Tuesday Marks 10 Yr. Anniv. of Steeler Great Webster's Death

**steelspikes** · 09-24-2012, 08:18 PM

"Iron Mike" Webster, Hall of Fame Steeler Center from "the Dynasty" era, a man whose bare-armed play in frigid temps forged the mold for Steeler toughness, died at the age of fifty, on Sept. 24, 2002. The following brief bio is from the ProFootballHOF website (He also has a Wikipedia page.):

Mike Webster, a 6-1, 255-pound All-Big Ten center at Wisconsin, was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ fifth-round selection and the 125th player taken in the 1974 NFL Draft. A three-year starter and honor student in college, Webster adapted to the pro game quickly.

For two years, he split time at center with veteran Ray Mansfield while seeing some service at guard and the special teams. However, with a start in the final game of the 1975 season, Webster began a string of 150 consecutive starts that lasted until 1986, when he missed the first four games with a dislocated elbow.

Webster, who was born March 18, 1952, at Tomahawk, Wisconsin, played more seasons (15) and more games (220) than any other player in Pittsburgh history. Webster, who was the team’s offensive captain for nine seasons, was considered to be the strongest Steeler and won the Ironman competition in 1980 to give credence to that belief.

Webster, who joined the team in the same year the Steelers won their first of four Super Bowls, also played in six AFC championship games. Pittsburgh won four of the six title games. Webster was an all-pro choice seven times and was selected to the All-AFC team five times from 1978 through 1982. He also played in nine Pro Bowls, the first five as a starter.

R.I.P., Mike.

**BlitzburghRockCity** · 09-24-2012, 08:21 PM

Greatest Center in Steelers history and one of the greatest of all time, no question about it. It's such a shame how his life panned out in his later years but his legendary status is in tact. RIP

**Clevelandsux** · 09-24-2012, 10:06 PM

I got to meet Mike webster a year before he died. He signed a Steeler football for me at a card shop here in Ohio. I also had my picture taken with him. Very class guy. He took his time to sign the whole side of my football with all the super bowls and said hof '97. I have this football proudly displayed.

**steelspikes** · 09-24-2012, 10:40 PM

Originally Posted by Clevelandsux

I got to meet Mike webster a year before he died. He signed a Steeler football for me at a card shop here in Ohio. I also had my picture taken with him. Very class guy. He took his time to sign the whole side of my football with all the super bowls and said hof '97. I have this football proudly displayed.

Great story, thanks. He died much too young.

**noomi** · 10-08-2012, 02:33 AM

who joined the team in the same year the Steelers won their first of four Super Bowls, also played in six AFC championship games. Pittsburgh won four of the six title games. Webster was an all-pro choice seven times and was selected to the All-AFC team five times from 1978 through 1982. He also played in nine Pro Bowls, the first five as a starter.