Franco Harris was a fullback, as was Merril Hoge and John Henry Johnson. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. Frank Pollard: In the mid-1980s, a stout Frank Pollard became the Steelers primary running back. Franco Harris is the Pittsburgh Steelers career leader in rushing yards with 11,950. By Ross Kelly and Tony Adame, updated on October 18, 2022. Winning three Super Bowls helps earn you a spot on this list too. Bell will pay the price this season with a three-game suspension to start the 2015 season. Merril Hoge: Lasting until the 10th round in the 1987 NFL draft, Merril Hoge was a tough as nails runner for the Steelers who suffered a rash of concussion injuries that would cost him his career. TODAY: Running backs Since the merger in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers have rushed for more yards than any other team in the National Football League, and this commitment got two of their running backs elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He caught 57 passes for 338 yards as well. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . Abercrombie played one more season in 1988 with the cross state Philadelphia Eagles before retiring. Pittsburgh Steelers Draft History. At 244 pounds, Morris was a load running behind the offensive line and his numbers backed up his train rushing efforts. In 1944 he led Army to an undefeated record with 12 victories and was named the teams Most Valuable Player. LeVeon Bell got off to a late start in his rookie season due to injuries but then proved he was worthy of his second round draft selection. Read on to find out why. Not entirely. Player Team Age Total Value Avg./Year Total Guaranteed Fully Guaranteed Free Agency; Christian McCaffrey: 49ers: 27: $64,063,412: $16,015,853: $36,346,412: $30,062,500 Williams didn't post a 1,000-yard season in this decade mostly due to the fact he shared the backfield with another player on our list. 'We'll probably move a little slower than most of our peers, but we don't worry about the Jonses', 28-14 victory caps 7-2 finish, but season ends because Miami's win claims final playoff spot, 'He drinks the Kool-Aid that is Pittsburgh, Pa., he's a Steeler, he teaches it to the young guys', His 111 yards rushing, 10-yard catch for a TD, and physical presence throughout keyed 16-13 win, 'His versatility, his experience allows us to move him and Minkah to diversify our attack', 'The most challenging component of the weather, man, are the poor fans sitting in the stands', Dan Rooney: 'One of the finest, most thoughtful human beings I have ever known', 'I wanted to see Mitch's ability to bounce back from the last game relative to taking care of the ball', Three interceptions, blocked FG prove to be insurmountable mistakes in 16-14 defeat, 'You can take the energy out of an arena on the road when you do some of the things he does', The 19-16 victory represents first winning streak of season and is the third in last four games, The defense made some plays, such as Heyward's sack, but also allowed two 90-yard TD drives, 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers. Weve reviewed the most popular quarterbacks to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but among those signal callers, who are some of the players they were handing the ball off to when not throwing the rock? The intent is to lean the offensive game plan toward the passing game and open up the defense with complex formations and plays. All-time Rushing Leader: Franco Harris 2,881 att, 11,950 yds, 91 TD . Unfortunately, his tenure with the Steelers came to a dramatic end with a contract dispute in 2018, but during his time with the team, he was one of the greatest. This decade, Sproles has also led the league in punt return yardage twice. Williams led the NFL in touchdowns last season with 17. Once the Steelers free up a considerable amount of cap space, are eight free agents who could reinvigorate the roster in the 2023 season. RASHARD MENDENHALL came to the Steelers as a first-round pick in 2008, and after spending the bulk of his rookie season on the injured reserve list, he rushed for 3,309 yards on 812 carries (4.1 average) and 29 touchdowns from 2009-11. But during the Super Bowl seasons of 1978 and 1979, Sidney Thornton played a significant role in the Steelers' rushing attack. But since then he has a pair of 1,000-yard rushing years and 4,545 yards on the ground in five years. The 32-year-old has yet to post a 1,000-yard season this decade, and judging by the fact he had only six rushing attempt last season, he's probably going to end the 2010s without one. Despite the occurrences of injury, Hoge ran for 3,115 yards as a Steeler and rushed for 21 touchdowns. The first requirement is an intimidating defense that dominates opponents and makes it tough for them to put points on the board. Still, Johnson's All-Pro 2016 season was enough to land him on the list. Everything in the NFL goes in cycles. Bleier was injured during his tour of duty and told he would never play football again, but he returned to the Steelers and fought his way back into football shape, eventually playing 10 more seasons in the NFL. Fuqua would have to be the most colorful player in Steelers history as well as the most controversial. It wasn't too long ago that Freeman was regarded as a top-five back in the league. This was the age of the feature back, when one superstar halfback got most of the carries. He only spent six seasons with the Steelers, but it was enough to rack up 4,381 rushing yards and land him at number five for all-time leading rushers in Pittsburgh history. He's another back who never led the league in rushing and never made All-Pro. During recent years, he's become somewhat forgotten in Buffalo, but McCoy has both All-Pro seasons and multiple 1,000-yard campaigns to his credit this decade. Chances are it is an announcer who remembers some of the great backs in Steelers history and how they dominated the game. Current team members are listed in bold. Player ratings with position rankings. Christian McCaffrey (2019) This past season, McCaffrey became the third running back in NFL history to generate over 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in a single season. Najee Harris warming to Steelers' running back-by-committee approach. Barkley reminded the NFL world this past season that he's one of the best running backs in the league by rushing for a career-high 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns. Only other is safeties at sub lb and doesn't change their ratings just where they are on the field. Bell made three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams as a Steeler. John Fuqua: How could any Steelers fan in the Nation of Black and Gold not smile when speaking of John Frenchy Fuqua. Drafted by the Steelers in 1942 and in his rookie season led the NFL in rushing with 696 yards. He'll continue to split time with Nick Chubb in the backfield, but the Browns are a run-first team that will use the talents of both. That lands him in the top five during the decade. Parker had a shot to lead the NFL in rushing in 2007, but he broke his leg in the regular season's penultimate game and finished with 1,316 yards. In the last 10 years, 10 different backs have led the league in PPR scoring. He made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team as a Steeler and inspired a Pittsburgh Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLone of the greatest wins in Steelers history. Let us know your thoughts down in the comments!For Business Inquiries: insid. The speedy running backs, the classic old power running back, and the mixed, well-rounded, good running back. In 1966 when the Fighting Irish won the national title, Rocky was a member of that team. Of course we are talking about the Immaculate Reception. MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie Rankings. His rookie contract was voided after his fourth season, after just one in Pittsburgh, and there were opportunities to leave. (Note: The Steelers signed Derek Watt during the 2020 offseason and released Nix, who signed with Indianapolis. In 1999 the Chiefs cut him and his life spiraled out of control with drug problems and jail time. The move closes the latest chapter of Wentz's career after just one season in Washington. In 2015 Williams rejuvenated his career with the Steelers, filling in for the suspended and injured Le'Veon Bell for 10 games. Fuqua to this day refuses to give his take on what actually took place. The 23-year-old was on his way to two straight special years to begin his NFL career before the Chiefs cut him following his involvement with a woman in a domestic dispute. He'll get the chance to continue his career with the Browns, but he'll miss the first eight games of 2019 because of a suspension. Harris was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Hoak made a Pro Bowl in 1968 and is currently ranked seventh in Steelers' history for all-time rushing yards with 3,965. He is currently the third leading rusher in Steelers history. 2022 AFC North Standings. Gordon averaged a career-best 5.1 yards per carry in 2018. Always free! Harris is my fourth-ranked running back for the 2022 season. 2023 ABG-SI LLC. Bleier starred in Super Bowl XIII with a touchdown reception and a recovered onside kick to seal Pittsburghs third NFL title. The Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded with high-end fantasy talent, and Mike Tomlin's team has been producing every week.The Steelers have scored 30 or more points in six straight games, and they are in a position to earn a spot in the AFC playoffs if they can win their final two games of the season.It's all lining up to be a happy holiday season in Pittsburgh because they close the year with . The Pittsburgh Steelers have had some great tight ends throughout the franchise's history. Let's take a look back at the rest of the Steelers picks since the 2000 season. Bill Dudley also played with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins after leaving the Steelers, and finished his career with 3,057 yards rushing, 1,383 yards receiving, punted the ball for a total of 7,304 yards, and on defense intercepted 23 passes. In 2012, he made the All-Pro team with 1,590 rushing yards and 1,786 yards from scrimmage. Ingram's best season came in 2017 when he posted 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns. Which of these tight ends has left a lasting legacy in the city of Pittsburgh? Well, he's worth a lot more now. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Barry Foster: Unfortunately for Barry Foster, his career was short in the Burgh. 4. . Last season he was in the top five among running backs in several categories. The fullback might get the ball once or twice a game in short-yardage situations, but for the most part, he was turned into a blocking specialist. By 1974, Bleier was weighing in at 212 pounds and he made the team to stay. Perhaps one of the most popular and beloved Steelers players of all-time, Bleier became famous before he ever established himself as Franco Harriss partner in crime based on his experiences in the Vietnam War. He was an example of how great players can not only break the rules and succeed, but sometimes even make up their own rules. But it was his story of injury during the war that gave him notoriety at the start of his career. In Dick Hoak's 10 years as a Steeler, he only saw two winning seasons. What those teams dont have is a legacy of bullying and dominating opponents, and that is what brought the Steelers six Super Bowl championships. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . Jerome "The Bus" Bettis tops our list as the Steelers best running back of all time. His best season came in 2015, which was the year after Williams departed, when he rushed for 989 yards and six touchdowns for the 15-1 Panthers. In both seasons, he made All-Pro. Last year's offensive rookie of the year award winner, Barkley was close to perfect for fantasy owners. Who the heck is this guy, we all wondered aloud, but in much more colorful language. James Conner was thrust into the spotlight in 2018 when halfback LeVeon Bell held out for the entire season. Others were blocking fullbacks who spent their careers opening holes for star backs. It was thought by the Steelers coaching staff and fans alike that Pittsburgh had found their new star running back. LeVeon Bell: Finally we have our current star in the making. As the tight end position increasingly becomes more of a focal point in offensive schemes , one can only imagine what this list will look like in years down the road. The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2020 running back room has the assortments of all the skillsets you could find around the NFL. The running back fell just short of 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season after finishing with 1,414 yards in his rookie campaign. In 1980, Thornton would average five yards-per-carry while carrying the rock 78 times. Landry Jones (2015-2017) Tommy Maddox (2002-2005) Terry Bradshaw (1970-1983) The number of games they started during the season is listed to the right of their name: Season. From 2010-13, Johnson rushed for 4,731 yards and 27 touchdowns. Wanting the jersey number 26 which he wore at Notre Dame, Preston Pearson held those digits so Rocky settled for No. Williams recorded at least 730 rushing yards in a season four times . Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREEYour All-Access Ticket to the Pro Football Reference Database. The Steelers have had some incredibly talented players over the years . Dave Holcomb began working as a sports writer in 2013 after graduating from Syracuse University. With the Redskins, Cowboys and 49ers, Morris has 5,931 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns in the 2010s. If he had played in those games, Bell is easily in the top five on this list and maybe close to the top. In the following AFC title game against Miami, Pollard was held to just 48 yards rushing. As it is, he has 5,336 rushing yards and nearly 8,000 yards from scrimmage since coming into the league in 2013. Fuqua was not an original Steelers having been drafted by the New York Giants and then traded to Pittsburgh. If it was Fuqua who the ball last touched, it would not be a legal catch by Harris according to the rules in 1972. Former season 27 " Dancing With the Stars " competitor John Schneider has returned to social media following the death of his wife, Alicia Allain. Parker ran for 1,200 yards or better in three straight seasons and led the Steelers to two Super Bowl wins. Emailed daily. He sill holds the single season record for rushing for Pittsburgh with 1,690 yards gained in 1992. Here's the final tally of Steelers Now's consensus preseason 2022 power rankings of AFC North running backs. Until recently, the fullback was an important player in the Steelers' offense. Unfortunately for Johnson, his 2,000-yard season came in 2009, so it just missed the cut for counting on this list. The stud running back finished with 3,943 yards which lands him seventh on Pittsburghs all-time list. Still, "CJ2K" comes in at No. Allain died on February 21, 2023, following a . does st martin parish have school tomorrow. Drafted by the Steelers in the first round with the 23rd pick in 2008, Mendenhall replaced Willie Parker and had successive years of 1,000 or more yards rushing in 2009 and 2010 with a high of 1,273 in 10. But he stayed. Barry Foster first came to the attention of Steeler Nation in 1990 when he treated a kickoff as a punt, stood aside, and watched the ball bounce along the ground until the opposing team recovered it. Each offense makes its own set of demands on running backs, and every back mentioned in this article needed a specific set of attributes to succeed. Rocky Bleier came to the Steelers in 1968. Bettis was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. A good scoring drive based on running plays eats up the clock and keeps the ball out of the hands of the other team's offense. Murray rushed for 7,174 yards and 49 touchdowns with the Cowboys, Eagles and Titans in the 2010s. One of the best free agent signings of the Mike Tomlin era, DeAngelo Williams was never thought to be more than a top backup running back. Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Pittsburgh has fielded plenty of those defensive units over the years, and there are more than a few Steelers defenders in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was also an excellent receiver, both out of the backfield and split out as a wide receiver. Quite a contrast to kick off this list. Williams recorded at least 730 rushing yards in a season four times during the 2010s, and he ended the decade with 4,246 rushing yards. [2] He led the NFL with 576 yards in 1932 and held on to the record throughout his career. Bullet Bill Dudley is also in the record books for the National Football League as the only man to run for a touchdown, catch a touchdown pass, return a punt for a score, run to the end zone on a kickoff return, intercept a pass for a pick-six, pick up a fumble and reach pay dirt, and throw a touchdown pass. Merril Hoge was a versatile fullback who could carry the ball, catch passes, and block. In 2011 Jones-Drew led the league with 1,606 rushing yards and 386 touches. Fullback Franco Harris came to the Steelers in the 1972 draft and made an immediate impact. While the team continued to utilize the same rushing attack that had earned them four Lombardi Trophies in the '70s, the cast of characters and the results were not the same. Jackson never led the league in rushing and never made the All-Pro team. He led the Steelers in rushing from 1961 to 1964 and made three straight Pro Bowls from 1962 to '64. When a running back like Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris, or John Henry Johnson tramples linebackers and safeties all game, it grinds opponents down and destroys their will to compete. Emmitt Smith leads with 18,365 yards and is also the postseason leader with 1,586. Maybe I am just nostalgic for the days when Steelers backs carried the ball 30 times and took total control over a game by the fourth quarter. Keep in mind that accomplishments made only during this decade were considered for these rankings. Best: Franco Harris. Jerome Bettis was a 250-pound battering ram with incredible quickness for a man his size. That couldn't have been further from the truth. Many NFL teams used a pro-style offense during the same period, and this was an age when the fullback was a vital ball carrier. During this decade, he earned two Pro Bowl nominations and an All-Pro bid. He ran for 5,378 yards while playing at Heinz Field. In 2015 Williams rejuvenated his career with the Steelers, filling in for the suspended and injured Le'Veon Bell for 10 games. Nick Chubb finished first the AFC North in 2021 with 1,259 rushing yards, despite finishing third with 228 carries. All-time Receiving Leader: Hines Ward 1,000 rec, 12,083 yds, 85 TD . Peterson missed all but one game in 2014 because of a child abuse case, but he returned to lead the NFL in rushing during 2015. Tackles. Posted August 12, 2019 Steelers running back James Conner (30) runs for a short gain past Titans cornerback Kristian Fulton (26) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. In the previous nine years, however, the Steelers had a top-15 player seven times. Really, he will just be doing what teams like the Steelers did for decades. LISTEN: Hounds, world soccer, PGA with Mike Grau, Steelers: Need for QB of the Future is More Apparent than Ever, Steelers: Defense Needs to Take Advantage of Inconsistent Bills Passing Attack, Steelers: Devlin Hodges Has Chance to Make Lasting Impression in Week 14, Steelers: James Washingtons Emergence Could Make Offense Dangerous. All Rights Reserved. His entire career was with the Steelers and he would finish those six seasons with 1,512 yards and 18 touchdowns. Le'veon Bell also earned a reputation as one of the most patient RBs in the NFL. In just a three-year period, from 2010-12, he posted 5,702 yards from scrimmage and 47 touchdowns. Adrian Peterson is a running back with over thirteen years in the NFL. West Virginia's Senate passed a bill Monday that would give $25,000 in tax credits to former residents who move back to the state to work. Parker set the record for longest rushing touchdown from scrimmage in a Super Bowl (XL) with a romp of 75 yards which still stands today. Including last season when Bell sat out because of a contract dispute, the two-time All-Pro has missed 34 games in his six-year career. John Fuqua ( 1970-76) Before Franco Harris, there was John "Frenchy" Fuqua. After five seasons of never finishing higher than RB34, Williams had a career year in 2022, finishing as the overall RB18. Find out more. He was intensive care for 48 hours and this forced his retirement. The only exception in madden 22 was a glitched out ray Lewis that was 97 at mlb but 99 at r/lolb. He's rushed for only 2,599 yards this decade, but everyone knows he's far more than just a running back.