The Renegade: Top 5 Steelers Moments of Our Lifetime

During our lifetime as a fan, which probably began in the year 2000, we have witnessed the Steelers play in 3 Super Bowls while winning 2 of them. As fans, we sometimes like to dwell on the hard times, but it is truly a privilege to be a Steelers fan as we have not seen a losing season since Big Ben took over as QB (Imagine being a Browns or Bengals fan, LOL). When people ask about the best moments in Steelers history, older fans are sure to bring up the immaculate reception and some of Lynn Swann's crazy Super Bowl catches, but we sadly were not around for those. So what are the Top 5 Steeler moments in our lifetime? Let's find out!!!

1. Super Bowl 43

behindthesteelcurtain.com

I mean...c'mon there was no other answer here. Not only is the Ben-to-Santonio TD the greatest play in Super Bowl history, but this whole game is filled with great plays from both teams. From James Harrison's 100-yd pick-6 to end the first half (which felt like it took him 10 minutes to get down the field) to Larry Fitzgerald's (H2P) 64-yd TD with 2:37 left in the 4th, and so much more in between. The Steelers had one of their best years in franchise history with the #1 defense and Ben really coming into his own on offense. The Cardinals seemed like a team of destiny, going 9-7 in the regular season, going on a roll in the playoffs, on the back of Kurt Warner - Superbowl XXXIV MVP. This may be the greatest Super Bowl of all time and I have it to blame for my heart problems. 

2. Troy Polamalu AFC Championship sealing INT Return

www.spokesman.com

With this interception return for a TD, Polamalu capped of one of my favorite games as a Steelers fan and sent the Steelers on to Super Bowl 43 to win their 6th Lombardi trophy. This play signified what this team was all about, defense. One of the hardest hitting games I have ever seen ends with an amazing play by the leader of the defense. Fun fact, I was slow dancing with my middle school girlfriend at a birthday party when this play happened, and I went crazy... no wonder our relationship didn't work out. 

3. AB (*Hiss*) Goal Line Reach on Christmas Day to Win AFC North

www.nytimes.com

I know, I know, we do not like to talk about AB anymore, but this play on Christmas Day will forever be one of my favorites as a Steelers fan. The Steelers capped off a come from behind win with this play just when we all thought all hope was lost to win the AFC North. I was at my fiancée's (then girlfriend) grandparents house and they never truly got to witness how much I love my sports until I started screaming my head off when AB reached over the goal line. 

4. Troy Polamalu Finger-tip INT against the Chargers

pintrest.com

Me, you, the NFL, and the Chargers are still trying to figure this one out. Not only is this one of the best catches in football history, but Troy was so confident he caught it; he kept running! Meanwhile the Chargers were like "DiD dIs DudE jUsT dO Dat?" In a historic career, this has to be Troy's most amazing play!

5. James Conner Getting Drafted and his Success

post-gazette.com

There's nothing more heart-felt than a hometown hero. As Pitt alum, we too followed James' story ever since he wore #40 his freshman year at Pitt. When we make a Top 5 Pitt Moments, he'll make that list too. Conner not only has a great story, but he works incredibly hard and it shows on the field. Many didn't know how much he would contribute to the Steelers, being that Le'veon still seemed like the long-term option at the time (at...the...time...) but here we are - #30 is the starting RB and a Pro-Bowler. His name getting called will go down as a legendary moment for the City of Pittsburgh and its fans, no matter how the rest of his career plays out. 

Honorable Mentions

1. Super bowl 40
2. Big Ben back to back 6 TD games
3. 2015 Cincy Wild Card Game (Still laughing over this)

Are there any Steeler moments since 2000 that you would have put on the list that we missed? Let us know in the comments below and thanks for reading! #HereWeGo

-Aaron and Ryan, TGYK