How I Became a Pittsburgh Steelers Fan

It all started way back when in a small town called Wheeling, West Virginia, where I was born in 1959. I knew as a small boy growing up there on our farm in the rural area of Warwood that I was a sports fan in the making.

Between my father and my uncle I didn't have much choice in the matter.

After doing my chores and going to school, I looked forward to all the sports. During the week we watched the Pirates play and then on Sunday it was Steeler time. Occasionally we would get them on Monday night. Those were the days.

I most remember Steeler football in the 1970's to present of course.

I can remember watching on Sunday afternoon, my uncle in his chair, my dad on the couch, and my brother and I sitting on the living room floor. There were plenty of snacks on hand just waiting for some of the roughest football I had ever seen.

There was Jack Lambert, with his bloody nose half way through the game. Chris Hamburg in the back field hands cracked from the cold.

Of course we can't forget MEAN JOE GREENE. When I was little I thought he was the biggest man on earth. We can't leave out the QB, Terry Bradshaw, who, in my opinion was one of the greatest QBs to ever play the game.

Watching the intense look on Coach Noll's face as they go down by down. And who could forget coming out of the backfield was Franco Harris and his still talked-about spectacular catch out of mid air that was caught almost off the ground.

Then we have one of the best in Lynn Swan, a great receiver. Of course through the 1980's and 1990's up until the present 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers, who couldn't, or as that goes, who wouldn't be a life long fan of the Black and GOLD?

Through good games and the bad games, I'll always be there waving my Terrible Towel and cheering on the Steelers.