Pittsburgh Steelers fans have not likely enjoyed the first half of the 2022/23 NFL season. The team suffered numerous losses coming into the bye week and they are now struggling to recover ground moving ahead.
Of course, those who like to bet on the team will be hoping for a much improved second half of the season. If you do plan to do this, remember to find a safe, reputable sportsbook to bet on NFL games with first. This is true for Steelers fans all over the world. For example, if you like to bet on the team’s games from Canada, choosing a platform such as the Bet99 sportsbook is a great move.
Of course, the shocking start to the current season is something that can happen in football – as can shocking moments in general. But which have been the top five most shocking incidents in Steelers history?
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Neil O'Donnell (#14) drops back for a pass at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Mike Powell
1 - Neil O’Donnell's INT to Larry Brown in Super Bowl XXX
Super Bowl XXX is well remembered for a tragic moment when Pittsburgh quarterback, Neil O’Donnell threw a pass straight to Dallas Cowboys cornerback, Larry Brown in the third quarter. Brown set off on a huge 44-yard dash to the Steelers 18-yard line, which eventually ended in a touchdown. While the current AFC North standings might be shocking, this moment eclipses it.
2 - The 1980's
There have been many shocking moments to be a Steelers fan – but you have to consider the 1980's as an era which was particularly empty. This decade was surprising because the decline was so fast, and the team had been so immense in the 1970's.
3 - 1998 Disputed Coin Toss
This shocker happened in a Thanksgiving Day game against Detroit which the Steelers needed to win to keep playoff hopes alive. The game went into overtime and Pittsburgh captain Jerome Bettis claims he clearly called ‘tails.’ Although the coin landed on ‘tails,’ referee Phil Luckett claimed Bettis said ‘heads’ and awarded Detroit the ball. The Lions then went onto score quickly and pinch a hotly disputed win.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jerome Bettis (#36) rushes against the Detroit Lions. | Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
4 - Passing on Johnny Unitas
Johnny Unitas is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to grace the sport. Unfortunately, the Steelers did not see his potential as a young player and passed on the chance to sign him.
5 - Coach in the wrong city
John ‘Blood’ McNally is seen as one of the most legendary NFL figures ever and coached the Steelers, then known as the Pirates, for a few years in the late 1930's. One shocking moment saw him rock up to watch another football game in LA, wrongly believing the Pirates had an open week. The trouble was that they didn’t, and his team was in West Virginia, wondering where he was!
Memorable Moments in Steelers History – for the wrong reasons!
Although Pittsburgh is a football franchise which has a lot of great moments to look back on, it has not always been clear sailing. As the above shows, there have been some shocking moments for fans to endure over the years.
