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With NFL free agency set to begin on Friday, it’s becoming quite obvious that Willie Parker has probably played his last game with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 29 year-old halfback will be an unrestricted free agent come March 5th, and will have the freedom to sign with another team. It will be a sad day if Parker does, indeed, decide to depart from the team. He has provided the Steelers and their fans with some of the most memorable moments in recent history.
How can anyone forget Willie Parker’s 75-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL? The play is still considered the longest touchdown run in Super Bowl history and helped give the Steelers their first Lombardi Trophy in twenty-five years. Jerome Bettis’ retirement following Super Bowl XL allowed Parker to become the premiere back for the Steelers entering the 2006 season. There were high expectations for Parker going into the season, and he would respond in a big way. The halfback would go on to have the best statistical season of his career, rushing for nearly 1,500 yards and having 13 rushing touchdowns.
While Parker has had some great moments with the Steelers, he has also dealt with his share of struggles. Parker was leading the league in rushing going into a Week 15 matchup with the St. Louis Rams in late 2007. In the first half, Parker would fracture his leg. Suddenly, his season was over. One could argue that Willie Parker has never been the same since that injury. His career since then has been riddled with injuries. No matter if it’s a toe, knee, hamstring or shoulder, Parker has been unable to stay healthy for the past three seasons. Parker’s injury problems eventually led to the Steelers drafting halfback, Rashard Mendenhall, in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft.
In his six-year career, Willie Parker has rushed for over 5,300 yards and has 24 rushing touchdowns. In 2007, Parker set a new Steelers’ franchise record for rushing yards in a game, when he rushed for 223 yards against the Cleveland Browns. He is also a two-time Pro Bowler, and was been a key component in the Steelers’ two Super Bowl victories in 2005 and 2008. At this point, the likely landing spots for Parker are San Diego, Washington, and Philadelphia. Though he may soon be gone, it is safe to say that “Fast” Willie Parker will never be forgotten.
By M.C. Smith
He will be missed. I can remember his first start, it was a final game of the season against the Bills and we were already a going to the playoffs so we rested most of the starters and Willie tore up a Bills defense that was still fighting for a final playoff spot and he single handedly squashed their hopes to advance into the post season.
ReplyDeleteDeep down I hope he stays in Pittsburgh and helps Mendy in our run game, but if he goes elsewhere, I wish him luck and I also thank him for his time with us.
Great write-up!!