Top Pittsburgh Steelers Headlines Of 2015
As 2015 comes to a close, here's a look back at some of the top stories about the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Steelers Lose To Ravens In Wild Card Game
On Jan. 3, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Wild Card matchup at Heinz Field.
Unfortunately, a first quarter field goal by Shaun Suisham was the only lead the Steelers would hold in the contest.
The Ravens pulled away in the second half, winning the contest 30-17.
It was the first time Baltimore had won a playoff game in Pittsburgh.
93-7 The Fan's Colin Dunlap tried to put the loss into perspective.
Dick LeBeau, Steelers Part Ways
With the wounds of the playoff loss to the Ravens still fresh, the Steelers and Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau parted ways.
LeBeau was with the team for 16 years, with 13 of those years in the defensive coordinator role.
In the weeks that followed, City Council proclaimed February to be "Dick LeBeau Month."
Ben Roethlisberger Signs Extension
In March, the Pittsburgh Steelers locked up their franchise quarterback with a long-term contract.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Roethlisberger's 5-year deal is worth $99 million with escalators that could bump it up to $108 million.
The extension will kick in for the start of the 2016 season.
Troy Polamalu Retires
In April, Steelers legend and ultimate fan favorite, Troy Polamalu announced his retirement.
Polamalu was drafted 16th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers.
During his 12-year career, he racked up 12 sacks, 32 interception, 13 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries.
Polamalu ranks second in franchise history with five regular season defensive touchdowns (five).
He also helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and was named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Jerome Bettis Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
After years of waiting, Jerome Bettis was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
"The Bus" is the sixth-leading rusher in NFL history and the 17th member of the Steelers to be inducted.
Bettis retired after helping the Steelers defeat the Seattle Seahawks 21-10 in Super Bowl XL. The game was played in his hometown of Detroit.
Steelers Sign Michael Vick
One of the more controversial moments of the year, at least among fans, came when the Steelers signed backup quarterback Michael Vick.
Social media was flooded with anti-Vick messages and an online petition quickly gained thousands of signatures.
Fans took to the airwaves of 93-7 The Fan to voice their opinions as well.
Click for more "Hot Takes" on the Vick signing
Here's one of the calls of the year, where a caller says Pittsburgh is more of a "cat tahn."
Steelers Dress Code Violations
Several Steelers made national headlines season by defying the NFL's uniform policies to raise awareness to various causes.
After losing his mother and four aunts to breast cancer, Williams wanted to wear pink for the entire season. However, the league declined his request.
Later, Williams was fined $5,757 by the NFL for having "We will find a cure" and the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon printed on his eye black.
NFL rules forbid players from displaying any "personal messages."
Meanwhile, Heyward was fined by the NFL for writing "Iron Head" on his eye black during a game against the Chargers.
"Iron Head" was the nickname for Cam's father Craig Heyward who passed away from brain cancer in 2006.
William Gay also wore purple cleats to call attention to domestic violence. Gay's mother was killed in an act of domestic violence and he's worn purple cleats in October for the past two seasons.
For wearing the cleats, he was fined $5,787.
Le'Veon Bell MCL injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers' title hopes took a major hit early in November, when running back Le'Veon Bell suffered a torn MCL
The injury happened during the team's 16-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field.
It was the same knee he injured last year against the Bengals.
In six games, Bell racked up 556 rushing yards with three touchdowns. He also added 24 receptions for 136 yards.
Roethlisberger, Brown, DeCastro Selected Pro Bowl
Ben Roethlisberger, David DeCastro and Antonio Brown all had great seasons for the Steelers.
As a result, they were all named to the Pro Bowl in Hawaii.
Roethlisberger will be making his fourth appearance, this is the third consecutive trip and fourth overall selection for Brown and DeCastro will be making his first-ever appearance.
Antonio Brown Named Steelers Team MVP
In the final days of the year, the Steelers voted wide receiver Antonio Brown the team MVP.
Entering the final week of the regular season, Browns has 123 receptions this year, good for second-most in the league, 1,647 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.
This is the third time in the past five seasons that Brown has been voted team MVP.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
