Santonio Holmes – WR
2008 stats: 55 receptions, 821 yards, 5 touchdowns
How could someone compile a list such as this and not include Santonio Holmes? Holmes, the team’s first round pick in 2006, added a healthy splash of athleticism and speed to the receiving corps during his time with Pittsburgh, while also remaining a factor on special teams as a return man as well.
Santonio, playing as a compliment to Hines Ward for majority of his career, never statistically flourished into a first round pick’s production. However, Holmes showed up when it counted, scoring in both the divisional and conference championship games.
Santonio’s legacy rests on his Super Bowl XLIII performance, where he caught 9 passes for 131 yards and a touchdown, with 4 receptions for 73 yards on the final drive of the game that ended with perhaps the greatest catch in Super Bowl history. Holmes ended the game as MVP, yet that fateful catch will forever be the first to be brought up when talking about Holmes’ legacy.
Where are they now?
Holmes continued his amazing performance in 2009, with a career high in receptions (79) and yards (1,248). Holmes was traded to the New York Jets in 2010 shortly following a four game suspension for violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Holmes remained a Jet for four more years before playing his last season in Chicago. It wasn’t until 2017 that Holmes actually retired, where he returned to Pittsburgh for a retirement ceremony to end his career as a Steeler.
Next: 30 greatest Steelers in franchise history
Holmes is still involved in the III & Long foundation, an organization that raises awareness for sickle-cell disease while aiding families dealing with it. While not actively working anywhere (that we know of), Holmes remains a constant presence at charity events and team signings as well.