Still Curtain
FanSided

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 – FEBRUARY 01: Willie Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball in the first quarter against Antrel Rolle #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – FEBRUARY 01: Willie Parker #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball in the first quarter against Antrel Rolle #21 of the Arizona Cardinals during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

19. Willie Parker, RB (2004)

‘Fast’ Willie Parker may have had a very short-lived career, but it was, at times, spectacular. The Steelers Pro Bowl running back played a huge factor in the biggest game on turf – breaking the record for the longest run in Super Bowl history with a 75-yarder he pulled out against the Seahawks.

Though that was certainly the defining play in his career, Parker was no slouch.

Willie Parker played his entire career in Pittsburgh, though as a former undrafted rookie he didn’t see his first NFL action until he was 24 years old. By the age of 25 and in his second season, Parker took over as the Steelers primary running back and didn’t give up the reigns for the next four seasons.

Parker exploded in 2005 with 1,200 rushing yards in 15 games. The following season marked the best of his career, as Parker rushed for nearly 1,500 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding another 3 scores through the air.

Parker’s production took a dip in 2007. Though he still managed 1,300 rushing yards, he punched in only 2 touchdowns on 344 total touches. Parker started 11 games the following season in 2008, but his efficiency had taken a major dip, and he was down to just 3.8 yards per rush.

Though his short career spanned from the age of 24 to 29 years old, Willie Parker will always be remembered for his blazing speed, and one of the best runs in Super Bowl history.

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