Steelers' Willie Parker!

By Heath Bloxton
The Pittsburgh Steelers kicked off the 2005 season Sunday September 11, with a dominating 34-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The game was filled with many surprises as the Steelers’ defense played exceptionally well and the offense was led by a small but quick running back, Willie Parker!

It is not a name Steelers’ fans have been hearing the last few years, but injuries to Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis forced Coach Bill Cowher to use his third-string running back. Willie Parker was expected to be the “fill-in” until the other backs were healthy. Parker did more than just fill-in, as he rushed for 161 yards, not to mention a phenomenal touchdown that helped the Steelers prevail to an opening day victory!

Parker, who was a college backup at the University of North Carolina, set a Pittsburgh Steelers record for most rushing yards on opening day. Those are pretty good numbers for a guy who was looking to “ride the bench” for the 2005 season.

Cowher said that Parker did exactly what he was supposed to do, and that was to run between the tackles. Not only did Parker run between the tackles, he broke through tackles left and right. Maybe now Parker will get the credit he deserves from his former and current coaches. The Titans were “schooled” by the Steelers and the teacher was Willie Parker!