One of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers' legacy is forged of steel with fortitude, toughness, and a lifetime of memories. The Steelers have provided much to cement in memory, from the beginning through six Super Bowls won. For the diehard slot mahjong fan or new member of Steeler Nation, the following top moments cement the greatness of the team and the pride the Steelers have brought to the city of Pittsburgh.
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Bill Cowher celebrates a Super Bowl XL victory.
The Immaculate Reception (1972)
Immaculate Reception is possibly the single most famous NFL play in history. Franco Harris had returned the ball off of a pass and scored a touchdown, winning the game that beat the Oakland Raiders and securing the win in the final seconds. The miraculous touchdown not just won the Steelers' first playoff game, but it is also where the Steelers' 1970's dynasty began.
Victory in Super Bowl IX (1975)
The Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the first Super Bowl championship in 1975. The "Steel Curtain" defense of the Steelers held the Vikings to just six points, and Franco Harris was named MVP. The Steelers cemented a dynasty and paved the way with the win.
The Steel Curtain Defense
The 1970's Steelers were characterized by the mythical defense that went by the name of the "Steel Curtain." Their defense, spearheaded by Hall of Farmers Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, frightened the competition and the keel of the team's four Super Bowls in six years.
Steelers.com
Steelers' Steel Curtain: Dwight White, Ernie Holmes, L.C. Greenwood and Joe Greene.
Super Bowl XL Victory (2005-06)
Shattering the 26-year title dry spell, the Steelers experienced the glory of days past again during Super Bowl XL. They triumphed with a young Ben Roethlisberger and Head Coach Bill Cowher as they pummeled the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. Vintage moments were experienced in the game, including Willie Parker's 75-yard score.
Super Bowl XLIII Victory (2008-09)
One of the biggest thrillers of the Steelers' was their sixth Super Bowl championship in defeating the Arizona Cardinals. One of the all-time plays in the history of the NFL came when wide receiver Santonio Holmes made the toe touch touchdown catch with seconds left. The win cemented the Steelers further as one of the all-time teams of the league.
Jerome Bettis Homecoming (2005-06)
Detroit native Jerome Bettis had the opportunity to set foot on the field in his home city one last time in Super Bowl XL. The win was an emotional one and a grand finishing touch on Bettis' Hall of Fame carrier, and his guidance played an important role in returning the Lombardi Trophy to Pittsburgh.
Allen Kee / NFL Photo Library
Jerome Bettis during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006.
The Hines Ward Super Bowl XL MVP Performance
The guts and versatility of Hines Ward were on public display as much as ever at Super Bowl XL on the gridiron. His trick-play touchdown exhibited just how integral he was in the Steelers' dominance.
The history of the Pittsburgh Steelers is replete with those plays that have transcended to the level of legends not only for the team, but for the NFL. From the Immaculate Reception on through those six Super Bowls, the ones in between reveal a lot concerning the staying power, talent, and dedication which have made Steelers an immortal team. To the slot mahjong fan, the moments aren't memories, they're pride and life's bloodstream of Steeler Nation.
