I’ve been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan since the heyday of the 70’s Super Bowl teams. At the time, I was in 4th or 5th grade at Horse Branch Junior High, playing Pop Warner football.
One year we ordered those NFL duffle bags with the black, hard-plastic handles. We could choose any NFL team we wanted. I chose Pittsburgh, not because they were the best team, but because their colors, black and yellow, were the same as ours.
I’ve been with them ever since, and I’ll be with them from now on. Even when they lose to the Bengals like they did on Thursday Night Football, 31-33, a couple days ago—I’ll still be a Steelers fan.
Uncharacteristically, the defense let us down this time. We couldn’t stop their passing or ground game.
Our offense, on the other hand, was impressive. I have to admit I wasn’t happy with the Rodger’s acquisition because I thought he was over-the-hill and washed up. I was wrong—he looked like vintage Aaron Rodgers.
He did his part to win the game, but lo-and-behold, our poor showing in the defense phase led to the loss to Cincinnati. That made it worse because I had a bad experience years ago at Paul Brown Stadium.
Almost twenty years ago, I took my young son Tanner to see the Steelers vs Bengals in Cincinnati. It was a great experience until the end of a close game which we lost.
You’d have thought the Bengals had won the Super Bowl. I could accept that, but they were rude to my son.
Luckily, for us and them, we got out of there without a physical altercation, but I won’t forget it. Tanner won’t either.
Hopefully, before I die, he and I will have the opportunity to attend a Steelers game in Pittsburgh at Acrisure Stadium. It’s on my bucket list for sure.
I can just see all those yellow Terrible Towels swirling! And I can hear those thunderous “Here we go, Steelers” chants.
Maybe most of all I’ll be anticipating the end of the third quarter when Styx’s “Renegade” starts up.
Yes, I know it’s just a game, and there are more important things in life—but, Oh, man! It’ll be fun!
