Former Steelers Safety Ryan Clark Reveals His Dangerous Game Day Mindset: "They're Gonna Die"

The Pittsburgh Steelers will always be known for being an organization that prioritizes its play on the defensive side of the football. The Steel Curtain from the dynasty that ruled the NFL back during the 1970s is considered one of the best and most historic defensive groups of all time, and the attitude from that unit has continued on throughout the rest of time with the Steelers. That was evidently clear with the defenses throughout the 2000s and early-2010s with players like James Harrison, Ryan Clark, and Troy Polamalu. All three were special players to the organization.

The defense in Pittsburgh throughout the 2000s and early-2010s was star-studded, and Clark probably flies under the radar with most casual NFL fans. General football fans don't seem to grasp the kind of player that he was, and just how important he was to a few of the best defenses in the history of the NFL. He was Polamalu's partner-in-crime in the defensive backfield, and his play allowed Polamalu to be the player that he was.

Clark is most known for his hitting. He knocked several opponents out on the football field, and he is a big reason that the player safety initiative became a thing. He recently joined his former teammate Cam Heyward on an episode of Not Just Football, and the two discussed Clark's career. The former safety gave some insight to his mindset when he was on the field.

"If they come across the middle, they're gonna die." Clark said. "Period. One of us going to be asleep, and I didn't care which one it was. But, other people didn't walk into stadiums like that. It got to the point for me, I wore, not the wins or the big hits, but the willingness to do it as a badge of honor."

Clark didn't mince his words, and his statement is very true. This is what it looked like when he was playing the game. He was constantly trying to take opponent's heads off. His hit on Willis McGahee in the AFC Championship Game stands out, as does his hit on Wes Welker. He made each one of those players have to question going up against Clark again.

Clark's story in the NFL should be inspiring to a lot of people. He was undrafted, and he carved out a career for himself with the New York Giants and the then-Washington Redskins. He also helped to win a Super Bowl for the Steel City, which is something that will always be tied to legacy on the football field.

He eventually became a free agent and signed in Pittsburgh, which is where things took off for the safety. He wound up becoming a Pro Bowler with the Steelers and he played eight seasons with the team. He recorded 12 interceptions and recorded 667 total tackles. He was a starter throughout his entire time with the franchise.

Steelers Fans Need To Be Sure Clark Is Remembered For His Play

Clark is an important player in Steelers history, and he is also an important player in NFL history. His violent play made the game safer for offensive players, which was a pivotal time in the grand scheme of things for the league. Ever since retiring, he has made a name for himself as a personality in the media. He has gotten himself into hot water a few times with things he has said on the air, and he was most recently in the news after he was let go by ESPN.

He is a polarizing figure in the media, even more so now that he was fired. It is a shame because he was such a fun player to watch with the Steelers, and he should be remembered for his violent playing style rather than making headlines in the media.

What do you think about Clark's comments? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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