The Pittsburgh Steelers faced off against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2010 AFC Divisional playoff round in Ramon Foster's second year with the team. He learned a major lesson from a big mistake that day. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger dropped back to pass with just over a minute left in the first quarter, and after a pair of pump fakes, threw a pass that was batted down by Terrell Suggs right in front of Foster. After he turned away assuming the play was dead, Cory Redding scooped up the ball and ran it into the endzone.
Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers guard Ramon Foster points to something for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger during an AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Dolphins at Heinz Field, Jan 8, 2017.
Foster recalled the moment during a recent episode of The Ramon Foster Show on the DK Sports Podcast Network after a live questioner asked him about whether players can hear the whistle while they're playing. The initial question about playing whistle to whistle was something that Foster said you had to learn as a player.
"That phrase is all about that you don't know when a big play is going to happen," Foster said. "It's about if I pull up because I think my job is done and don't get somebody extra. When you're learning the game, it's like I blocked my guy, I'm good. Then you realize that the coach is going to want you to get another one."
He said it's something you learn with time about when a play is actually over. You can usually hear the whistles and referees will often make penalty calls obvious. But the whistle does have to blow for a play to end and Foster learned that the hard way against the Ravens on Jan 15, 2011.
Steelers' Foster's Tough Memory Of The Play In 2011
The Ramon Foster Show
Former Steelers lineman Ramon Foster answers a question from a listener live on the show about being able to hear the whistle while playing.
When the play was brought up during the show, Foster immediately put his hands over his face. It was not a proud moment for him as he walked away from the ball and handed the Ravens a 14-7 lead. The way he remembers it, he wasn't the only one who thought the play was dead.
"Everyone around the play stopped," he said. "Cool, the play must be over. It was Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The plays are quick and hard. Low and behold, one of the defensive lineman picks up the ball and runs into the end zone."
While the biggest takeaway from the whole thing for Foster was that this play would engrain the message of playing to the whistle, even if it looks like everyone else has stopped. Redding took advantage of the situation and scored the only touchdown of his career, but Foster realizes now that it was probably the best chance for him to ever score in an NFL game.
Luckily for Foster, he got to learn this lesson in a comeback win for the Steelers as they rallied to beat the Ravens 31-24. Baltimore scored a four-yard pass from Joe Flacco to tight end Todd Heap and with the conversion, put the Ravens ahead 21-7. The Steelers drew the game even with Roethlisberger tossing touchdowns to Heath Miller and Hines Ward. Pittsburgh got a field goal from kicker Shaun Suisham to open the fourth quarter with the lead, but Baltimore responded with one of their own. With just over a minute and a half left to play, Rashard Mendenhall scored from two yards out.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall at the bottom of the pile after carrying the ball in for the game-sealing score against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2010 AFC Divisional round.
The Steelers continued on that year to knock off the New York Jets in a classic AFC Championship played at Heinz Field. They lost in the Super Bowl to the Green Bay Packers, but their young lineman Foster earned a valuable lesson during the run. The play isn't over until the referee blows the whistle and you hear it.
Do you remember the play Foster was asked about? Do you think he could've taken it for a touchdown if he realized it was still a live ball? Comment below!
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