5 greatest backup quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history

2. Mike Tomczak

Fun fact, Tomczak broke Kruczek's record of six wins to start a career with 10 as the Chicago Bears quarterback between 1986 and 1987. That record was later broken by Ben Roethlisberger in his rookie season.

Moving on, the short leash of Kordell Stewart wasn't a new concept in 2002 for Maddox. Back in 1996, Mike Tomczak took the reigns from a young Stewart for the Steelers before the young "Slash" was able to secure the job.

Prior to that season, Tomczak was a rollercoaster, throwing seven touchdowns to 14 interceptions as the Steelers' backup in the previous three seasons. In 1995, Tomczak threw one touchdown pass and nine picks. Heading into the 1996 season, he was expected to be the odd man out of a three-man race for the job between him, Stewart, and Jim Miller.

Miller lost his only start in Week 1 and the job was given to Tomczak over Stewart. The Steelers, backed by a top-5 defense, went 10-5 with number 18 under center. He threw 15 touchdowns to 17 picks, completing 55% of his passes.

The Steelers were eventually bumped by the Super Bowl-bound Patriots in the playoffs and Tomczak was relegated to become Stewart's backup in 1997 through 1999. In 1999, Tomzcak was called on to start in five games. The Steelers lost four of them en route to the first of two 10-loss seasons since 1988. Still, Tomzcak performed well, throwing 12 touchdowns to eight interceptions.