Steelers: Blue-collar excellence

Trophy news from Tampa…

Steelers: Blue-collar excellence

When it comes to tradition, success, team has few fears

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Their success runs deeper than the Terrible Towel or the monikers that have lasted like iron over the decades, from “The Steel Curtain” to “The Immaculate Reception.”

To understand the sheer scope of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legacy, according to Brian St. Pierre, you almost have to walk it.

“They have a tremendous history and tradition,” said the Cardinals third-string quarterback, who spent four seasons with the Steelers. “But it really hits you when you walk into the team facility and stroll by the big glass case that holds all those Super Bowl trophies.”

They have five in the cabinet. If they beat the Cardinals on Sunday, the Steelers would be the first team to win six. That would be one more than both the 49ers and Cowboys and twice as many as the Patriots, who just a year ago were being talked about as a dynasty for the ages.

Times weren’t always rosy for the franchise in black and gold. The Steelers have had their lean years, too. But from the beginning, when they were founded in 1933 as the Pittsburgh Pirates by Art Rooney, there always was stability.

The team has stayed within the family, and will remain so. Dan Rooney, Art’s son, has satisfied the NFL’s requirement that the primary owner control at least 30 percent of the team by agreeing in principle to buy out his brothers, who didn’t want to stay in the football business. This all but guarantees that Dan’s son – Art II, the team president – will succeed his 76-year-old father.

Cardinals still learning how to be successful

Trophy News from the San Francisco Chronicle….

Cardinals Still Learning How to be Successful

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While much of the country and the rest of the NFL tries to comprehend the staggering reality of the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII, those who are employed by that franchise have been taking this playoff run very seriously.

They had been underdogs in every postseason game, including last week’s fourth-quarter 32-25 comeback victory over the playoff-tested Philadelphia Eagles. But there was something striking about the Cardinals’ mind-set as they maneuvered through the distractions and challenges of championship week.

Sometimes, it’s the littlest detail that gives you a peek into where a team may be mentally before an important game.

The Cardinals offered an interesting clue. They dressed the part.

Last Friday, the final news conference for the title game participants took place at each team’s practice facility. Traditionally, this is a major media event, the last public obligation before the championship games. The NFL coordinates the interview sessions, which are broadcast live on NFL Network. The head coach appears, followed by a few carefully selected standout players from each team.

The Eagles, Ravens and Steelers – who have been through this drill with some frequency in recent seasons – appeared at their podiums in practice attire. Sweats and hoodies.

The Cardinals, starting with second-year coach Ken Whisenhunt, appeared in sharp business attire. Suits, ties, polished shoes.

No question about it. They were proud to be on that stage.

“We’re professionals and we want to project a professional appearance,” All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald explained as he donned a light blue sweater over his pressed shirt, coordinating tie and creased slacks in anticipation of the national media questioning.

That mentality carried over in the defining 14-play, 72-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter, capped by quarterback Kurt Warner’s 8-yard pass to Tim Hightower.

That stand-and-deliver series pushed Arizona past the stubborn Eagles at University of Phoenix Stadium, and made those T-shirts the Cardinals wore during a fun, loose week of practices seem prescient.

“Prove It,” the shirts proclaimed.

In their locker room at the team’s Tempe headquarters, signs also reminded the players: “Anything Is Possible.”

Their triumphant postgame locker room proved all the corny mental reminders had worked. But this is still a team that is learning to embrace success. Every week and every playoff victory is uncharted territory.

Riverhead wins Rutgers Trophy

Trophy News from Long Island, New York…..

Riverhead Wins Rutgers Trophy

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It was a banner year for the Riverhead football team. Led by Miguel Maysonet – who won the Hansen Award, given to Suffolk’s top player – the Blue Waves were recognized as the best football team in the county.

By a unanimous vote, Riverhead won the Rutgers Trophy last night at the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association dinner at the Hyatt Wind Watch in Hauppauge.

“It’s an honor to win the Rutgers Trophy,” Riverhead coach Leif Shay said. “These guys deserve it. The players knew we had all the ingredients to win a title and they took the leadership roles and guided the underclassmen. It was a great ride.”