The
2010The 2010 NFL season was the 91st regular season of the National Football League.The regular season began with the NFL Kickoff game on NBC on Thursday, September 9, at the Louisiana Superdome as the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions, defeated the Minnesota Vikings 14–9.Tom Brady,...
Pittsburgh SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
season was the team's 78th season as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the
National Football LeagueThe National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL) and the eleventh season under the leadership of general manager
Kevin ColbertKevin Colbert is the general manager of the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers since the start of 2000. He is widely credited with putting together the World Championship Super Bowl XL team in Pittsburgh along with owner Dan Rooney and coach Bill Cowher...
and the fourth under head coach
Mike TomlinMichael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
. In
2009The 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the franchise's 77th season in the National Football League . They were coming off a season in which they compiled a 12–4 regular season record and capped the season by winning the franchise's record sixth Super Bowl...
, the Steelers finished with a 9–7 record in a tie for second place in the
AFC NorthThe American Football Conference North Division, or AFC North, is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created prior to the 1967 season as the NFL Century Division when the NFL split into four divisions...
, falling short of the Playoffs. The Steelers played all of their home games at
Heinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
in
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPittsburgh is the second-largest city in the US Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the county seat of Allegheny County. Regionally, it anchors the largest urban area of Appalachia and the Ohio River Valley, and nationally, it is the 22nd-largest urban area in the United States...
. The off-season was marked by the trade of
Santonio HolmesSantonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
, and the six game suspension (then reduced to four games) of quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
for off-the-field issues. The team did not re-sign free agent running back
Willie Parker"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
, who had been with the team since 2004. They added receiver
Antwaan Randle ElAntwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
and linebacker
Larry FooteLawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
, who were both with the team for their
Super Bowl XLSuper Bowl XL was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Seattle Seahawks to decide the National Football League champion for the 2005 season...
victory. They reached Super Bowl XLV for the franchise's 8th Super Bowl appearance, but fell to the Packers 31–25.
Coaching staff & front-office changes
Coaching staff turnover
The disappointing outcome of the 2009 season brought about the first significant changes in the team's coaching staff since the hiring of
Mike TomlinMichael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
in
2007The 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the 75th season of the Steelers franchise. The season saw the team improve upon their 8–8 record from 2006, finish with a record of 10–6, and win the AFC North Division...
.
Offensive line coach
Larry ZierleinLarry Zierlein is a long-time American football coach at the high school, college and professional levels.-Biography:...
and special teams coordinator
Bob LigasheskyBob Ligashesky is an American football coach. He is currently the special teams assistant for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.-Coaching career:...
were dismissed on January 6, 2010. Additionally, quarterbacks coach Ken Anderson announced his retirement on January 5, 2010. All three men had served in the same roles for the three years since Tomlin assembled his initial staff.
Defensive quality control coach
Lou SpanosLouis G. "Lou" Spanos is a football coach, currently serving as linebackers coach for the Washington Redskins. He was previously a defensive quality control and assistant linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.-Football career:...
left to become the linebackers coach for the
Washington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
. Spanos had been on the defensive coaching staff since
1995The 1995 season saw the Steelers return to the Super Bowl for the first time in sixteen years . The team's 11–5 finish was good enough for the AFC Central championship and the second seed in the conference...
.
Jerry OlsavskyJerome Daniel "Jerry" Olsavsky is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens...
was hired to replace Spanos. Olsavsky had coached linebackers at
Youngstown State UniversityYoungstown State University is in NCAA Division I. Nicknamed the Penguins, they play in the Horizon League and Missouri Valley Football Conference, and compete in the following sports:*Baseball *Basketball *Cross Country...
for the previous seven seasons following a ten-year NFL career as a linebacker, primarily with the Steelers.
Sean KuglerSean Kugler is an American football coach. He is currently the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League .-Early years:...
was hired to replace Zierlein as the offensive line coach. Kugler had until recently served in a similar capacity with the
Buffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Al Everest filled the vacancy as special teams coordinator left by Ligashesky's dismissal. Everest has nearly 40 years of professional and college coaching experience, including the last fourteen coaching special teams for three NFL clubs. He served most recently as the special teams coach of the
San Francisco 49ersThe 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator...
. In Everest was named the NFL's Special Teams Coach of the Year for his work with the
New Orleans SaintsThe 2002 New Orleans Saints season was the team's 36th as a member of the National Football League. They improved upon their previous season's performance of 7–9, winning nine games. Despite the winning season, the team failed to qualify for the playoffs....
.
Randy FichtnerRandy Fichtner is a quarterbacks coach for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers.-Early years:Fichtner, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was a standout football player at Meadville Area Senior High School...
stepped into the quarterbacks coach post vacated by Anderson's retirement. Fichtner had coached the team's wide receivers since Tomlin's arrival in and
Bruce AriansBruce Arians is the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to holding this position, Arians served as the wide receivers coach for the Steelers, a position that he held with the team since the 2004 season...
' promotion from that position to offensive coordinator.
Scottie MontgomeryScottie Montgomery is an American football coach and former wide receiver. He is currently the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
was hired as the new wide receivers coach. Montgomery had coached receivers at his alma mater,
Duke UniversityThe Duke Blue Devils football program is a college football team that represents Duke University . The team is currently a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference , which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association . The Blue Devils compete in the Coastal...
, for the past four seasons, following an NFL and Arena Football playing career.
Front office changes
The team lost pro scouting coordinator
Doug WhaleyDoug Whaley is the Assistant General Manager and the Director of Player Personnel for the Buffalo Bills.-Pittsburgh Steelers:Whaley worked for the Steelers as a Pro Personnel Coordinator. He worked there for 10 years before accepting the Buffalo Bills job. Whaley worked directly under Kevin Colbert...
who left to become the assistant general manager of the
Buffalo BillsThe 2010 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. It was Buffalo's first season with Buddy Nix in the role of general manager and head coach Chan Gailey....
. Whaley had been in his position with the Steelers since . Brandon Hunt was hired as Whaley's replacement in a return to the Steelers — Hunt had served as a scouting intern with the club in and . He spent the previous two seasons as a scout with the
Houston TexansThe Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Roethlisberger suspension
NFL Commissioner
Roger GoodellRoger S. Goodell is the Commissioner of the National Football League , having been chosen to succeed the retiring Paul Tagliabue on August 8, 2006. He was chosen over four finalists for the position, winning a close vote on the fifth ballot before being unanimously approved by acclamation of the...
announced in April that Steelers
quarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
will be suspended for up to six games for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. The commissioner also ordered Roethlisberger to undergo a behavioral analysis. On September 3, Goodell reduced the suspension to four games based on the results of the analysis and Roethlisberger's behavior in the interim period. Roethlisberger had been accused of
sexual assaultSexual assault is an assault of a sexual nature on another person, or any sexual act committed without consent. Although sexual assaults most frequently are by a man on a woman, it may involve any combination of two or more men, women and children....
in two separate incidents in 2009 and 2010, though criminal charges were not brought against him in either case.
Practice jersey sponsor
Communications giant
ComcastComcast Corporation is the largest cable operator, home Internet service provider, and fourth largest home telephone service provider in the United States, providing cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone service to both residential and commercial customers in 39 states and the...
, the largest
cable televisionCable television is a system of providing television programs to consumers via radio frequency signals transmitted to televisions through coaxial cables or digital light pulses through fixed optical fibers located on the subscriber's property, much like the over-the-air method used in traditional...
provider in the Pittsburgh metropolitan area (as well as Pittsburgh Tri-State), signed on to place ads for its Xfinity bundled service on the Steelers' practice jerseys. (The NFL had previously allowed teams to sell ad space on the practice jerseys in 2009.) Comcast has been an official team sponsor since 2002, when Comcast entered the Pittsburgh market through its acquisition of
AT&T BroadbandAT&T Broadband was the name of AT&T's cable operations, which were composed of the assets of TCI and MediaOne, Prime Cable, as well as two Comcast cable systems AT&T acquired later in a system swap. Formed in 1999, AT&T Broadband was the largest provider of cable television services...
.
Departed players
Unrestricted free agents (UFAs) signed by other teams
- RB Willie Parker
"Fast" Willie Everette Parker Jr. is an American football running back for the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2004. He played college football at North Carolina...
– signed a 1 year contract with the Washington RedskinsThe 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations...
- WR Joey Galloway
Joseph Scott Galloway is an American football wide receiver. He most recently played for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks eighth overall in the 1995 NFL Draft...
– signed a 1-year contract with the Washington RedskinsThe 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations...
- CB Deshea Townsend
Trevor Deshea Townsend is a former defensive back in the National Football League, and is currently a defensive backs coach for the Arizona Cardinals and most recently a player for the Indianapolis Colts...
– signed a 1-year contract with the Indianapolis ColtsThe 2010 Indianapolis Colts season was the 58th season for the team in the National Football League, the 27th in Indianapolis, and the second under head coach Jim Caldwell...
- G Darnell Stapleton
Darnell Robert Stapleton is an American football offensive lineman who is currently retired due to knee injuries. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
– signed with the Florida Tuskers of the UFL
- S Tyrone Carter
Tyrone "Chowder" Carter is an American football defensive back who is currently a free agent in the National Football League...
– signed with the Washington RedskinsThe 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations...
- FB Carey Davis
Carey Alexander Davis is an American football fullback who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
– signed with the Washington RedskinsThe 2010 Washington Redskins season was the 78th season for the team in the National Football League , and their first under new head coach Mike Shanahan, who also began his term as the team's Vice President of Football Operations...
- LB Rocky Boiman
Rocky Michael Boiman is an American football linebacker who currently is a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Notre Dame....
– signed with the Detroit LionsThe 2010 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 81st season in the NFL. It was Jim Schwartz's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings , the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the...
Exclusive rights free agents
- LB Patrick Bailey
Patrick Bailey is an American football linebacker who is currently with the Tennessee Titans. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
– re-signed by Steelers; released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster; claimed off waivers by Tennessee TitansThe 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee...
Players remaining unsigned
- DE Travis Kirschke
Travis Kirschke is a former American football defensive end. He was originally signed by the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in 1997...
New players
Unrestricted free agents signed from other teams
- S Will Allen
Will Allen is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
– played for the Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 34th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers looked to improve on their 9–7 record from their 2008 season and 3rd place finish in the NFC South but failed to do so as they finished the season at 3–13, missing the playoffs for the...
in 2009
- WR Arnaz Battle
Arnaz Jerome Battle is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
– played for the San Francisco 49ersThe 2009 San Francisco 49ers season was the franchise's 64th season, and the first full year with Mike Singletary as head coach after being named interim head coach in 2008. It is the seventh year in which the 49ers have their seventh offensive coordinator...
in 2009
- ILB Larry Foote
Lawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
– played for the Detroit LionsThe 2009 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 80th season overall in the National Football League. The Lions spent the whole season at the bottom of their division and finished at 2–14. The 2009 season was the first season with the Lions for new head coach Jim Schwartz, and most of his new...
in 2009
- WR Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
– played for the Washington RedskinsThe 2009 Washington Redskins season is the 77th season for the team in the National Football League. They failed to improve upon their 8–8 record from 2008, which resulted in Jim Zorn being fired after two seasons.-Movement:...
in 2009
- OL Jonathan Scott – played for the Buffalo Bills
The 2009 Buffalo Bills season was the 50th Professional Football season for the original American Football League team, and its 40th in the NFL...
in 2009
- LB Renauld Williams
Renauld Duvall Williams is a gridiron football linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
– played for the Canadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
's Saskatchewan RoughridersThe 2009 Saskatchewan Roughriders season was the 52nd season for the team in the Canadian Football League. The Roughriders attempted to win their 4th Grey Cup championship but lost to the Alouettes in the Grey Cup final....
in 2009; released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster
Retained players
Unrestricted free agents re-signed
- QB Charlie Batch
Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
- S Ryan Clark
Ryan Terry Clark is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
- DE Nick Eason
Nicholas Eason is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- DT Casey Hampton
Casey "Big Snack" Hampton, Jr. is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
- PK Jeff Reed
Restricted free agents re-signed
Steelers made qualifying offers (tenders) which were accepted by these players, and the players were not signed by another team before the end of the restricted free agency period on April 15. These players are therefore retained by the Steelers.
- RT Willie Colon
- CB William Gay
William Gay is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, formerly of the University of Louisville football team. He was chosen by the Steelers with the 170th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.-College career:...
- P Daniel Sepulveda
Daniel Wade Sepulveda is an American football punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor. He is the only two-time Ray Guy Award winner.-College career:He was an All-American at Baylor...
- TE Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
Trades
Players traded away
- WR Santonio Holmes
Santonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
– traded to the New York JetsThe 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game...
for 5th round selection (#155 overall) in the 2010 NFL draftThe 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
Players added via trade
- QB Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
– acquired from the Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games...
for 7th round draft selection (#225 overall) in the 2010 NFL draftThe 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
- CB Bryant McFadden
Bryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
– acquired from the Arizona CardinalsThe 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15....
along with a 6th round selection (#195 overall) for a 5th round selection (#155 overall) in the 2010 NFL draftThe 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
2010 Draft class
The Steelers selected ten players in the
2010 NFL DraftThe 2010 NFL Draft was the 75th annual meeting of National Football League franchises to select newly eligible football players. Unlike previous years, the 2010 draft took place over three days, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with the first round on Thursday, April 22, 2010, at 7:30 pm...
which took place over three days in late April. The selections consisted of two offensive linemen, three
linebackerA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
s, two
wide receiverA wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
s, a
cornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
and a
running backA running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
. All of the team's draftees attended the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine. The first round selection,
PounceyThe Pittsburgh Steelers chose Pouncey in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His rookie year, he started in all 16 games played at the center position, and was selected to the Pro Bowl.-Personal:...
, and the wide receivers
SandersEmmanuel Sanders is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
and
BrownAntonio Brown is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played collegiate football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. While at Central Michigan, he was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News as a punt returner in 2008 and 2009...
were the only selections from among the thirty players the team had brought in for pre-draft visits.
The Steelers made one trade during the draft, re-acquiring
cornerbackA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Bryant McFaddenBryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
from the
Arizona CardinalsThe 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15....
. The deal sent the fifth round selection (pick number 155) which the Steelers had acquired in the
Santonio HolmesSantonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
trade to the Cardinals in exchange for McFadden and a sixth round selection (pick number 195).
After the completion of the draft the team signed nine undrafted free agents.
2010 Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Selections
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| 1 |
00118 |
|
C Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
/ GIn American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
|
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312 lb (141.5 kg) |
Florida The 2009 Florida Gators football team represented the University of Florida in the sport of American football during the 2009 college football season...
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Signed (5 year) |
| 2 |
05252 |
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OLB |
|
254 lb (115.2 kg) |
Virginia TechThe 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer...
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Signed (4 year) |
| 3 |
08282 |
|
WR A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
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186 lb (84.4 kg) |
SMU The 2009 SMU Mustangs football team represented Southern Methodist University in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS college football season. The Mustangs, led by second-year head coach June Jones, played their home games at Gerald J...
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Signed (3 year) |
| 4 |
116 |
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OLB |
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243 lb (110.2 kg) |
Ohio StateThe 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes football team competed in football on behalf of The Ohio State University for the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Buckeyes were coached by Jim Tressel and played their home games in Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. They finished with a record of 11–2 and...
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Signed (3 year) |
| 5 |
151 |
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GIn American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
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319 lb (144.7 kg) |
TennesseeThe 2009 Tennessee Volunteers football team represented the University of Tennessee in the 2009 college football season. The team was coached by Lane Kiffin. The 2009 season would be his 1st and only at Tennessee – leaving to take the head coaching job at the University of Southern Cal on January...
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Signed (3 year); placed on reserve/PUP Players can be labeled Physically Unable to Perform in the National Football League if they suffer from football-related injuries during the preseason...
list at start of season |
| 5 |
155 |
ZZZTraded to the Arizona Cardinals The 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15....
for CBA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Bryant McFaddenBryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
and pick #195 (below) |
| 5 |
164 |
|
CB A cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
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191 lb (86.6 kg) |
Clemson The 2009 Clemson Tigers football team represented Clemson University in the 2009 college football season. The Tigers were led by head coach Dabo Swinney, who was in his first full season as head coach. The Tigers played their home games in Memorial Stadium...
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Signed (3 year) |
| 5 |
166 |
|
LBA linebacker is a position in American football that was invented by football coach Fielding H. Yost of the University of Michigan. Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen...
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231 lb (104.8 kg) |
UtahThe 2009 Utah Utes football team represented the University of Utah in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team, coached by 5th year head football coach Kyle Whittingham, played its home games in Rice–Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah....
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Signed (3 year) |
| 6 |
188 |
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RB A running back is a gridiron football position, who is typically lined up in the offensive backfield. The primary roles of a running back are to receive handoffs from the quarterback for a rushing play, to catch passes from out of the backfield, and to block.There are usually one or two running...
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229 lb (103.9 kg) |
Georgia TechThe 2009 Yellow Jackets football team represented the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 2009–2010 Football Season. The team was coached by second year head coach Paul Johnson...
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Signed (3 year) |
| 6 |
195 |
|
WR A wide receiver is an offensive position in American and Canadian football, and is the key player in most of the passing plays. Only players in the backfield or the ends on the line are eligible to catch a forward pass. The two players who begin play at the ends of the offensive line are eligible...
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186 lb (84.4 kg) |
Central Michigan The 2009 Central Michigan University Chippewas football team represented Central Michigan University in the college football season of 2009. They competed in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football during the football season. Central...
|
Signed (3 year) |
| 7 |
225 |
ZZZTraded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games...
for QBQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
Byron LeftwichByron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
|
| 7 |
242 |
|
DE Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
|
|
292 lb (132.4 kg) |
Ohio StateThe 2009 Ohio State Buckeyes football team competed in football on behalf of The Ohio State University for the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Buckeyes were coached by Jim Tressel and played their home games in Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. They finished with a record of 11–2 and...
|
Signed (3 year); released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster; added to practice squad, then dropped from the practice squad one day later |
Notes:
- from the NY Jets
The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game...
for Santonio HolmesSantonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
- compensatory selection
- from Arizona Cardinals
The 2010 Arizona Cardinals season is the 91st season for the team in the National Football League, and their 23rd season in Arizona. The Cardinals failed to improve on their 10–6 record from 2009, and were eliminated from postseason contention in Week 15....
with CBA cornerback is a member of the defensive backfield or secondary in American and Canadian football. Cornerbacks cover receivers, to defend against pass offenses and make tackles. Other members of the defensive backfield include the safeties and occasionally linebackers. The cornerback position...
Bryant McFaddenBryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
for pick #155 (24th pick of Round 6)
Undrafted Free Agents
2010 Pittsburgh Steelers Undrafted Free Agents
| Player |
Position |
Height |
Weight |
College |
Status |
Ref. |
| |
FBA fullback is a position in the offensive backfield in American and Canadian football, and is one of the two running back positions along with the halfback...
|
|
273 lb (123.8 kg) |
Virginia TechThe 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer...
|
Released in first week of training camp |
|
| |
GIn American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
|
|
306 lb (138.8 kg) |
James MadisonThe James Madison Dukes football team, founded in 1972, plays at Bridgeforth Stadium. Originally called JMU Stadium, it was renamed for William E. Bridgeforth in 1990. The JMU football team was rarely the centerpiece of JMU sports until the hiring of Mickey Matthews in 1999...
|
Released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster; added to practice squad |
|
| |
S |
|
213 lb (96.6 kg) |
KansasThe 2009 Kansas Jayhawks football team represented the University of Kansas for the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision intercollegiate football season of 2009-2010 which was the school's 120th season...
|
Released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster |
|
| |
S |
|
210 lb (95.3 kg) |
UTEP The 2009 UTEP Miners football team represented the University of Texas at El Paso in the college football season of 2009-2010. The team's head football coach was Mike Price. The Miners played their home games at the Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas...
|
Released prior to training camp; re-signed after Tuff Harris Chester David "Tuff" Harris is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
injury; released again after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster; added to practice squad |
|
| |
OT |
|
300 lb (136.1 kg) |
North CarolinaThe 2009 North Carolina Tar Heels football team represented the University of North Carolina during its 57th season in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Tar Heels played in the Coastal Division of the conference. The Tar Heels finished the season 8–5, 4–4 in ACC play and lost in the Meineke Car...
|
Released after final pre-season game in cut-down to 53-man roster; added to practice squad |
|
| |
DT |
|
301 lb (136.5 kg) |
Virginia TechThe 2009 Virginia Tech Hokies football team represented Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University during the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The team's head coach was Frank Beamer...
|
Released prior to training camp |
|
| |
C Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
/ GIn American and Canadian football, a guard is a player that lines up between the center and the tackles on the offensive line of a football team....
|
|
300 lb (136.1 kg) |
Miami The 2009 Miami Hurricanes football team represented the University of Miami during the 2009 Division I college football season. The Hurricanes were coached by Randy Shannon and played their home games at Land Shark Stadium...
|
Released prior to training camp |
|
| |
DE Defensive end is the name of a defensive position in the sport of American and Canadian football.This position has designated the players at each end of the defensive line, but changes in formations have substantially changed how the position is played over the years...
|
|
260 lb (117.9 kg) |
UConnThe 2009 Connecticut Huskies football team represented the University of Connecticut in the 2009 college football season as a member of the Big East Conference. The team was coached by Randy Edsall and played its home games at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut...
|
Released prior to training camp |
|
| |
C Center is a position in American football and Canadian football . The center is the innermost lineman of the offensive line on a football team's offense...
|
|
295 lb (133.8 kg) |
Vanderbilt The 2009 Vanderbilt Commodores football team represented Vanderbilt University during the 2009–10 college football season. The team's head coach was Bobby Johnson, who served his eighth season as the Commodores' head coach...
|
Released prior to training camp |
|
Camps and Organized Team Activities (OTAs)
The Steelers official off-season training sessions were held on the following dates:
| Activity |
Dates |
| OTA |
April 19–20 |
| Mini-camp |
April 30 – May 2 |
| OTA |
May 18–20 |
| OTA |
June 1–3 |
| OTA |
June 8–10 |
Training Camp
The team's 80-man roster at the start of training camp looked like this:
| Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Training Camp roster |
Quarterbacks
- 16 Charlie Batch
Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
- 10 Dennis Dixon
Dennis Lee Dixon, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
- 4 Byron Leftwich
Byron Antron Leftwich is an American football quarterback in the National Football League who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars seventh overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Marshall University.Leftwich has also played...
- 7 Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
Running Backs
- 41 Jonathan Dwyer
Jonathan Avery Dwyer is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia Tech....
- 11 Stefan Logan
Stefan Logan is a wide receiver, running back and return specialist for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
WR
- 34 Rashard Mendenhall
Rashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
- 21 Mewelde Moore
Mewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
- 33 Isaac Redman
Isaac Redman is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland.-Early years:Redman played high school football...
- 44 Frank Summers
Frank Summers is an American football fullback for the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League. In his NFL career, he most recently played for the Pittsburgh Steelers...
RB/FB
- 38 Demetrius Taylor FB
- 28 Justin Vincent
Justin Vincent is a former American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
Wide Receivers
- 81 Arnaz Battle
Arnaz Jerome Battle is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- 84 Antonio Brown
Antonio Brown is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played collegiate football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. While at Central Michigan, he was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News as a punt returner in 2008 and 2009...
- 19 Tyler Grisham
Tyler Grisham is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Clemson.-Pittsburgh Steelers:...
- 15 Brandon London
Brandon Jaime London is an American football wide receiver who is currently playing with the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Massachusetts.London has also played for the Miami...
- 82 Antwaan Randle El
Antwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
- 88 Emmanuel Sanders
Emmanuel Sanders is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
- 17 Mike Wallace
-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
- 86 Hines Ward
Hines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
- 14 Isaiah Williams
Isaiah Williams is an American football wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins at the University of Maryland.-Early years:...
Tight Ends
- 87 Eugene Bright
Eugene Stanley Bright is an American football tight end who is currently a free agent of the National Football League. He was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as a street free agent in 2009...
- 85 David Johnson
David Johnson is an American football Fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League...
- 49 Sean McHugh
Sean McHugh is an American football tight end/fullback who is currently a free agent. He most recently played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League.-Early years:...
FB
- 83 Heath Miller
Earl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
- 89 Matt Spaeth
Matt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
|
|
Offensive Linemen
71 Flozell AdamsFlozell "The Hotel" Adams is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State....
T
77 Dorian Brooks G
79 Trai EssexTrai J. Essex is an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League who has won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.-High school years:...
G
73 Ramon FosterRamon Foster is an American football offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He is the brother of St. Louis Rams offensive lineman, Renardo Foster. He played college football at Tennessee where he played in a career total of 44 games and also earned All-SEC...
T/G
62 Justin HartwigJustin Hartwig is an American football center who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the sixth round of the 2002 NFL Draft...
C
66 Tony HillsAnthony Tremaine Hills is an American football offensive tackle for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
T
67 Kyle Jolly T
69 Adrian Jones T
68 Chris KemoeatuUikelotu Christopher "Chris" Kemoeatu is a Tongan professional American football player who is currently a guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Utah Utes, and was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2005...
G
64 Doug LegurskyWayne Douglas "Doug" Legursky is an American football center and right guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at Marshall.-High-School:He played at Woodrow Wilson High School in...
C
53 Maurkice PounceyThe Pittsburgh Steelers chose Pouncey in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. His rookie year, he started in all 16 games played at the center position, and was selected to the Pro Bowl.-Personal:...
C/G
72 Jonathan Scott T
78 Max StarksMaximillian Weisner "Max" Starks, IV is an American football offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He played college football for the University of Florida...
T
65 Kraig UrbikKraig Urbik is an American football offensive guard/tackle for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
G
Defensive Linemen
- 93 Nick Eason
Nicholas Eason is an American football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
DE
- 98 Casey Hampton
Casey "Big Snack" Hampton, Jr. is an American football nose tackle who currently plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
NT
- 77 Ra'Shon Harris
Ra'Shon Lamar "Sunny" Harris is an American football defensive end he is currently a free agent in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2009 NFL Draft...
DE
- 76 Chris Hoke
Chris Hoke is a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He attended college at Brigham Young University.-High school years:...
NT
- 96 Ziggy Hood DE
- 99 Brett Keisel
Brett "The Diesel" Keisel is an American Football player who starts at defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brett hails from Greybull, Wyoming.-College career:...
DE
- 69 Steve McLendon
Steve McLendon is an American football nose tackle and defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Troy.-Pittsburgh Steelers:McLendon was signed by the Steelers as an...
NT/DE
- 71 Scott Paxson
Scott M. Paxson is an American football nose tackle of the National Football League who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
NT
- 91 Aaron Smith
Aaron Douglas Smith is a professional American football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League. He plays left defensive end in a 3-4 defensive alignment.-Pittsburgh Steelers:...
DE
- 95 Doug Worthington
Doug Worthington Jr. is an American football Defensive End and Nose Tackle for the Washington Redskins. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 7th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, 242nd Overall. He played football collegiately at Ohio State but previously played football at St...
NT/DE |
|
Linebackers
55 Patrick Bailey Patrick Bailey is an American football linebacker who is currently with the Tennessee Titans. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
OLB
51 James FarriorJames Alfred Farrior is an American football player who currently plays as an inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Virginia, and played with the New York Jets from 1997 to 2001.-Early years:Farrior was born...
ILB
50 Larry FooteLawrence Edward Foote, Jr. is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan....
ILB
57 Keyaron FoxKeyaron James Fox [Key-AARON] is an American football linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
ILB
90 Thaddeus GibsonThaddeus Gibson is an American football linebacker for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
OLB
92 James Harrison OLB
47 Stevenson SylvesterStevenson Ellis Sylvester is an American football inside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
ILB
94 Lawrence TimmonsLawrence Olajuwon Timmons is an American football linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Steelers 15th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State University.-Early years:...
ILB
48 Renauld WilliamsRenauld Duvall Williams is a gridiron football linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. He was signed by the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent in 2004...
ILB
56 LaMarr Woodley OLB
97 Jason WorildsJason Adjepong Worilds is an American football outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
OLB
Defensive Backs
- 26 Will Allen
Will Allen is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
FS
- 27 Joe Burnett
Joe Burnett is a CFL cornerback who currently plays for the Edmonton Eskimos. He played college football for the UCF Knights and high school football at Eustis High School in Eustis...
CB
- 40 Crezdon Butler
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Butler with their fifth round selection, 164th overall, of the 2010 NFL Draft. Butler was regarded as a long and athletic cornerback with good ball skills, albeit with a weak statistical senior season...
CB
- 25 Ryan Clark
Ryan Terry Clark is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
FS
- 22 William Gay
William Gay is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, formerly of the University of Louisville football team. He was chosen by the Steelers with the 170th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.-College career:...
CB
- 31 Tuff Harris
Chester David "Tuff" Harris is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
SS
- 23 Keenan Lewis
Keenan Lewis is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State.-External links:**...
CB
- 20 Bryant McFadden
Bryant McFadden is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida State.McFadden has also played for the Arizona Cardinals...
CB
- 37 Anthony Madison
Anthony David Madison is an American football defensive back and is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2006...
CB
- 29 Ryan Mundy
Ryan Gregory Mundy is an American football safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
FS
- 30 David Pittman
David Pittman is an Canadian football cornerback for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft...
CB
- 43 Troy Polamalu
Troy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
SS
- 24 Ike Taylor
Ivan "Ike" Taylor is an American football defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League...
CB
- 46 Justin Thornton SS
Special Teams
- 9 Daniel Sepulveda
Daniel Wade Sepulveda is an American football punter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Baylor. He is the only two-time Ray Guy Award winner.-College career:He was an All-American at Baylor...
P
- 60 Greg Warren
Gregory Robert Warren is an American football long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
LS |
|
Reserve Lists
74 Willie Colon OT (IR) 
54 Andre FrazierAndre Frazier is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005. He played college football at Cincinnati....
OLB (Active/PUP)
61 Chris ScottChris Scott is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a Free Agent, he has played for the Pittsburgh Steelers...
G/T (Active/PUP)
80 Limas SweedLimas Lee Sweed, Jr. is a former American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He played collegiately for the Texas Longhorns. On April 26, 2008 Sweed was taken 53rd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 NFL Draft.-High school:Sweed attended...
WR (IR)
Rookies in italics
Roster updated July 30, 2010
80 Active, 2 Inactive |
Coaching staff
| Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 staff |
Front Office
- Chairman Emeritus – Dan Rooney
Daniel Milton "Dan" Rooney is the United States Ambassador to Ireland. He is chairman emeritus of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team in the National Football League , which was founded by his father, Art Rooney. Rooney was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 for his contributions...
- President – Art Rooney II
Arthur Joseph "Art" Rooney II is the president and co-owner of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.-Biography:Rooney is the oldest of nine children of Dan and Patricia Rooney. The Rooney family has owned the Steelers since the team's founding by Art II's grandfather and namesake Art Rooney in 1933...
- Vice President – Art Rooney, Jr.
- Director of Football Operations – Kevin Colbert
Kevin Colbert is the general manager of the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers since the start of 2000. He is widely credited with putting together the World Championship Super Bowl XL team in Pittsburgh along with owner Dan Rooney and coach Bill Cowher...
- College Scouting Coordinator – Ron Hughes
Ron Hughes is the College Scouting Coordinator of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers.-Biography:Hughes is a native of Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He was a standout football and basketball player at Charleroi High School. He matriculated to nearby California State College where he played center and...
- Pro Personnel Coordinator – Brandon Hunt
Head Coaches
- Head Coach – Mike Tomlin
Michael Tomlin is the current head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. Tomlin is the third youngest head coach in any of the four major North American professional sports. He is the tenth African-American head coach in NFL history, and first in Steelers history...
- Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line – John Mitchell
Offensive Coaches
- Offensive Coordinator – Bruce Arians
Bruce Arians is the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Prior to holding this position, Arians served as the wide receivers coach for the Steelers, a position that he held with the team since the 2004 season...
- Quarterbacks – Randy Fichtner
Randy Fichtner is a quarterbacks coach for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers.-Early years:Fichtner, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, was a standout football player at Meadville Area Senior High School...
- Running Backs – Kirby Wilson
Kirby Wilson is a running backs coach for the National Football League Pittsburgh Steelers.-Coaching career:...
- Wide Receivers – Scottie Montgomery
Scottie Montgomery is an American football coach and former wide receiver. He is currently the wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League.-Early years:...
- Tight Ends – James Daniel
- Offensive Line – Sean Kugler
Sean Kugler is an American football coach. He is currently the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League .-Early years:...
- Offensive Assistant – Harold Goodwin
|
|
|
Defensive Coaches
- Defensive Coordinator – Dick LeBeau
Charles Richard “Dick” LeBeau is a National Football League Hall of Fame defensive back. He is currently the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator and is considered to be one of the greatest defensive coordinators of all time. He spent 14 years in the NFL as a player with the Detroit Lions and...
- Linebackers – Keith Butler
Keith Butler is an American football linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played with the NFL's Seattle Seahawks for 10 years and retired after the 1987 NFL season.-College career:...
- Defensive Backs – Ray Horton
Raymond Anthony Horton is a former American football cornerback in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys. During that time, he recorded 19 interceptions and returned them for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also recovered 8 fumbles, which he returned for...
- Defensive Assistant – Jerry Olsavsky
Jerome Daniel "Jerry" Olsavsky is a former professional American football linebacker in the National Football League. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens...
Special Teams Coaches
- Special Teams Coordinator – Al Everest
- Assistant Special Teams – Amos Jones
Amos Jones is an assistant special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers.-College Playing Career:Jones played safety and running back at the University of Alabama, under Paul "Bear" Bryant...
Strength and Conditioning
- Strength and Conditioning – Garrett Giemont
Garrett Matthew Giemont is a strength and conditioning coach who has worked for 30 years at the professional level with several teams in the National Football League as well as in Major League Baseball.-Early life:...
- Conditioning Assistant – Marcel Pastoor
|
Final Roster
Schedule
The Steelers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (ETThe Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com
recap |
| Final score | Team record |
| 1 |
August 14 |
7:30 p.m. |
Detroit Lions The 2010 Detroit Lions season was the franchise's 81st season in the NFL. It was Jim Schwartz's second season as head coach. The Lions spent most of the season at the bottom of their division, but with more division wins than the Vikings , the Lions ended up at 3rd place on the final day of the...
|
W 23–7 |
1–0 |
Heinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
|
KDKA KDKA-TV, channel 2, is an owned and operated television station of the CBS Television Network, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. KDKA-TV broadcasts from a transmitter located in the Perry North neighborhood of Pittsburgh, and its studios are located in downtown Pittsburgh at Gateway Center....
|
Recap |
| 2 |
August 21 |
7:00 p.m. |
at New York Giants The 2010 New York Giants season was the 86th season for the team in the National Football League and the team's inaugural season in New Meadowlands Stadium. The Giants improved on their 8–8 2009 record by finishing 10–6 and second place in the NFC East...
|
W 24–17 |
2–0 |
New Meadowlands Stadium MetLife Stadium is a stadium in the New York City Metropolitan Area, part of the MetLife Sports Complex, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. It is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets of the National Football League and is adjacent to the site of the former Giants Stadium, which was home...
|
KDKA |
Recap |
| 3 |
August 29 |
8:00 p.m. |
at Denver Broncos The Denver Broncos season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st overall and the 10th playing their home games at INVESCO Field at Mile High...
|
L 17–34 |
2–1 |
INVESCO Field at Mile HighSports Authority Field at Mile High, previously known as Invesco Field at Mile High, and commonly known as Mile High, is a multi-purpose stadium, in Denver, Colorado. It replaced the identically sized, but commercially obsolete Mile High Stadium in 2001...
|
FOXNFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports...
|
Recap |
| 4 |
September 2 |
7:30 p.m. |
Carolina Panthers -Coaching staff:-Preseason:The Panthers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.-Regular season:-Week 1: at New York Giants:The Panthers began their season at New Meadowlands Stadium for an NFC duel with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Carolina got the stadium's very first...
|
W 19–3 |
3–1 |
Heinz Field |
KDKA |
Recap |
Schedule
Per the NFL's predetermined scheduling formula, the Steelers played every team in the
AFC EastThe American Football Conference – Eastern Division or AFC East is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. There are four members: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots , and New York Jets...
and
NFC SouthThe NFC South is a division in the National Football Conference of the National Football League. It was created prior to the 2002 NFL season, when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams. The NFC South currently has four members: the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New...
, the teams from the
AFC SouthThe AFC South is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created before the 2002 season when the league realigned divisions after expanding to 32 teams...
and
WestThe AFC West is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference, currently comprising the Denver Broncos, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Oakland Raiders.-History:...
who finished in the same position as the Steelers in 2009 (third), and their usual
AFC NorthThe American Football Conference North Division, or AFC North, is a division of the National Football League's American Football Conference. It was created prior to the 1967 season as the NFL Century Division when the NFL split into four divisions...
division rivals.
The Steelers played a
Sunday nightNBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color...
game on October 31 against the defending
Super BowlSuper Bowl XLIV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Indianapolis Colts and the National Football Conference champion New Orleans Saints to decide the National Football League champion for the 2009 season. The Saints defeated the Colts by a score of...
champion
New Orleans SaintsThe 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints entered their season for the first time as defending Super Bowl and National...
in a game which conflicted with game four of baseball's
World SeriesThe 2010 World Series was the 106th occurrence of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff, played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion San Francisco Giants, began on Wednesday, , and ended on Monday, , with the Giants...
. This marked the first time the NFL has scheduled a Sunday night game opposite a World Series contest that is not a seventh game. The league explained that the decision of which game to show in this time slot was made with an eye toward minimizing the possibility that one of the competitors would be from the same market as a team participating in the World Series — New Orleans has no
Major League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
team and the
Pittsburgh PiratesThe 2010 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the 129th season of the Pittsburgh Pirates franchise; the 124th in Major League Baseball . The 2010 season was the Pirates' MLB-record 18th consecutive losing season...
were considered long shots to participate in the post-season (and indeed, they posted the worst record in Major League Baseball in 2010). There was also a feeling among the schedulers that the Steelers have a
followingSteeler Nation is the unofficial name of the fan base of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, coined by NFL Films narrator John Facenda in "Blueprint for Victory," the team's 1975 highlights film...
independent of other sports. Additionally, while the Saints are the defending Super Bowl champions, the Steelers had won
Super Bowl XLIIISuper Bowl XLIII was an American football game pitting the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers against the National Football Conference champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League champion for the 2008 season. The game was played on February 1, 2009,...
the season before. The game was considered for the
NFL KickoffThe NFL Kickoff game, and related festivities, mark the start of the National Football League season. The first game of the season is currently scheduled for the Thursday following Labor Day. A single game is held, preceded by a concert and other ceremonies. Since the 2004 season, the defending...
game, but before the Saints eventual opponent (the
Minnesota VikingsThe 2010 Minnesota Vikings season was the franchise's 50th season in the National Football League, and the fifth under head coach Brad Childress until November 22, when he was fired and Leslie Frazier was named interim head coach...
) was announced, the Steelers publicly declined the offer due to the Pirates being scheduled to play at nearby
PNC ParkPNC Park is a baseball park located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is the fifth home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the city's Major League Baseball franchise. It opened during the 2001 Major League Baseball season, after the controlled implosion of the Pirates' previous home, Three Rivers Stadium...
during Weeks 2 and 3 of the Steelers season, and the fact that the two teams prefer not to play in Pittsburgh on the same day due to parking issues along Pittsburgh's North Side, where both PNC Park and
Heinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
are located. The Steelers hosted the
Atlanta FalconsThe 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs...
in their season opener instead.
The Steelers' only
Monday Night FootballMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
appearance occurred on November 8 against the
Cincinnati BengalsThe 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League , and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division...
.
Although it is generally unusual to have more than two consecutive home or away games, the Steelers schedule featured three consecutive away games (weeks 7–9)
and three consecutive home games (weeks 14–16).
The team brought back their
throwback uniformThrowback uniforms and jerseys are one-time or limited-time variations on a sports team's uniforms styled to resemble uniforms from that team's past. They have proven popular in all major pro and college sports in the USA, not only with fans, but with the teams' marketing and merchandising...
for a fourth year. It was worn October 17 against the
Cleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
and November 14 against the
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
. This marked the first season since the uniforms were introduced in
2007The 2007 Pittsburgh Steelers season was the 75th season of the Steelers franchise. The season saw the team improve upon their 8–8 record from 2006, finish with a record of 10–6, and win the AFC North Division...
that the Steelers did not wear their throwback uniform against the
rivalThe rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers is one of the most intense in the National Football League. Both teams are members of the AFC North division, and play at least twice a year in what are often battles for divisional supremacy...
Baltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
.
| Week | | Date | | Kickoff (ETThe Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...
) | | Opponent | | Results | | Game site | | TV | | NFL.com
recap |
| Final score | Team record |
| 1 |
September 12 |
1:00 p.m. |
Atlanta Falcons The 2010 Atlanta Falcons season was the 45th season for the team in the National Football League. In 2009, the team posted consecutive winning seasons for the first time in franchise history, with a 9–7 record, but did not make the playoffs...
|
W 15–9 (OT) |
1–0 |
Heinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
|
FOXNFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports...
|
Recap |
| 2 |
September 19 |
1:00 p.m. |
at Tennessee Titans The 2010 Tennessee Titans season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, their 51st overall and their 14th season in Tennessee...
|
W 19–11 |
2–0 |
LP Field LP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
|
CBSThe NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
|
Recap |
| 3 |
September 26 |
1:00 p.m. |
at Tampa Bay Buccaneers The 2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the club's 35th season as a franchise in the NFL. The Buccaneers entered the season attempting to improve on their 3–13 record and last place finish in the NFC South in 2009, a feat they accomplished after only six games...
|
W 38–13 |
3–0 |
Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
|
CBSThe NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
|
Recap |
| 4 |
October 3 |
1:00 p.m. |
Baltimore Ravens The 2010 Baltimore Ravens season was the 15th for the team in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference North Division...
|
L 14–17 |
3–1 |
Heinz Field |
CBS |
Recap |
| 5 |
Bye A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
|
| 6 |
October 17 |
1:00 p.m. |
Cleveland Browns The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching...
|
W 28–10 |
4–1 |
Heinz Field |
CBS |
Recap |
| 7 |
October 24 |
1:00 p.m. |
at Miami Dolphins The 2010 Miami Dolphins season was the organization's 41st season in the National Football League and 45th overall. The Dolphins are entering the 2010 season coming off a third place finish in the AFC East 7–9-Staff Changes:...
|
W 23–22 |
5–1 |
Sun Life Stadium |
CBS |
Recap |
| 8 |
October 31 |
8:20 p.m. |
at New Orleans Saints The 2010 New Orleans Saints season was the 44th season for the franchise in the National Football League and city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and was the 35th to host home games in the Louisiana Superdome. The Saints entered their season for the first time as defending Super Bowl and National...
|
L 10–20 |
5–2 |
Louisiana SuperdomeThe Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
|
NBCNBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color...
|
Recap |
| 9 |
November 8 |
8:30 p.m. |
at Cincinnati Bengals The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League , and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division...
|
W 27–21 |
6–2 |
Paul Brown Stadium Paul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
|
ESPNMonday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
|
Recap |
| 10 |
November 14 |
8:20 p.m. |
New England Patriots The 2010 New England Patriots season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League and 51st season overall. The Patriots improved on their 10–6 record from 2009 by finishing with a league-best 14–2 record and clinching the top seed in the AFC, before losing to the New York Jets...
|
L 26–39 |
6–3 |
Heinz Field |
NBC |
Recap |
| 11 |
November 21 |
1:00 p.m. |
Oakland Raiders The 2010 Oakland Raiders season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League and their 51st overall. It also marked the last full season under the ownership of Al Davis, who died in October 2011. The Raiders had improved from a five-win season, their first since 2002, and achieved...
|
W 35–3 |
7–3 |
Heinz Field |
CBS |
Recap |
| 12 |
November 28 |
1:00 p.m. |
at Buffalo Bills The 2010 Buffalo Bills season was the team's 41st season in the National Football League, and their 51st overall. It was Buffalo's first season with Buddy Nix in the role of general manager and head coach Chan Gailey....
|
W 19–16 (OT) |
8–3 |
Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
|
CBS |
Recap |
| 13 |
December 5 |
8:20 p.m. |
at Baltimore Ravens The 2010 Baltimore Ravens season was the 15th for the team in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference North Division...
|
W 13–10 |
9–3 |
M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
|
NBC |
Recap |
| 14 |
December 12 |
1:00 p.m. |
Cincinnati Bengals The 2010 Cincinnati Bengals season was the 41st season for the team in the National Football League , and their 43rd overall. The Bengals looked to improve on their 10–6 record in 2009, during which they swept the AFC North for the first time in team history and made the playoffs as division...
|
W 23–7 |
10–3 |
Heinz Field |
CBS |
Recap |
| 15 |
December 19 |
4:15 p.m. |
New York Jets The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game...
|
L 17–22 |
10–4 |
Heinz Field |
CBS |
Recap |
| 16 |
December 23 |
8:20 p.m. |
Carolina Panthers -Coaching staff:-Preseason:The Panthers preseason schedule was announced on March 31, 2010.-Regular season:-Week 1: at New York Giants:The Panthers began their season at New Meadowlands Stadium for an NFC duel with the New York Giants. In the first quarter, Carolina got the stadium's very first...
|
W 27–3 |
11–4 |
Heinz Field |
NFLNNFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
|
Recap |
| 17 |
January 2 |
1:00 p.m. |
at Cleveland Browns The 2010 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 64th season as a professional sports franchise and its 60th season as a member of the National Football League . The team failed to break the longest playoff appearance drought in franchise history, a current streak of eight seasons without reaching...
|
W 41–9 |
12–4 |
Cleveland Browns Stadium-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
|
CBS |
Recap |
- Note: Bold indicates division games.
Week 1: vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Steelers began their season at home in an interconference duel with the
Atlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh delivered the opening punch in the first quarter as kicker Jeff Reed made a 52-yard field goal. The Falcons would answer in the second quarter with kicker
Matt BryantSteven Matt Bryant is an American football placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football League. He was signed by the Frankfurt Galaxy as a street free agent in 2002...
making a 49-yard field goal.
Atlanta would take the lead in the third quarter with Bryant's 39-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh would tie the game on Reed's 36-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Steelers would regain the lead as Reed got a 34-yard field goal. However, the Falcons would respond as Bryant nailed a 23-yard field goal. In overtime, Pittsburgh made quick work of their lone possession as running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
got the game-ending 50-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Steelers not only began their season at 1–0, but they also picked up their eighth consecutive opening day win.
Week 2: at Tennessee Titans
Hoping to maintain their winning streak, the Steelers flew to
LP FieldLP Field is a football stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, United States, owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County....
for an AFC Duel with the Titans. The Steelers wasted no time getting the early lead when on the opening kickoff,
Mewelde MooreMewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
handed the ball off to rookie wide receiver
Antonio BrownAntonio Brown is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played collegiate football for the Central Michigan Chippewas. While at Central Michigan, he was named a first-team All-American by The Sporting News as a punt returner in 2008 and 2009...
, who returned it 89 yards for a touchdown. Tennessee would cut the lead when
Rob BironasJames Robert Douglas "Rob" Bironas is an American football placekicker for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2002. He played college football at Auburn University and Georgia Southern.Bironas was an All-Pro...
nailed a 21-yard field goal. Throughout the rest of the game, Pittsburgh scored steadily with kicker Jeff Reed, who hit field goals of 36, 34, 25, and 27 yards, putting the Steelers up 19–3. The Titans finally scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter with a
Kerry CollinsKerry Michael Collins is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers with the fifth overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first choice in the franchise's history...
2-yard pass to former Steeler
Nate WashingtonNate Washington is an American football wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League. He was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, and successfully converted the 2-point conversion and
onside kickIn American and Canadian football, an onside kick is a type of kick used at a kickoff or other free kick, or scrimmage kick or other kick during play, in which the ball is kicked favorably for the kicking team to avoid giving away the ball...
necessary to give themselves the chance to tie the game on the final drive. However, Pittsburgh's defense was able to stop Chris Johnson on a reception as the clock ran out, sealing the victory.
Starting quarterback
Dennis DixonDennis Lee Dixon, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
sprained his left knee during the second quarter and was replaced by
Charlie Batch Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
, but the Steelers defense swarmed the Titans, coming up with four sacks and forcing seven turnovers, the most by Tennessee since 2000.
The Titans pulled their starting QB,
Vince YoungVincent Paul Young, Jr. , nicknamed "VY", is an American football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League . He spent the first five seasons of his career with the Tennessee Titans. Young was the third overall draft pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college...
, after his third turnover. After replacing Young, Kerry Collins had two turnovers of his own.
Pittsburgh also ended Tennessee running back
Chris JohnsonChristopher Duan Johnson is an American football running back for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League...
's 100-yard rushing streak at 12 games. The NFL's rushing champion had a chance to move one game away from the league record of 14 held by Barry Sanders, but he finished with just 16 carries for 34 yards.
Steelers linebacker James Harrison had three sacks, forced a fumble and recovered another. Safety
Troy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
was credited for an interception and an impressive leaping tackle on Kerry Collins during an attempted goal-line stand by the Steelers to win the game and improve to 2–0.
Week 3: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off their road win over the Titans, the Steelers flew to
Raymond James StadiumRaymond James Stadium, also known as the "Ray Jay", is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Tampa, Florida. It is home to the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as the NCAA's South Florida Bulls football team. The stadium seats 65,857 , and it is expandable to 75,000 for special events...
for a Week 3 interconference duel with the
Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a professional American football franchise based in Tampa, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the Southern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League – they are the only team in the division not to come from the old NFC West...
. With quarterback
Dennis DixonDennis Lee Dixon, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
recovering from injury, veteran quarterback
Charlie Batch Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
made his first start since Week 17 of the 2007 season.
Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Buccaneers kicker
Connor BarthConnor Thomas Barth is an American football placekicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He played college football at North Carolina....
got a 40-yard field goal following a Batch interception. Afterwards, the Steelers would answer as Batch completed a 46-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
. Tampa Bay would respond in the second quarter as Barth nailed a 24-yard field goal, but Pittsburgh would strike back, beginning with a 3-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. Batch would then find Wallace again on a 41-yard touchdown pass, followed by his 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
.
The Steelers would pull away in the second half as kicker Jeff Reed booted a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter, followed by defensive end
Brett KeiselBrett "The Diesel" Keisel is an American Football player who starts at defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brett hails from Greybull, Wyoming.-College career:...
returning an interception 79 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers would close out the game as running back
LeGarrette BlountLeGarrette Montez Blount is an American football running back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2010....
got a 1-yard touchdown run.
With the win, the Steelers got their first 3–0 start since 2007.
Week 4: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their impressive road win over the Buccaneers, the Steelers went home for an AFC North duel with the
Baltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
. Pittsburgh would deliver the opening punch in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Ravens would take the lead in the second quarter as running back
Willis McGaheeWillis Andrew McGahee III is an American football running back for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
got a 9-yard touchdown run, followed by kicker
Billy CundiffWilliam A. "Billy" Cundiff is an American football placekicker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
getting a 33-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers would regain the lead as Mendenhall picked up a 7-yard touchdown run. However, Baltimore would get the last laugh as quarterback
Joe FlaccoFlacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
T. J. HoushmandzadehT. J. Houshmandzadeh, Jr. is an American football wide receiver who currently plays for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Oregon State. Houshmandzadeh is of mixed...
with 33 seconds remaining. The Steelers would get the ball back with 20 seconds remaining but quarterback
Charlie Batch Charles "Charlie" Batch is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 1998 NFL Draft...
threw a pass that was picked off by linebacker
Ray LewisRay Lewis is a professional American football player.Ray Lewis may also refer to:* Ray Lewis , former English association football referee* Ray Lewis , Canadian track-and-field athlete...
, effectively ending the game.
With the loss, Pittsburgh went into their bye week at 3–1.
Week 6: vs. Cleveland Browns
Coming off their bye week, the Steelers stayed at home, donned their throwback uniforms, and played their Week 6 AFC North duel with their arch rival, the
Cleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
, as quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
made his season debut following his four-game suspension.
Pittsburgh trailed in the first quarter as Browns kicker
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 39-yard field goal. The Steelers answered in the second quarter as Roethlisberger found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 29-yard touchdown pass.
The Steelers added onto their lead in the third quarter as Roethlisberger connected with wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter, Pittsburgh continued its dominating day as running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
got a 2-yard touchdown run. Cleveland tried to rally as quarterback
Colt McCoyDaniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
completed a 12-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Benjamin WatsonBenjamin Watson is an American football tight end for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the New England Patriots 32nd overall in the 2004 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.-Early years:Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South...
, but the Steelers pulled away as Roethlisberger connected with tight end
Heath MillerEarl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
on a 14-yard touchdown pass.
With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 4–1.
Week 7: at Miami Dolphins
Coming off their home win over the Browns, the Steelers flew to Sun Life Stadium for a Week 4 intraconference duel with the
Miami DolphinsThe Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh trailed in the first quarter as Dolphins kicker
Dan CarpenterDaniel Roy Carpenter is an American football placekicker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League...
made a 39-yard and a 23-yard field goal. The Steelers took the lead in the second quarter with a 22-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed, followed by quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
hooking up with wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
on a 21-yard touchdown pass. Miami answered with Carpenter getting a 22-yard field goal, yet Pittsburgh came right back as Roethlisberger found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 53-yard touchdown pass. The Dolphins would close out the half with quarterback
Chad HenneChad Steven Henne is an American football quarterback for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League.He graduated from Wilson Senior High School and attended the University of Michigan...
completing a 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Davone BessDavone Atrayo Bess is an American football wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
.
In the third quarter, the Steelers added onto their lead as Reed booted a 39-yard field goal. Miami answered with Carpenter making a 37-yard field goal. Miami retook the lead in the fourth quarter as Carpenter got a 40-yard field goal, yet Pittsburgh struck back as Reed got an 18-yard field goal. The Dolphins tried to rally, but the Pittsburgh defense stiffened and held for the victory.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 5–1.
Week 8: at New Orleans Saints
Coming off their road win over the Dolphins, the Steelers flew to the
Louisiana SuperdomeThe Mercedes-Benz Superdome, previously known as the Louisiana Superdome and colloquially known as the Superdome, is a sports and exhibition arena located in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA...
for a Week 8 interconference duel with the
New Orleans SaintsThe New Orleans Saints are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are members of the South Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League ....
on Sunday night. After a scoreless first quarter, Pittsburgh struck first in the second quarter with a 19-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. The Saints answered with a 31-yard field goal from kicker
Garrett HartleyGarrett Hartley is an American football placekicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Denver Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2008...
.
New Orleans took the lead as Hartley got a 23-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, the Saints increased their lead as quarterback
Drew BreesDrew Christopher Brees is a quarterback for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Purdue....
completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Marques ColstonMarques Colston is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft as a supplemental compensatory pick. Following the trade of receiver Donté Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of...
. The Steelers responded with a 38-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
, but New Orleans struck back with Brees completing an 8-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Lance MooreLance Andrew Moore is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was signed by the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 5–2.
Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals
Hoping to rebound from their road loss to the Saints, the Steelers flew to
Paul Brown StadiumPaul Brown Stadium is an American sports stadium located in Cincinnati, Ohio. It is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. It opened on August 19, 2000. The stadium was named after Bengals' founder Paul Brown. The stadium is located on approximately of land and...
for a Week 9 AFC North duel with the
Cincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
on Monday night. Pittsburgh delivered the opening strike in the first quarter as running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
got a 1-yard touchdown run, followed by a 25-yard field goal from kicker Jeff Reed. The Bengals answered in the second quarter as quarterback
Carson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Terrell OwensTerrell Owens is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Owens has been one of the dominant receivers of his era...
, yet the Steelers responded with quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
hooking up with wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass, followed by Reed's 53-yard field goal. After a scoreless third quarter, Pittsburgh added onto their lead in the fourth quarter as wide receiver
Antwaan Randle ElAntwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 39-yard touchdown pass. Cincinnati tried to rally as Palmer completed a 27-yard touchdown pass to Owens, followed by running back
Cedric BensonCedric Myron Benson is an American football running back for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears fourth overall in the 2005 NFL Draft...
getting a 1-yard touchdown run, thanks in no small part to two consecutive penalties called against the Steelers, both of which were later deemed by the NFL to have been incorrect. Fortunately, the defense held on to preserve the victory.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 6–2.
Week 10: vs. New England Patriots
The Steelers' ninth game was an AFC duel with the Patriots. The Steelers trailed early as QB
Tom BradyThomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
made a 19-yard TD pass to TE
Rob GronkowskiRob Gronkowski is an American football tight end for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. This was followed by kicker
Shayne GrahamMichael Shayne Graham is an American football placekicker. He was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2000, and most recently played with the New England Patriots...
getting a 31-yard field goal. The Steelers responded in the second quarter with kicker Jeff Reed nailing a 22-yard field goal. The Steelers struggled further when Brady threw another TD pass to Gronkowski, this one from 9 yards out. That was followed by Brady's scramble 3 yards to the endzone for a touchdown (With a failed PAT as the kick went wide-right). The Steelers scored first in the 4th quarter when QB
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
completed a 6-yard TD pass to WR
Emmanuel SandersEmmanuel Sanders is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. The Steelers looked to create another scoring drive, but it came to a halt when Roethlisberger's pass was intercepted by SS James Sanders and returned 32 yards for a touchdown (With a failed 2-point conversion). The Steelers tried to cut the lead with a Roethlisberger 15-yard TD pass to WR
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
, but the Patriots replied with Brady getting a 25-yard TD pass to Gronkowski. Again the Steelers tried to get closer when Roethlisberger completed a 33-yard TD pass to Wallace, but the Patriots put the game away after Graham hit a 36-yard field goal.
With the loss, the Steelers fell to 6–3.
Week 11: vs. Oakland Raiders
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Patriots, the Steelers stayed at home for a Week 11 duel with the
Oakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Raiders kicker
Sebastian JanikowskiSebastian Janikowski is a left-footed Polish placekicker who plays for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders. He is nicknamed The Polish Cannon because he is considered to have one of the strongest kicking legs in the league, and leads the NFL in kickoffs for touchbacks. He lives in...
made a 41-yard field goal. However that would turn out to be the Raiders' only points of the game. The Steelers took the lead in the second quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
, followed by quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
's 16-yard touchdown run and his 22-yard touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver
Emmanuel SandersEmmanuel Sanders is an American football wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
. After a scoreless third quarter, the Steelers added onto their lead in the fourth quarter as Roethlisberger found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 52-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, Pittsburgh punctuated the game with a 16-yard touchdown pass to running back
Isaac RedmanIsaac Redman is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland.-Early years:Redman played high school football...
.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 7–3.
Week 12: at Buffalo Bills
Coming off their win over the Raiders, the Steelers flew to
Ralph Wilson StadiumRalph Wilson Stadium is a football stadium, located in the town of Orchard Park, a suburb of Buffalo, New York. It is the home for the Buffalo Bills, of the NFL...
for a Week 12 intraconference duel with the
Buffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh delivered the opening punch in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Steelers would add onto their lead in the second quarter with a 45-yard and a 46-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
The Bills answered in the third quarter with quarterback
Ryan FitzpatrickRyan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
completing a 65-yard touchdown pass to running back Fred Jackson. Buffalo continued to creep closer in the fourth quarter as kicker
Rian LindellRian Lindell is an American football placekicker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2000...
got a 29-yard and a 32-yard field goal. Pittsburgh regained the lead with Suisham's 48-yard field goal, but the Bills tied the game again with Lindell making a 49-yard field goal. In overtime, the Steelers got the last laugh as Suisham nailed the game-ending 41-yard field goal.
With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 8–3.
Week 13: at Baltimore Ravens
Coming off their overtime win over the Bills, the Steelers flew to
M&T Bank StadiumM&T Bank Stadium is a multi-purpose football stadium located in Baltimore, Maryland. It is the home of the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. The stadium is immediately adjacent to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the home of the Baltimore Orioles. Served by the Hamburg Street station of...
for a Week 13 AFC North rematch with the
Baltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
on Sunday night. Pittsburgh trailed in the first quarter as Ravens quarterback
Joe FlaccoFlacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 14-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Anquan Boldin-Arizona Cardinals:As a rookie Boldin set an NFL record for most receiving yards by a rookie in his first game , tied Billy Sims for most yards from scrimmage by a rookie in his first game , and holds the NFL record for most receptions in the first 26 games of an NFL career...
. After a scoreless second quarter, Pittsburgh answered in the third quarter with a 45-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. Baltimore would respond with kicker
Billy CundiffWilliam A. "Billy" Cundiff is an American football placekicker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
getting a 24-yard field goal. After adding a 19-yarder from Suisham, the Steelers defense would set up a 1st and Goal after safety
Troy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
stripped the ball from Ravens quarterback
Joe FlaccoFlacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
with less than three and a half minutes to go, safety
Troy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
's sack on Flacco forced a fumble, allowing linebacker
LaMarr Woodley to recover the ball and return it to the Baltimore 9, which was followed by quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
finding running back
Isaac RedmanIsaac Redman is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was signed by the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2009. He played college football at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland.-Early years:Redman played high school football...
on a 9-yard touchdown pass on third down. The Ravens tried to rally, but Pittsburgh's defense held on to prevail with the victory.
With the win, not only did the Steelers improve to 9–3, but it also allowed them to take the AFC North division lead for the first time since week 4.
Week 14: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Coming off their win over the Ravens, the Steelers went home for a Week 14 AFC North rematch with the
Cincinnati BengalsThe Cincinnati Bengals are a professional football team based in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are members of the AFC's North Division in the National Football League . The Bengals began play in 1968 as an expansion team in the American Football League , and joined the NFL in 1970 in the AFL-NFL...
. Pittsburgh trailed early in the first quarter as Bengals quarterback
Carson PalmerCarson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
completed a 1-yard touchdown pass to offensive tackle
Andrew WhitworthAndrew Whitworth is an American football offensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University.-Early years:Whitworth was rated by CNNSI.com as the sixth-best...
. The Steelers took the lead in the second quarter with safety
Troy PolamaluTroy Aumua Polamalu is an American football strong safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Steelers. He played college football at the University of Southern California.-High school:Troy Polamalu graduated...
returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown, followed by a 23-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
Pittsburgh increased their lead in the third quarter with Suisham's 35-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Steelers pulled away in the fourth quarter with linebacker
LaMarr Woodley returning an interception 14 yards for a touchdown, followed by Suisham booting a 41-yard field goal.
With the win, Pittsburgh improved to 10–3.
Week 15: vs. New York Jets
Coming off their win over the Bengals, the Steelers stayed at home for a Week 15 intraconference duel with the
New York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh immediately trailed in the first quarter with Jets wide receiver/quarterback
Brad SmithBradley "Brad" Alexander Smith is an American football quarterback, running back, wide receiver and return specialist for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted in the 4th round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played college football at Missouri.-High...
returning the game's opening kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. The Steelers answered in the second quarter with quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
finding tight end
Matt SpaethMatt Spaeth is an American football tight end for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
on a 9-yard touchdown. New York struck back with kicker
Nick FolkNicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
making a 25-yard field goal, yet Pittsburgh tied the game with a 42-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
.
The Steelers took the lead in the third quarter with a 2-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
, but the Jets replied with quarterback
Mark SanchezMark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
getting a 7-yard touchdown run. New York took back their lead in the fourth quarter with Folk booting a 34-yard field goal, followed by linebacker
Jason TaylorJason Paul Taylor is an American football linebacker who currently plays for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the 1997 NFL Draft...
tackling running back
Mewelde MooreMewelde Jaem Cadere Moore is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
in the endzone for a safety. Pittsburgh tried to rally, but the Jets defense would hold on to preserve the win.
With the loss, the Steelers fell to 10–4.
Week 16: vs. Carolina Panthers
Hoping to rebound from their loss to the Jets, the Steelers stayed at home for a Week 16 interconference duel with the
Carolina PanthersThe Carolina Panthers are a professional American football team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are currently members of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Panthers, along with the Jacksonville Jaguars, joined the NFL as expansion...
on Thursday night. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening punch in the first quarter with a 26-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
. The Steelers added onto their lead in the second quarter as Roethlisberger found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 43-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
and a 29-yard field goal from Suisham.
Pittsburgh continued their dominating night in the third quarter with Roethlisberger's 1-yard touchdown run. The Panthers would close out the game in the fourth quarter as kicker
John KasayJohn David Kasay is an American football kicker for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia...
got a 27-yard field goal.
With the win, the Steelers improved to 11–4.
Week 17: at Cleveland Browns
Coming off their win over the Panthers, the Steelers made the two-hour bus trip north to
Cleveland Browns Stadium-See also:* List of current National Football League stadiums* Chronology of home stadiums for current National Football League teams* List of American football stadiums by capacity* List of U.S. stadiums by capacity* List of North American stadiums by capacity...
for a Week 17 AFC North rematch with the
Cleveland BrownsThe Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. Pittsburgh took the early lead in the first quarter as quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
found wide receiver
Mike Wallace-Pittsburgh Steelers:Wallace was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the 84th overall selection. Wallace was the 11th wide receiver chosen in the draft. On June 18, 2009, Wallace signed a three year contract with the Steelers worth $1.740 million which...
on a 56-yard touchdown pass, followed by a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Browns got on the board in the second quarter as kicker
Phil DawsonPhilip Drury Dawson is an American football placekicker for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League. He holds the franchise record for most field goals made, passing Hall of Famer Lou Groza in 2010...
got a 19-yard field goal, yet the Steelers struck back with another 1-yard touchdown run by Mendenhall, followed by Roethlisberger's 4-yard TD pass to tight end
Heath MillerEarl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
and kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
nailing a 41-yard field goal.
Pittsburgh added onto their lead in the third quarter as wide receiver
Antwaan Randle ElAntwaan Randle El is an American football wide receiver who is currently a free agent. He attended Indiana University, after turning down a Major League Baseball draft selection by the Chicago Cubs in 1997...
connected with wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
on a 3-yard touchdown pass. Afterwards, the Steelers closed out their dominating day with Suisham's 24-yard field goal. Cleveland closed out the game with quarterback
Colt McCoyDaniel "Colt" McCoy is an American football quarterback for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Browns in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft...
completing a 20-yard TD pass to wide receiver
Brian RobiskieBrian Robiskie is an American football wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League. The Cleveland Browns selected Robiskie in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the 36th overall pick. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Cleveland, Ohio...
(with a failed two-point conversion).
With the win, not only did Pittsburgh close out their regular season at 12–4, but they also locked up the AFC's #2 seed.
Schedule
| Week |
Date |
Kickoff (ET) |
TV |
Opponent |
Result |
Game Site |
NFL.com Recap |
| Wild Card |
Bye Week A bye, in sports and other competitive activities, most commonly refers to the practice of allowing a player or team to advance to the next round of a playoff tournament without playing...
|
| Divisional |
January 15 |
4:30 p.m. |
CBS CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
|
Baltimore Ravens The 2010 Baltimore Ravens season was the 15th for the team in the National Football League and city of Baltimore, Maryland, and the 13th to host home games at M&T Bank Stadium. They played in the NFL's American Football Conference North Division...
|
W 31–24 |
Heinz FieldHeinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
|
Recap |
| Conference |
January 23 |
6:30 p.m. |
CBS |
New York Jets The 2010 New York Jets season was the franchise's 41st season in the National Football League, the 51st season overall and the team's first season at New Meadowlands Stadium. The team improved on their 9–7 record from 2009 and reached the playoffs again. The Jets played their first pre-season game...
|
W 24–19 |
Heinz Field |
Recap |
Super BowlSuper Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
|
February 6 |
6:30 p.m. |
FOXNFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports...
|
Green Bay Packers The 2010 Green Bay Packers season was the 90th season in the National Football League for the Packers and the 92nd season for the team overall. With a record of 10–6, the Packers entered the playoffs as the NFC's sixth seed...
|
L 25–31 |
Cowboys Stadium |
|
AFC Divisional Round: vs. Baltimore Ravens
Entering the postseason as the AFC's #2 seed, the Steelers began their playoff run at home in the AFC Divisional Round against their AFC North rival, the #5
Baltimore RavensThe Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
, for the third time in the season. Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening strike in the first quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Ravens took the lead with running back
Ray RiceRaymell Maurice Rice is an American football running back for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Rutgers. He is currently ranked as the Baltimore Ravens third all-time rusher in...
getting a 14-yard touchdown run, followed by defensive end
Cory ReddingCory Bartholomew Redding is an American football defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
returning a fumble 13 yards for a touchdown. Baltimore added onto their lead in the second quarter as quarterback
Joe FlaccoFlacco was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens 18th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft, becoming the highest drafted player ever from the University of Delaware...
completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end
Todd HeapTodd Benjamin Heap is an American football tight end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State-Early years:At Mountain View High School, in Mesa, Arizona,...
.
The Steelers struck back to tie in the third quarter as quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
found tight end
Heath MillerEarl Heath Miller, Jr. is an American football tight end for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. He was selected as the 30th overall pick of the 2005 NFL Draft out of the University of Virginia.-Early years:...
on a 9-yard touchdown pass. Then, he found wide receiver
Hines WardHines E. Ward, Jr. is an American football player who currently plays the wide receiver position for the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, where he is the longest-tenured current player on the team. He was voted MVP of Super Bowl XL. He played college football at the University of Georgia...
on an 8-yard touchdown pass. Pittsburgh regained the lead in the fourth quarter with a 35-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, yet the Ravens tied the game with kicker
Billy CundiffWilliam A. "Billy" Cundiff is an American football placekicker for the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. He was signed by the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2002...
getting a 24-yard field goal. Afterwards, the Steelers got the last laugh with another 1-yard touchdown run from Mendenhall.
With the win, Pittsburgh improved its overall record to 13–4.
AFC Championship Game: vs. New York Jets
Coming off their win over the Ravens, the Steelers stayed at home for the
AFC Championship GameThe American Football Conference Championship Game is one of the two final playoff matches of the National Football League, the largest professional American football league in the United States. The game is played on the penultimate Sunday in January and determines the champion of the American...
against the #6
New York JetsThe New York Jets are a professional football team headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, representing the New York metropolitan area. The team is a member of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
(who were coming off their victory over the top-seed
New England PatriotsThe New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
), hoping to avenge their Week 15 loss.
Pittsburgh delivered the game's opening strike with a 1-yard touchdown run from running back
Rashard MendenhallRashard Jamal Mendenhall is an American football running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers 23rd overall in the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois....
. The Steelers added onto their lead in the second quarter with a 20-yard field goal from kicker
Shaun SuishamShaun Christopher Suisham is a Canadian placekicker of American football for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League . He was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2005...
, followed by a 2-yard touchdown run from quarterback
Ben RoethlisbergerBenjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
, along with cornerback
William GayWilliam Gay is an American football cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, formerly of the University of Louisville football team. He was chosen by the Steelers with the 170th pick of the 2007 NFL Draft.-College career:...
returning a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. The Jets closed out the half with kicker
Nick FolkNicholas "Nick" Alexander Folk is an American football kicker who currently plays for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
getting a 42-yard field goal.
New York began the third quarter with quarterback
Mark SanchezMark Travis John Sanchez is an American football quarterback for the New York Jets of the National Football League . He was drafted in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft as the fifth overall selection by the Jets and the second quarterback taken overall...
completing a 45-yard touchdown pass to former Pittsburgh wide receiver
Santonio HolmesSantonio Holmes Jr. is an American football wide receiver for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft after playing college football at Ohio State...
. The Jets tried to rally in the fourth quarter as Roethlisberger fumbled the snap in the endzone for a safety, followed by Sanchez completing a 4-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver
Jerricho CotcheryCotchery was selected by the New York Jets in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL draft.-New York Jets:In 2004, Cotchery caught 6 passes for 60 yards in 12 games as the team's 5th receiver...
, yet Pittsburgh held on to preserve the victory.
With the win, the Steelers improved their overall record to 14–4 while also advancing to
Super Bowl XLVSuper Bowl XLV was an American football game between the American Football Conference champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference champion Green Bay Packers to decide the National Football League champion for the 2010 season. The game was held at Cowboys Stadium in...
, where they were defeated by the NFC Champion, the
Green Bay PackersThe Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
.
Super Bowl XLV
This marked the Steelers' eighth appearance in a Super Bowl, tying with the
Dallas CowboysThe Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football franchise which plays in the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference of the National Football League . They are headquartered in Valley Ranch in Irving, Texas, a suburb of Dallas...
for the most appearances in Super Bowl history.