Earlier I began discussing Pittsburgh legend Dick Hoak, by looking back at his collegiate career at Penn State. Now, in part two of a three-part series, I turn my attention to Hoak the NFL player. Not too many football players are afforded the opportunity of living their dream by getting to play in the NFL, but even fewer are afforded the opportunity of getting to do so in their hometown. Hoak got that opportunity when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of ... Read More
Dick Hoak: A Pittsburgh legend; the college years
It’s hard to think of Pittsburgh Sports legends and not include the name Dick Hoak on any list. The mere fact that Hoak accomplished what he did in both his playing and coaching career without ever leaving his backyard makes Hoak’s accomplishments that much more special. Those not familiar with Hoak, he not only was a high school standout at Jeannette High School, but took those talents to Penn State University where he excelled on both sides of the ball. From there Hoak was drafted by the ... Read More
Steelers release Lance Moore
When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed veteran Lance Moore last offseason, many people were excited about the role that Moore could play in the Steelers offense. But instead of being a replacement for Jerricho Cotchery and Emmanuel Sanders, Moore turned out to be a big disappointment in his only season with the Steelers. After signing a two-year deal last year, Moore won't be around to see the end of it as the Steelers released the veteran on Monday. Moore was a healthy scratch during the ... Read More
Mike Wallace returning to Pittsburgh is a bad idea
The Pittsburgh Steelers have many pressing needs this offseason. Near the bottom of that priority list should be adding a high-priced wide receiver. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported on Friday that former Steelers receiver Mike Wallace would be interested in a return to Pittsburgh if and when the Miami Dolphins cut him loose in the upcoming days. La Canfora wrote: Wallace might have a hard time getting half of his current average salary per season on the open market and I continue to ... Read More
Could Dick LeBeau lure Steelers free agents to Tennessee?
As the calendar gets ready to turn into March, things are about to pick up in the NFL as the offseason is close to getting underway. Closer to home the Pittsburgh Steelers have many decisions to make, most notably with some popular veteran players such as Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Brett Keisel and Ike Taylor. While it remains to be seen if any of these long time veterans are in the Steelers future plans, one has to wonder what kind of role long time Steelers defensive coordinator Dick ... Read More
Steelers to restructure contracts of Mike Mitchell, Maurkice Pouncey
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert has been busy freeing up cap space for the upcoming offseason. On Wednesday I looked at the fact that Colbert freed up $3.7 million by restructuring the contract of offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert. Later on in the day he did the same to both safety Mike Mitchell and center Maurkice Pouncey. The three restructured deals will save the team a total of $9.5 million in or the upcoming season. Mitchell, who signed with the Steelers prior to ... Read More
Steelers restructure Marcus Gilbert’s contract to free up cap room
Typically as the Pittsburgh Steelers head into any offseason, it is tricky for Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert to free up cap space to sign free agents and that year’s draft picks. Colbert made a move on Wednesday to free up some cash by restricting the contract of offensive tackle Marcus Gilbert. Gilbert, who just signed a new deal prior to last season, had his contract reworked to create $3.724 million in cap space. The team turned a $3.5 million roster bonus and $1.15 million ... Read More
Ryan Clark retires as a Pittsburgh Steeler
Former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Clark took a long road to a successful NFL career. That 13-year career came to a conclusion on Wednesday when Clark announced his retirement from the NFL. Clark announced that he will retire a Pittsburgh Steeler, after spending the best years of his career in black and gold. "I get an opportunity to retire as a Steeler, which is very important to me," Clark said on ESPN's NFL Live. "To be able to play with some of the greats in Troy Polamalu, James ... Read More
Report: Former Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau to join Tennessee Titans coaching staff
It looks like long-time Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is taking a similar path that former offensive coordinator Bruce Arians took after his departure. According to a report by Jim Wyatt, the Tennessee Titans beat writer for the Tennessean, LeBeau will join the Titans coaching staff as an assistant head coach, defensive coach with the Titans. Former #Steelers DC Dick LeBeau is expected to be named assistant head coach/defense with the #Titans, per sources. — Jim Wyatt ... Read More
Ike Taylor willing to switch positions and teams
Once upon a time, a former great Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback made the switch to safety and it paid great dividends as Rod Woodson was able to prolong his career as a very productive NFL safety. Could Ike Taylor do the same thing? While Taylor wasn’t close to having Woodson’s abilities as a corner, the veteran seems willing to follow Woodson’s career path to stay in the league a few more years. Taylor said during an interview on Wednesday with Mike Florio on PFT Live, that he was ... Read More