Two Pittsburgh Steelers players make cut for All-Rookie Team
The Pittsburgh Steelers landed two first-year starters on the Pro Football Writers Association’s Rookie team this week. The PFWA announced running back Najee Harris as the All-Rookie team running back and Pressley Harvin III as the top first-year punter.
Former Alabama running back Najee Harris enjoyed an extremely successful first year with the Steelers. The first-round draft pick rushed for 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns with 307 attempts. He posted the second-most rushing attempts among NFL running backs this season.
Najee Harris was also a major asset as a pass-catcher for Ben Roethlisberger. He had 74 receptions for 467 yards and three more scores this season.
Now that Ben Roethlisberger has announced his retirement, Harris could see his role expand for the Steelers.
Pressley Harvin, a rookie out of Georgia Tech, kicked 70 punts for Pittsburgh this season. Of the 70 punts, 25 came down inside the 25 yard-line. His punts went an average of 42.6 yards.
Check out the full list of PFWA’s All-Rookies for 2021:
Ben Roethlisberger announces retirement from Steelers
Steelers quarterback and team legend Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement from the NFL in a heartfelt video Thursday after 18 years. The 2021 campaign was widely anticipated to be his last, prompting fond farewells from Steelers fans and rivals alike in the final weeks of the season.
Ben Roethlisberger played his full career with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they used the No. 11 pick in the 2004 NFL Draft on a quarterback from Miami (Ohio). The decision quickly paid off. The franchise cornerstone made the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team in 2004 after winning the MAC Most Valuable Player of the Year award in his final collegiate season.
Over the course of his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards, 418 touchdowns and 211 interceptions. He also added 1,373 rushing yards – mostly in his younger years – and 20 more touchdowns.
Known for his tough demeanor and ability to fight off hits from the NFL’s biggest and strongest defenders, he exemplified the Pittsburgh Steelers mentality established decades before his arrival. That combination of grit and a natural gift for leadership helped guide Roethlisberger and the Steelers to two Super Bowl trophies in 2005 and 2008.
In addition, Roethlisberger became a six-time Pro Bowler and two-time NFL passing yards leader. He holds multiple NFL records. One for most career 500-yard passing games with four and most completions in a regular or postseason game with 47.