All-Time Pittsburgh Steelers team: Who makes the cut?
By Eric Hassel
Honorable mention: defense (continued)
7 JAN 1995: CLEVELAND BROWNS QUARTERBACK VINNY TESTAVERDE GETS SACKED BY CHAD BROWN OF THE PITTSBURGH STEELERS DURING THE STEELER 29-9 AFC PLAYOFF WIN AT THREE RIVERS STADIUM IN PITTSBURGH, PENNYSLVANIA. Mandatory Credit: Simon Bruty/ALLSPORT
Middle Linebacker:
Chad Brown
Had we not lost Brown to free agency, he very well could have made the All-Time team. In four seasons with us, Brown was both a one-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in the same season, ironically, his last as a Steeler.
Brown was a versatile player who played both inside and outside linebacker. He recorded 31 sacks in his Steelers career, 13 of which came in his last season with us. Who knows what could have been had he played his entire career for us.
Defensive Backs (Corners and Safeties):
Donnie Shell
It’s difficult for Shell to not make the cut. Undrafted out of South Carolina State, Shell was signed as a free agent in 1974. In fourteen seasons, Shell made the Pro Bowl five consecutive times, was named All-Pro three times, was a four-time Super Champ and had 51 picks (interceptions).
Darren Perry
Drafted in the eighth round in 1992, Perry started every game for seven seasons. He finished his Steelers career with 32 INT’s (interceptions). Although he was never voted to a Pro Bowl, Perry was as solid a Free Safety as we have ever had.
Dwayne Woodruff
Drafted in the sixth round in 1979, Woodruff would enjoy an eleven-year career with us, culminating in being a one-time Super Bowl champ. Woodruff was a consistent player, who would tally 37 INT’s in those eleven seasons.