Steeler Nation Rock On

Today, in one of the search terms that bring people to this blog, I noticed that someone searched for “Define Steeler Nation.”

So it got me thinking, what is Steeler Nation?  I have experienced in the last two days its sheer strength.  For example, just yesterday when crossing Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC wearing my winter Steelers hat 4 people walked by and either said “Go Steelers” or “Steeler Nation” the latter while holding up a fist in the air.  It was about a hundred foot span.  Four people.  In about three minutes.  And not in Pittsburgh, but Washington, DC.

Recently I asked the question about which NFL team has the most obnoxious fans.  Some answers came back Cowboys.  (I agree) Others said Giants and Eagles (notice the NFC trend, by the way).  But the one answer that really got to me was Steelers, excluding Steelergurl, of course. I have never really found Steelers fans obnoxious.  Maybe because I am one of them? (I’ll take it if it’s accurate)

In fact, I saw one game this year out.  I’m a football geek and don’t typically like to socialize during games because I like to WATCH the game.  Anyway, there were people yelling, pointing in my face and I just looked at them and smiled.  I mean, think Troy Polamalu.  I just walked away because I don’t need to say anything, the score and the play on the field say it all for me.  (This does not include friendly chiding with friends like @technosailor or @DubmeNow who are Ravens fans – it’s a given I smack talk them)

I’ve also been drawn into play with @cardstweets on twitter.  But he instigates first. And it is the Super Bowl, I think that allows for some smack talk.

BY the way, the Terrible Towel is NOT a hanky or a blanket – and quite frankly goes to an excellent cause, thanks to Myrone Cope.  Read this story and respect the towel.

In all though, I think if you meet Steeler fans, you will meet a great bunch of people.  And let me tell you, once a Steeler fan ALWAYS a Steeler fan.  Even when our team isn’t that great, and we’ve had plenty of time for “rebuilding stages,” fans are there…Steelers fans take over every stadium our team plays in.  During the Washington Redskins game in November I wasn’t sure if it was an away game or home the way Steeler Nation took over Fed-Ex Field.  And out local sports news pointed that out too – saying Stub Hub should be illegal!

Steelers fans represent and support the team no matter what…and why not, as I said in my last post, you get loyalty and commitment from the Rooney’s, the coaches and the players.  They tend not to sell out and so, why would the fans.  Steelers fans aren’t fair weather fans.  We’re real fans.  We don’t have players girlfriends wearing pink jerseys in the stands nor do we have cheerleaders.  It’s about the game.

So, on this Super Bowl Weekend, I just wanted to give a shout out to the 12th man.  (and by the way, I hate country music, but I gotta stick with this…)

Steeler Nation Rocks.

Let’s go kick some Cardinal ass.  Go Steelers!!!

UPDATE: Jan 31

@steelergurlsbro shared this video about Steeler Nation.  It rocks.