A Tip of the Cap to former Steelers RB Barry Foster and His 1992 Season
Before I begin this article, I’d just like to congratulate Antonio Brown on the stellar 2011 season he has had so far. Not only was Antonio named to his first career Pro Bowl on Wednesday as a Kick Returner, he was named the Steelers’ 2011 Team M.V.P. But Antonio’s biggest accomplishment of 2011 statistics-wise happened last weekend against the Rams. For those of you that are currently unaware, Antonio set a new Steeler franchise record for Total Yards in a season, a record previously held by former RB Barry Foster.
When FOX listed that Foster was the old franchise record-holder, a smile crept over my face because I still can remember how well Barry and the Steelers played during that record-setting season. Thus, out of respect for his record for Total Yards being broken, this article will discuss Foster’s career-best 1992 season. So hit that “Continue Reading” button and let’s get started:
Introduction:
1992 was not supposed to be Barry Foster’s special season as 1991 came to a close. Foster had been in then-Coach Noll’s “dog-house” after letting a kick-off just bounce in a game at Candlestick Park in 1990. In addition, Foster was plagued by nicks and bruises throughout his first two years in Pittsburgh, and it didn’t appear that his N.F.L. career would take off in spite how talented he was.
Furthermore, Foster was also in a crowded Steeler backfield which included savvy veteran Merril Hoge, 1989’s 1st Round Draft Pick (albeit a future bust) Tim “Whoops” Worley, 2nd year man Leroy Thompson, and Special Teamer Warren Williams,
Uncertainty also loomed as the Steelers had a new coach coming in named Bill Cowher who had no part in drafting Foster. I’m sure it also didn’t help that Foster was having issues with his contract and his rate of pay at the time.
Yet after former starter Tim “Whoops” Worley was suspended for the 1992 season when he missed multiple drug tests, and Merril Hoge became the FB in new Offensive Coordinator Ron Erhardt’s system, the door was open for Foster to take full advantage of his opportunity to be the #1 Running Back. Foster cashed in on his unheralded opportunity and became one of the N.F.L.’s biggest shocks during the first half of the 1992 season.