Every sports league has a revolving door of interesting personalities. After all, to make it as a successful professional athlete, a person needs to have a fair share of inborn talent, an unending drive to perfect their skills, and a competitive impulse to be the best.
Unsurprisingly, it can lead to a few stubborn, unconventional personalities. As explored by Netflix’s The Last Dance, even household legends like Michael Jordan have more than a few eccentricities that made them, at times, difficult to work with despite delivering wins.
The NFL isn’t short on its own crazy characters. Though a list that covers odd athletes lists NFL star Tim Rossovich as one of the league’s standout weirdos (and rightly so), each team likely has a resident oddball on their roster right now. Sometimes, this boils down to a superstitious warmup routine, while other times it might signal a more distinct personality trait.
When looking back at the Steelers’ list of eccentric players, there’s plenty to work with. As the second-most winning team in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers have had some of the most dangerous lineups over the decades—but which players have withstood the test of time when it comes to strange habits and quirks?
[incontent2]
3) James Harrison
Outside linebacker, 2004-2012 & 2014-2017
James Harrison wasn’t crazy, but no offensive player in the league wanted to face this five-time Pro Bowl linebacker. Despite going undrafted in 2002, he eventually became the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008—and for good reason.
He’s remembered today for having one of the most intimidating stares in league history, but he took that fighting spirit off the gridiron (multiple times). One of his most memorable runs off the rails includes an interview in Men’s Journal in which he went after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (and, unfortunately, then-quarterback Ben Roethlisberger).
2) Troy Polamalu
Safety, 2003-2014
As one of the greatest safeties to have ever played and hands-down the best of his generation, Troy Polamalu will remain a hero to Steelers’ fans for years to come. Aside from his talent, Polamalu has been remembered as a lovable oddball by publications that don’t even cover the NFL.
Aside from football, his hobbies include growing flowers, making furniture, and surfing. The only extensive break he took from the NFL came during the 2011 lockout, during which time Polamalu headed to SoCal to get a bachelor’s in history. He’s also remembered for his long hair, which helped make him an icon.
However, what not many people may know is that, following a major Head & Shoulders deal, Polamalu then went on to become the world’s holder for the highest insurance coverage for hair, as declared by the Guinness Book of World Records.
[incontent3]
1) Jack Lambert
Middle linebacker, 1974-1984
As with Harrison, there’s something memorable about a terror-inducing linebacker that doesn’t seem to have an off-switch. In the case of Jack Lambert, he also looked the part—he was towering, well-built, and missing multiple teeth. Like Harrison, he had an unforgettable leer that could make a tangible difference on the field by spreading pure intimidation.
However, Lambert stands out for his inability to gauge when, precisely, a play started and stopped. He was known for jumping on the snap too early, then failing to disengage after the whistle. He’s also remembered for body slamming opponent Cliff Harris during Super Bowl X, then convincing officials to let him keep playing.
This type of all-out competitive drive led Fox Sports Net to name him the toughest football player of all time back in 2004, then NFL Network’s NFL Top Ten as the Number 8 Most Feared Player of All Time and Number 5 Pittsburgh Steeler of All Time.
One of the most interesting and odd things about Lambert is that he’d actually planned on becoming a veterinarian before opting for football. Post-retirement, he also served extensively as a wildlife officer. Lastly, Lambert also played with Nick Saban while at Kent State in the early 1970s.
Who do yinz think were some of the most unique personalities in Steelers' history? Click to comment below!
#SteelerNation
