http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/11/10/the-end-near-for-willie-parker/ The Definitive Pittsburgh Steelers Blog! Fri, 19 Mar 2010 00:50:20 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/11/10/the-end-near-for-willie-parker/comment-page-1/#comment-11870 DrGeorge Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:39:47 +0000 http://www.steelersgab.com/?p=2150#comment-11870 As Mark notes, we all recognize Parker's immense contribution to the Steelers Super Bowl victories. At the time, I repeatedly warned that running Parker between the tackles was like throwing a Rolex against the wall; it was bound to shorter his career. And he has not, in fact, run well since the knee injury. At 30, most NFL backs are done. In Parker's case, the financials don't support his retention either. He is a valuable backup right now, and in effect, he is auditioning for other teams to sign him in the post-season. I don't think there will be a long line waiting for him. It's simply the nature of the game. But bear in mind Mendenhall's prior injuries. Parker is only a tackle away from starting again. As Mark notes, we all recognize Parker’s immense contribution to the Steelers Super Bowl victories. At the time, I repeatedly warned that running Parker between the tackles was like throwing a Rolex against the wall; it was bound to shorter his career. And he has not, in fact, run well since the knee injury. At 30, most NFL backs are done. In Parker’s case, the financials don’t support his retention either. He is a valuable backup right now, and in effect, he is auditioning for other teams to sign him in the post-season. I don’t think there will be a long line waiting for him. It’s simply the nature of the game. But bear in mind Mendenhall’s prior injuries. Parker is only a tackle away from starting again.

]]> http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/11/10/the-end-near-for-willie-parker/comment-page-1/#comment-11869 Ralph Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:26:51 +0000 http://www.steelersgab.com/?p=2150#comment-11869 It would appear Parker's days as an NFL back are over. In recent years, we've seen it happen to Shaun Alexander, LT, Larry Johnson, now Willie, and possibly Brian Westbrook. Great backs just seem to hit a wall and then it's over for them. Kudos to the Stillers for recognizing the end was near when they drafted Mendenhall. Moves like that keep them at the top. It would appear Parker’s days as an NFL back are over. In recent years, we’ve seen it happen to Shaun Alexander, LT, Larry Johnson, now Willie, and possibly Brian Westbrook. Great backs just seem to hit a wall and then it’s over for them. Kudos to the Stillers for recognizing the end was near when they drafted Mendenhall. Moves like that keep them at the top.

]]> http://www.steelersgab.com/2009/11/10/the-end-near-for-willie-parker/comment-page-1/#comment-11868 mark Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:58:57 +0000 http://www.steelersgab.com/?p=2150#comment-11868 No doubt who the starter is. But, I can see Willie getting into the mix at the latter stages of the season. Mendy has been Very good but having 2 backs is better and hopefully Parker will be healthy and contributing by the last 3/4 games. Yes, we are seeing the end of a good Steeler in Pittsburgh. Parker was instrumental in winning Super Bowl XL, was a leader and still the go-to guy in Super Bowl XLIII, but his size, injuries and work load have shortened his career. This is not uncommon for smaller speed backs who carry this many times. Parker should be proud of his accomplishments and his contributions as a Steeler. Fans should realize he is the 3rd leading rusher in Steeler history and that he was a BIG part of 2 Super bowls and could still be helpful as the team tries for a third. (7 total!!). No doubt who the starter is. But, I can see Willie getting into the mix at the latter stages of the season. Mendy has been Very good but having 2 backs is better and hopefully Parker will be healthy and contributing by the last 3/4 games. Yes, we are seeing the end of a good Steeler in Pittsburgh. Parker was instrumental in winning Super Bowl XL, was a leader and still the go-to guy in Super Bowl XLIII, but his size, injuries and work load have shortened his career. This is not uncommon for smaller speed backs who carry this many times. Parker should be proud of his accomplishments and his contributions as a Steeler. Fans should realize he is the 3rd leading rusher in Steeler history and that he was a BIG part of 2 Super bowls and could still be helpful as the team tries for a third. (7 total!!).

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