Growing up in Pittsburgh during the late ’80s, I often heard stories about the powerhouse Steelers of yesteryear. Usually, the tales of hard-nose sports glory came from my father or uncles. Every Sunday afternoon during football season, they’d sit in my grandparent’s front room, paying homage to the days of “Mean Joe Green” and Lynn Swann.

Like most western Pennsylvania folks who watched the team win four Super Bowls in the 1970s, my family drew pride from the black and gold. To many Pittsburghers, the Steelers represented more than just champions. Instead, they carried the mood of an entire city upon their shoulder pads. When they won, people were happy at the week’s outset. When they lost, well…. Read more…