RICHMOND, Va. — If you’re anything like me, you had one thought Sunday night: Football is stupid. Honestly, New England vs. Philadelphia? Why not athlete’s foot vs. jock itch? Chewing tinfoil vs. chewing glass? Heck, let’s boil some Pop-Tarts and watch this ‘Hazel’ marathon!
Truly, it’s tough times for a Steelers fan. Heck, tough times for a football fan.
Still, it hasn’t always been thus. Nine years ago (and how in the name of heaven has it been nine years already?) the Steelers treated us to an amazing postseason, before “unleash hell,” Georgia and that dumb Sports Illustrated cover. The 2008 Steelers season is probably my favorite of all, with thrilling late-season wins over the Patriots, Cowboys and Ravens, and another clash with Baltimore in the playoffs, an all-time classic. I’m sure most of you have seen it, but give the episode of “America’s Game” dedicated to this team another look. Troy Polamalu’s assessment of the end of that AFC Championship and the opportunity the Ravens had before them to march down the field, kick a field goal and beat their rivals to advance to the Super Bowl, is one of the greatest quotes ever uttered by an athlete and never fails to bring a smile to my face.
“That would be a great story…y’know, for them. But it didn’t happen that way.”
ROB ULLMAN / DKPS
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