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steelers kicker before boswell

steelers kicker before boswell

3 min read 05-02-2025
steelers kicker before boswell

The Pittsburgh Steelers' kicking game has been a topic of conversation for years, especially since the arrival of Chris Boswell. But who were the placekickers who paved the way for Boswell's success? This article delves into the history of Steelers kickers before Boswell, highlighting some memorable names and their contributions (or lack thereof) to the team. Before we look at the players, let's look at the challenges of being a Steelers kicker.

The Pressure Cooker: Kicking for the Steelers

Kicking for the Pittsburgh Steelers isn't for the faint of heart. The demanding fanbase, coupled with the team's history of success, creates immense pressure on the kicker. One missed field goal can be amplified into a significant narrative. This pressure has impacted many kickers throughout the team's history.

The Pre-Boswell Era: A Roster of Kickers

Before Chris Boswell took over the kicking duties, a carousel of kickers occupied the position. Some thrived briefly; others struggled to meet expectations. Let's look at some notable names:

Jeff Reed (2002-2011): The Most Successful Kicker Before Boswell

Jeff Reed stands out as the most successful Steelers kicker before Boswell. He played for the Steelers for 10 seasons. During his tenure, he made significant contributions. He was known for his powerful leg and consistency. He holds several team records, including most field goals made. However, even Reed had his share of ups and downs, and his off-field issues eventually led to his departure.

  • Highlights: Multiple Pro Bowl selections, consistently high field goal percentages in multiple seasons.
  • Challenges: Inconsistency in the playoffs, memorable misses that weighed heavily on fans' memories.

Shaun Suisham (2010-2015): A Solid, Reliable Option

Shaun Suisham filled in after Reed’s departure. He established himself as a reliable kicker for several years. His time with the Steelers was marked by steadiness and fewer dramatic misses. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury ended his career prematurely.

  • Highlights: Consistency and reliability throughout the regular season.
  • Challenges: Career ended abruptly due to injury; his playoff performances were not as outstanding as those of Reed.

Gary Anderson (1982-1997): A Franchise Legend (Though Not Entirely in Pittsburgh)

While Anderson spent a significant portion of his career elsewhere, he started his NFL career with the Steelers. He played for Pittsburgh for 16 seasons. While not strictly “before Boswell” in the same sense as the others, he’s an important figure in the team’s kicking history.

  • Highlights: Played for a long time with the Steelers; established himself as a capable kicker in the league overall.
  • Challenges: Mostly known for his later career successes with other teams; he did not achieve quite the same level of performance in Pittsburgh.

Other Notable Kickers:

The list of Steelers kickers before Boswell extends beyond these three. Many others filled in for short periods, providing a glimpse of the challenges inherent in the position. While their names may not be as readily recalled, their contributions to the team's history should be acknowledged.

The Impact of the Kicker Position

The kicker's role, while often overlooked, can significantly impact a team's success. A reliable kicker can provide crucial points, turning close games into victories. Conversely, inconsistent kicking can lead to frustrating losses and postseason exits. This impact highlights the pressure placed on the players in this position.

The Boswell Era and Beyond

The Steelers’ current kicking situation, with Chris Boswell, presents a different dynamic. While Boswell has faced criticism, he has enjoyed a longer and more consistent run than many of his predecessors. His success is built upon the foundation laid by earlier kickers. His story is a testament to the continued pressure and importance of the placekicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers. How long will Boswell continue to hold the job and what will the next chapter of Steelers' kicking look like? That's a question only time can answer.

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