End of an era: Steelers continue house cleaning

The 2000s Steeler era (2004-2011) appears to be at an end.  After cutting ties with its greatest wide receiver of all-time, Hines Ward, the Steelers have now parted ways with mainstay defensive end Aaron Smith, offensive lineman Chris Kemoeatu (yeah, the guy who's always called for holding penalties when Big Ben isn't getting sacked), and inside linebacker James Farrior.

The departures were inevitable, and despite the many fond memories (even of Kemo), healthy for a football team.  Let's face it, the 2011 Steelers were old and slow, and were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round by an 8-8 football club.  As much as we love these guys (Ward, Smith and Farrior, that is), no team can stay together and play forever.  Those of us old enough to remember seeing the mighty team of the 1970s dismantled know that at some point all great players have to go.  Sometimes they see it themselves and retire, and others have to have it spelled out for them.


Yes, that is Franco Harris in a Seattle Seahawks uniform.  Before the 1984 season, a 34-year old Harris demanded a pay raise from the Steelers and decided to holdout of training camp.  Pittsburgh cut him and Harris signed with the Seattle Seahawks.  He played 8 more games and totaled 170 yards . . . and had to suffer the indignity of wearing a Seahawks uniform.  Let's hope Ward doesn't endure a similar fate.

At any rate, we shouldn't pity these guys.  Rather, we should be grateful that we saw them play.  They've had their careers -- and great ones at that.  Now it is time to let other players have their careers.  Its not fair to keep a roster spot from a young player who is ready to have his shot at making it in the NFL.  Let's celebrate the past, but not cling to it.  Be grateful for the present: we still have Big Ben, Troy Polamalu, Antonio Brown, and others.  Let's look to the future, which begins with the 2012 draft next month.  Here we go Steelers, HERE WE GO!