The best Steelers veteran seasons of the Colbert era

James Farrior

2010 Notable Stats: 109 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 FF

James Farrior has long been one of my favorite Steelers, as his smarts and leadership were a central force through most of the 2000’s Steelers defense. Constantly calling plays for the defense and making key reads pre-snap made the unit as a whole stronger, but his own personal stats were nothing short of impressive.

What’s even more impressive is that you could choose any of Farrior’s seasons until his final one in 2011 as his best as a veteran, he was simply that good. That said, his age 35 season in 2010 was arguably his best. He provided yet another 100-tackle season and added 6 sacks as well to his resume. While never his strongest suit, Farrior was still competent enough in coverage, adding five passes defended.

While 2008 was another season that was considered (considering he was named to the Pro Bowl), the fact he did what he did in 2010 at age 35 is so uncommon for a position that emphasizes hard-hitting. Farrior was a stalwart almost every year he played with the Steelers, and that level of play continued until he retired in 2011. Farrior was a veteran that never lost his touch while with the Steelers.