The only highlight in the 80s was when the Steelers put the only blemish on the 49ers season win/loss record in 1984, so you didn't miss much.
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I think all the bandwagon fans went to the Pack/Pats/Broncos/Colts/Ravens/Giants/ Now the Bengals will be in the mix if they win 1 postseason game. I really dont think there are a lot of Steeler bandwagon fans.
Born date: 08/17/1970
Steelers fan: 08/17/1970... Born into the the tradition without knowledge
Realization of being a Steelers fan: 01/12/1975 Super Bowl IX... I remember sitting on my parents bed with my father watching the Super Bowl. Not really sure of what I was watching, but knowing that it was important because of my father's reactions to the game. He told me that the Steelers were the best team, and that they would be Champions for a long time if the won that game. He went on to say that they had waited a long time to be Champions and that if they won, they would continue to keep winning.
From that point on, I understood the magnitude of "Bleeding Black & Gold." It was not just a moniker of saying you "rooted" for the Steelers, but rather a permanent brand or marking that would be visible where ever you went. Especially in school, where most of my friends were Browns fans. I was baptized with the Immaculate Reception and made my Confirmation with the Four Super Bowl Victories of the '70's. I paid my penance through the '80's as a teenager and lived like a king and suffered like a jester as a single man through the '90's. I went on to revel with the success of the team through the 00's, and then I got married (please no applause or condolence). But I realized throughout these times of trials and tribulations and successes is that it becomes a circle of life. I now have a son in kindergarten who wears his Steelers' jerseys proudly (Chicagoland mind you) and never wants to play anywhere else during the cold weather except the Steelers' room that I have so patiently waited to make with all the memorabilia that I saved as a kid and acquired throughout my marriage. It is a room where we as a family enjoy the games during the season, win or lose and reminisce in the off season and the upcoming draft to come.
So I say this...with all due respect to all posters, especially the young bucks, who have not lived through all the stories from older generations or witnessed the downfalls and rebuilding of the team, either be a fan...or don't.
As pesimistic as I can be... i still watch every game and expect a win every week even if were 11-5 or 5-11.