Steelers' Never Before Seen Contract Between Legendary Mike Webster And Dan Rooney Revealed

The Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty cannot ever be mentioned without specifically talking about legendary center Mike Webster. He played in the NFL for 17 seasons, 15 of them with the Steelers, becoming the anchor of one of the greatest offensive lines in league history. Webster was known for his toughness, consistency, and leadership, helping Pittsburgh secure four Super Bowl championships during his career. His impact was so great that he is still regarded as one of the greatest centers to ever play the game, and his name remains synonymous with the Steelers’ dominance of the 1970s.

When Webster eventually decided to join the Kansas City Chiefs, he did it in hilarious fashion. Instead of the usual contract negotiations and headlines, Webster was simply watching the Chiefs and felt they could use his help. He stepped in to play for them and finished out his career in Kansas City, adding a unique chapter to an already legendary journey. It was a classic move that reflected both his love for the game and his straightforward, no-nonsense personality.

Webster’s legacy continues through his son, Garrett Webster, who has proudly carried on his father’s name. Recently, Garrett shared something fascinating on social media: a letter from the late Steelers President Dan Rooney. 

The letter revealed that after the Steelers’ victory in Super Bowl X, Rooney informed Webster that the team would be renewing his contract. It’s a rare and historic piece of Steelers history that gives fans a glimpse into the bond between one of the NFL’s greatest owners and one of its most legendary players.

Dear Mike: A contract dated February 3, 1974 was executed between you and the Pittsburgh Steelers Sports, Inc. covering your Agreement to play football for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1975 season. It is provided in Paragraph #10 thereof that the Steelers shall have an option to renew this contract for an additional period of one year. Please be advised that in accordance with the rights specified in said contract, notice is hereby given to you that the Pittsburgh Steelers Football Club hereby elects to renew and extend said contract above described for the further term until the 1st day of MAY, 1977. The rate of compensation which the Club shall pay to you for the 1976 season shall be 90% of the amount set forth in Paragraph #3 thereof excluding bonuses: Said amount to be $18,000.00 in lieu of the sum prescribed. This is also notice that unless there are conflicting provisions in a new collective bargaining agreement applicable to the 1976 preseason period, your preseason compensation for 1976 shall be 90% of 10% of the sum set forth in Paragraph #3 of your 1975 contract or $1,800.00, which amount shall be payable in equal weekly installments over the course of the 1976 preseason period commencing with the first week of official preseason training camp and ending one week prior to the first regular season game. Very truly Yours, Daniel M. Rooney, President

Steelers Fans Get Never-Before-Seen Glimpse Into NFL Life In The 70s

Garrett sharing this for the fan base to see now is super cool and thoughtful of him. The legacy of his father continues to grow in Steeler Nation, and moments like this help keep his memory alive. 

For the younger generation who didn’t get to watch the Steelers win four Super Bowls in the 1970s, hearing these stories is incredibly meaningful. Getting to see a contract from such a legendary time is an epic reminder of how special that dynasty truly was.

What do you think of when you see a contract like this from the glory days of Steelers football? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.

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