- Joined
- Apr 7, 2014
- Messages
- 2,542
- Reaction score
- 4,985
- Points
- 93
There is no doubt, in all aspects of life, there are some things that really are underappreciated—especially when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In this series as we approach the 2021 NFL regular season, I will examine former (and some current) Pittsburgh Steelers that can sometimes be forgotten when we talk about Steelers history. Some of these Steelers had brief careers, some excellent longevity. However, while every player has played a role, some have gone under the radar despite their contributions. This could be due to the era they played in, the talent in that era, or even just some of the Steelers teams they played on.
In 1998, the Steelers were coming off of an AFC Championship appearance—their 3rd in 4 years. Their draft featured a pair of all-time greats including Hall of Famer, Alan Faneca. However, in that same draft, the Steelers found someone whose time would be relatively brief—but certainly will never be forgotten. With 45 days until the 2021 season kicks off, we will highlight to OG #45 of fullbacks…
Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala came to the Steelers in 1998 as a 6th round draft pick; selected 178th overall. His role was listed at fullback and he began his career through head coach Bill Cowher’s roughest stretch of his tenure. He played on teams that included consecutive losing seasons and three straight seasons with no playoff appearances. His role was relatively limited, seeing time on special teams and occasional carries. However, Chris was someone who was a worker and grinder—after all, fullbacks during his era were more used in the dirty work of run schemes.
In his first three seasons, he logged a total of 29 starts and three touchdown carries leading into his best statistical season in 2001—stepping up in place of injured Jerome Bettis. That same season, he played a role in helping the Steelers reach the AFC Championship; growing his role in pass protection and the occasional grinding out of tough yards. However, his most memorable moment didn’t come that year. It would come in what would be his finale in Pittsburgh the following season…
With the Steelers facing a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, they would be led by Tommy Maddox to a furious comeback. With Renegade blasting, the snow falling, and the shootout of a lifetime for Tommy Gun, it would come down to one final drive for the Steelers. Maddox would connect with Hines Ward to get down just inside the Browns’ 5-yard line with a minute to play. On second and goal, Greg Gumbel made the call:
Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala celebrates what would be the game winning touchdown in the Steelers comeback win over the Browns; 2002 Wildcard.
The Steelers would capture the lead for the first time all game, convert a two-point conversion, play a double dose of Renegade, and end the Browns’ season. That final touchdown would be Fuamatu-Maʻafala’s final touchdown and carry as a Steeler.
In retrospect, this contribution and moment seem minor. Make no mistake, this was a catalyst for the Steelers’ future. After the departure of Fuamatu-Maʻafala, the Steelers would go 6-10 and draft their future: Ben Roethlisberger. The rest is history. As for Chris, he would spend two years in Jacksonville and call it a career. However, his greatest moment no doubt would be capping off one of the greatest comebacks in Steeler history with the roar of over 60K fans shaking the stadium…
To Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala I say: thank you for being a Pittsburgh Steeler!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
In 1998, the Steelers were coming off of an AFC Championship appearance—their 3rd in 4 years. Their draft featured a pair of all-time greats including Hall of Famer, Alan Faneca. However, in that same draft, the Steelers found someone whose time would be relatively brief—but certainly will never be forgotten. With 45 days until the 2021 season kicks off, we will highlight to OG #45 of fullbacks…
Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala came to the Steelers in 1998 as a 6th round draft pick; selected 178th overall. His role was listed at fullback and he began his career through head coach Bill Cowher’s roughest stretch of his tenure. He played on teams that included consecutive losing seasons and three straight seasons with no playoff appearances. His role was relatively limited, seeing time on special teams and occasional carries. However, Chris was someone who was a worker and grinder—after all, fullbacks during his era were more used in the dirty work of run schemes.
In his first three seasons, he logged a total of 29 starts and three touchdown carries leading into his best statistical season in 2001—stepping up in place of injured Jerome Bettis. That same season, he played a role in helping the Steelers reach the AFC Championship; growing his role in pass protection and the occasional grinding out of tough yards. However, his most memorable moment didn’t come that year. It would come in what would be his finale in Pittsburgh the following season…
With the Steelers facing a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, they would be led by Tommy Maddox to a furious comeback. With Renegade blasting, the snow falling, and the shootout of a lifetime for Tommy Gun, it would come down to one final drive for the Steelers. Maddox would connect with Hines Ward to get down just inside the Browns’ 5-yard line with a minute to play. On second and goal, Greg Gumbel made the call:
Second and goal…
Fuamatu-Maʻafala TOUCHDOWN!
Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala celebrates what would be the game winning touchdown in the Steelers comeback win over the Browns; 2002 Wildcard.
The Steelers would capture the lead for the first time all game, convert a two-point conversion, play a double dose of Renegade, and end the Browns’ season. That final touchdown would be Fuamatu-Maʻafala’s final touchdown and carry as a Steeler.
In retrospect, this contribution and moment seem minor. Make no mistake, this was a catalyst for the Steelers’ future. After the departure of Fuamatu-Maʻafala, the Steelers would go 6-10 and draft their future: Ben Roethlisberger. The rest is history. As for Chris, he would spend two years in Jacksonville and call it a career. However, his greatest moment no doubt would be capping off one of the greatest comebacks in Steeler history with the roar of over 60K fans shaking the stadium…
To Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala I say: thank you for being a Pittsburgh Steeler!
#SteelerNation
Support SteelerNation by clicking here to read the story..
