Revisiting the time a Steelers legend took his talents to Ohio

Revisiting the time a Steelers legend took his talents to Ohio

This past weekend Steelers DT Cameron Heyward threw out the idea that he could potentially play in Cleveland with the Browns if his contract situation wasn’t soon resolved. The six-time Pro Bowler and 2023 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year struck a chord with Steelers fans, given the nature of the bitter, albeit one-sided rivalry.

However, Heyward quickly cleared that up early this week, saying he wanted to finish his career in Pittsburgh. While that’s probably true, it wouldn’t be the first time a disgruntled player left Pittsburgh for a competitor.

Heyward attended Ohio State. His wife is from Cleveland, and they still have family in Cleveland. I guess it’s not crazy to imagine.

While the Heyward rumors are simply that, I wanted to relive a time when another Steelers defensive stalwart broke our collective hearts. Why? Because I chose evil today.

Who remembers this tweet?

And why hasn’t it been deleted?!

Ouch. This one stung. James Harrison, the undrafted hero turned NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2008) was a free agent in 2013 after spending his first ten years in the Steel City. Harrison recorded 60 sacks with the Steelers in six seasons as a starter and cemented himself as one of the greatest Steelers of all time.

But he ultimately left the beautiful skyline of Mount Washington for the questionable skyline chili of Cincinnati, agreeing to a two-year deal with the Bengals.

It was hard to have vitriol towards Harrison, given the fact that we don’t know what Pittsburgh offered him. At the end of the day, this is a business. And who knows, if Heyward feels slighted, he may decide to take his talents across enemy lines.

It just never felt right seeing Harrison don another jersey. The grass isn’t always greener. Fortunately for the Steelers, Harrison probably realized that - as he wasn’t gone for long.

Harrison was cut by the Bengals and returned to Pittsburgh, reuniting with the organization that gave him his shot from 2014-2016.

I mentioned that we shouldn’t have vitriol towards Harrison, so I won’t remind you where he ended his career. I’ll let the readers hash it out in the comments section below.

Harrison retired as a Steeler in 2018. Even though he briefly put on the black and orange stripes, and played with Tom Brady, He’ll always be a Steeler. And regardless of what happens with Heyward - the same will be said for him.

Who are some other Steelers who broke your heart? I certainly know one that will ring a Bell.

Let us know in the comment section!