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30 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers of the 2000s

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with defensive end Brett Keisel against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - JANUARY 18: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his touchdown with defensive end Brett Keisel against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter of the AFC championship game on January 18, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets some protection from offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva #78 as he throws to an open receiver during the second quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 24: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers gets some protection from offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva #78 as he throws to an open receiver during the second quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 24, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

25. Alejandro Villanueva, LT (2014)

We all know Alejandro Villanueva for his remarkable back story and his decision to become an Army Ranger. After serving three tours in Afghanistan, he returned to football and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, his journey in Philly was short-lived and he was signed by the Steelers. Former offensive line coach, Mike Munchak, saw something desirable in Villanueva and pounced at the opportunity.

Big Al played wide receiver in 2009 for Army and garnered 34 catches for 522 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior. Already with a 6’9” frame, Villanueva bulked up to 320 pounds to play left tackle for the Steelers.

Upon the departure of Kelvin Beachum, Villanueva took over. He quickly developed into a solid blindside protector for Ben Roethlisberger, and after just three years at his new position, Villanueva went on to receive back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances in 2017 and 2018.

Villanueva is now with the Baltimore Ravens, and some fans will resent him for that choice. However, there’s little doubt he will go down as one of the best free-agent pickups in Steelers history.

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