6 most mysterious one-hit wonder seasons in Pittsburgh Steelers history

One-hit wonders normally carry a negative connotation, but at least it means they accomplished something.

The Steelers have a long storied history that dates back to their founding in 1933. They have seen plenty of talent come through their doors during their existence. Some players create Hall of Fame careers, some have mediocre tenures, and others might have a great season and fall to the wayside. For one reason or another, these players listed could only produce a single quality year during their time in Pittsburgh.

They only had one good season in the black and gold colors, but at least they had accomplished that.

Barry Foster (1992)

Many fans who watched Barry Foster still wonder what he could have been if not for his injury issues.

Foster started his career on special teams. It was a slow start to his career after being drafted in 1990. He finally got the starting spot in 1992 and he took full advantage. He was the top rusher in the AFC and bypassed some Steeler's records that year. His season totals were gigantic after gaining 1,690 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns.

Injuries sunk Foster's career after that. He was having a strong 1993 campaign, but he just couldn't stay healthy. That would eventually cut his career short not only in Pittsburgh, but the NFL.

Eli Rogers (2016)

Some might forget about Eli Rogers because he played during the "Killer B's" era.

He was an undrafted free agent coming out of the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent that entire year on injured reserve. He earned a role on offense with the Steelers that following season. He was able to be an effective slot receiver for the team. Rogers was able to produce 594 receiving yards with three touchdowns. Nothing groundbreaking, but those are respectable numbers for an undrafted free agent who earned a starting role on one of the best offenses at the time.

After the 2016 season, Rogers saw his career fall apart. He has tried rejuvenating his career in spring football leagues before without seeing much luck go his way.

Mike Kruczek (1976)

It might not have been a season-long tenure for Mike Kruczek, but his six-game stretch as the Steelers starter in 1976 was one to remember.

He didn't do anything particularly well, despite Pittsburgh using a second-round pick on him in the same year's draft. Kruczek took over for an injured Terry Bradshaw and was able to use the great supporting cast around him to go undefeated in the games he started. Once Bradshaw was healthy, Kruczek went back to the bench.

He only played in the NFL for five years, with four of those in Pittsburgh. He was a backup quarterback who never threw a touchdown in his NFL career.

Duce Staley (2004)

He might not have been a one-hit wonder throughout his ten-year career, but Duce Staley was surely one in Pittsburgh.

Staley signed with the Steelers in free agency after playing seven years with the Eagles. The hope for this move was to create a strong rushing duo between him and Jerome Bettis. Staley had a rather strong season in 2004. Unfortunately, injuries remained a constant issue for Staley during his time with the black and gold. It led to Willie Parker taking most of his snaps away before he was eventually released by the team in 2006.

Troy Edwards (1999)

One-hit wonder first-round pick edition as Troy Edwards failed to do much after his career's hot start.

He was the 13th overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft. He burst onto the scene with an incredible rookie campaign. Sadly, after that, his production dropped significantly. After voicing his displeasure with the Steelers, he was traded to the St. Louis Rams in 2001 for a sixth-round selection. Edwards was later able to produce respectable numbers in the final years of his career, but he never replicated the rookie success he had in Pittsburgh.

Tommy Maddox (2002)

Most know the story of Tommy Maddox overcoming the odds and going from the XFL to the Steelers starter.

He became the starter in 2002 after some quarterback controversy. He helped lead Pittsburgh to a 7-3-1 record during the 11 games that he started, which got him the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. He produced respectable numbers during that time as well. He was named the starter after that season, and he proceeded to fall flat on his face. He helped lead the black and gold to a losing season in 2003. On the bright side, it led to Ben Roethlisberger getting drafted.