloomfield Rams when the Colts picked him up. So that miss was just as bad as Marino.
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written by kevin morris, February 05, 2012 - 07:53 AM
written by kevin morris, February 05, 2012 - 07:53 AM
There were strong local rumors about Danny Marino having a drug problem when he was coming out of Pitt. I remember those rumors being very publicly bandied about between PSU and Pitt fans. Remember, it wasn't just the Steelers that passed him up; he was the sixth QB taken that year.
Good point for those still obsessed about why the Steelers didn't take Marino. At the time, also, they had Bradshaw, the heir apparent, Stoudt, and No. 1 draft choice Malone. There was no reason for them to pick a QB. -- Bob Smizik
Good point for those still obsessed about why the Steelers didn't take Marino. At the time, also, they had Bradshaw, the heir apparent, Stoudt, and No. 1 draft choice Malone. There was no reason for them to pick a QB. -- Bob Smizik
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written by snoel, February 05, 2012 - 07:58 AM
written by snoel, February 05, 2012 - 07:58 AM
*t should be no surprise that Curtis Martin was also selected for induction in the Taylor Alldeerdice Hall of Fame, joining many luminaries including the late Richard Caliguiri.
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written by hiddenvigorish, February 05, 2012 - 08:30 AM
written by hiddenvigorish, February 05, 2012 - 08:30 AM
Nice to see Pitt so high on the list with 8 Hall of Famers. And barring any major injuries, we're very likely to see two more in the coming years.
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written by frankarms, February 05, 2012 - 09:23 AM
written by frankarms, February 05, 2012 - 09:23 AM
Was always told that Butler was a great football player and deserving of this honor.
Congrats and thanks to all of you, I enjoyed watching and hearing of your achievements.
Go Pitt!
Congrats and thanks to all of you, I enjoyed watching and hearing of your achievements.
Go Pitt!
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written by Rich W, February 05, 2012 - 09:42 AM
One didn't even need to live here to have heard that bandied about. My team, the Jets, took Kenny O'Brien two spots ahead of where the Fins took Marino. Marino had "bad news" all over him.
IMO, that Jimbo Covert and Tim Lewis were picked ahead of Marino says something as well.
written by Rich W, February 05, 2012 - 09:42 AM
written by kevin morris, February 05, 2012 - 08:53 AM
There were strong local rumors about Danny Marino having a drug problem when he was coming out of Pitt. I remember those rumors being very publicly bandied about between PSU and Pitt fans. Remember, it wasn't just the Steelers that passed him up; he was the sixth QB taken that year.
One didn't even need to live here to have heard that bandied about. My team, the Jets, took Kenny O'Brien two spots ahead of where the Fins took Marino. Marino had "bad news" all over him.
IMO, that Jimbo Covert and Tim Lewis were picked ahead of Marino says something as well.
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written by STATONJM, February 05, 2012 - 11:40 AM
written by STATONJM, February 05, 2012 - 11:40 AM
Good point for those still obsessed about why the Steelers didn't take Marino. At the time, also, they had Bradshaw, the heir apparent, Stoudt, and No. 1 draft choice Malone. There was no reason for them to pick a QB. -- Bob Smizik
Bob, I do not view myself as being "obsessive", but even you must admit, the Steelers in passing up on Marino failed to adhere to their credo of selecting the best player available.
Bradshaw was at the end of his career. Stoudt had not accomplished anything. Malone was a good athlete, but his college resume was no where near Marino's. Insofar as drug rumors were concerned, they had the opportunity to investigate and satisfy themselves. Obviously, they didn't.
The Steelers have had two franchise quarterbacks, missing out on a third was a huge blunder.
Easy for you to say now that Marino was the best player available. Besides, as stated, the Steelers had Bradshaw, Stoudt and Malone. It would have been insane to take a QB. --- Bob Smizik
Bob, I do not view myself as being "obsessive", but even you must admit, the Steelers in passing up on Marino failed to adhere to their credo of selecting the best player available.
Bradshaw was at the end of his career. Stoudt had not accomplished anything. Malone was a good athlete, but his college resume was no where near Marino's. Insofar as drug rumors were concerned, they had the opportunity to investigate and satisfy themselves. Obviously, they didn't.
The Steelers have had two franchise quarterbacks, missing out on a third was a huge blunder.
Easy for you to say now that Marino was the best player available. Besides, as stated, the Steelers had Bradshaw, Stoudt and Malone. It would have been insane to take a QB. --- Bob Smizik
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written by jayh63, February 05, 2012 - 12:19 PM
If only they had that crystal ball. I wouldn't call it a blunder no more than saying they should have drafted Tom Brady instead of Tee Martin in the 5th round of the 2000 draft. Hindsight makes all of us geniuses.
written by jayh63, February 05, 2012 - 12:19 PM
The Steelers have had two franchise quarterbacks, missing out on a third was a huge blunder.
If only they had that crystal ball. I wouldn't call it a blunder no more than saying they should have drafted Tom Brady instead of Tee Martin in the 5th round of the 2000 draft. Hindsight makes all of us geniuses.
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written by DivineHammer, February 05, 2012 - 12:20 PM
written by DivineHammer, February 05, 2012 - 12:20 PM
Dan Marino's senior year stats were down considerably and that in part forced many teams to pass on him....
Marino threw for less yards in his senior year and had 17 TD's and 23 INT's his senior year........a player with his stats nowadays would possibly not even get a sniff in the draft or at the very least a late rounder. Granted the game is somewhat different now but it was widely regarded at the time that Marino had an extremely disappointing Senior season......
Marino threw for less yards in his senior year and had 17 TD's and 23 INT's his senior year........a player with his stats nowadays would possibly not even get a sniff in the draft or at the very least a late rounder. Granted the game is somewhat different now but it was widely regarded at the time that Marino had an extremely disappointing Senior season......
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written by AHab35, February 05, 2012 - 02:55 PM
written by AHab35, February 05, 2012 - 02:55 PM
I distinctly remember reading a draft preview in 1983 that had the Steelers picking Marino. In those days there were only two or three draft previews published, rather than 3.6 million today, so i'm guessing it was from a reputable source (though after 29 years I can't remember who).
So at least one football guy out there thought the Steelers should draft Marino.
It all comes down to how good they thought Malone was. Bradshaw was 14 years in and coming off elbow surgery which he had before the draft. Stoudt was nobody. So if they really thought Malone was a future stud, they were justified in not taking Marino.
For what its worth, I always thought Noll was enamoured with Malone. I remember in 1984 that David Woodley clealry outplayed Malone in the preseason and even the first few games but it always seemed that Noll was looking for any excuse to get Malone back behind center. That tells me Noll thought Malone could play.
That would explain his passing up Marino...for better or for worse.
The Steelers were very high on Stoudt. He was not, in their eyes, a nobody. -- Bob Smizik
So at least one football guy out there thought the Steelers should draft Marino.
It all comes down to how good they thought Malone was. Bradshaw was 14 years in and coming off elbow surgery which he had before the draft. Stoudt was nobody. So if they really thought Malone was a future stud, they were justified in not taking Marino.
For what its worth, I always thought Noll was enamoured with Malone. I remember in 1984 that David Woodley clealry outplayed Malone in the preseason and even the first few games but it always seemed that Noll was looking for any excuse to get Malone back behind center. That tells me Noll thought Malone could play.
That would explain his passing up Marino...for better or for worse.
The Steelers were very high on Stoudt. He was not, in their eyes, a nobody. -- Bob Smizik
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written by AHab35, February 05, 2012 - 04:21 PM
written by AHab35, February 05, 2012 - 04:21 PM
Bob if the Steelers were very high on Stoudt, and admittedly my memory is a bit foggy on that, it was a very poor evaluation on their part. He simply was not an NFL caliber starting QB.
At least Malone was a first round pick. Stoudt was, if memory serves a lower round pick from a smaller school. As I recall, slow delivery and stared down his receivers. Not sure what they would be high on.
Probably for the same reason they were high on LImus Sweed and dozens of other personnel misevaluations. -- Bob Smizik
At least Malone was a first round pick. Stoudt was, if memory serves a lower round pick from a smaller school. As I recall, slow delivery and stared down his receivers. Not sure what they would be high on.
Probably for the same reason they were high on LImus Sweed and dozens of other personnel misevaluations. -- Bob Smizik
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