steelers kicker before boswell

3 min read 28-02-2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers' current kicker, Chris Boswell, has solidified his place in team history with his clutch performances and consistent accuracy. But before Boswell, a series of kickers shaped the team's fortunes, both in triumph and heartbreak. Let's take a trip down memory lane and explore the Steelers kickers who paved the way for Boswell's success. This article will examine some of the most notable, analyzing their contributions and impact on the franchise.

The Pre-Super Bowl Era: Inconsistent Legacies

Before the dynasty years, the Steelers' kicking game was, shall we say, less reliable. Several players cycled through the roster, often with mixed results. While precise statistics are harder to come by for this era, these kickers often played a crucial role in close games, highlighting the pressure inherent in the position.

Early Years and Notable Players (Pre-1970s):

Finding detailed information on every kicker from the Steelers' early years proves challenging. However, it's clear that consistency wasn't a hallmark of this era. Many players served short stints, their careers often a mix of success and struggles. The impact of these early kickers is often overlooked, overshadowed by the later, more celebrated players.

The Rise of the Dynasty: Finding Consistency

The 1970s ushered in an era of unprecedented success for the Steelers. While the team's legendary defense and explosive offense understandably garner the most attention, reliable kicking was crucial for securing those victories.

Roy Gerela (1970-1976): A Kicker for the Champions

Roy Gerela is arguably the most significant kicker in Steelers history before Boswell. He played a crucial role in their four Super Bowl victories. Gerela provided a steady presence, consistently delivering when the team needed him most. His field goal percentage was solid for his era, and his reliability was a vital component of those championship teams. While his statistics might not match modern standards, his contributions to the team's success during the dynasty era cannot be overstated.

Other Notable Kickers of the 70s and 80s:

The 1970s and 80s saw a few other kickers contribute to the team's success, although none reached the prominence of Gerela. Their performances were a mix of high and low points, a common experience for players in this position. A deeper dive into the archives could reveal more detailed statistics and individual highlights, illustrating the complexities of team success, which often depends on seemingly smaller roles such as those filled by kickers.

The Modern Era: The Transition to Boswell

Following the dynasty years, the Steelers experienced a carousel of kickers, with varying degrees of success. Some showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed to secure a long-term role. The search for a reliable kicker continued, setting the stage for the arrival of Chris Boswell.

The Years Leading Up to Boswell: A Search for Stability

The period before Boswell's arrival saw a series of kickers, each with their own story and contributions (or lack thereof). While some showed promise, none managed to consistently deliver the stability the Steelers required. This period highlights the challenges inherent in finding a reliable kicker and the importance of the position in securing victories. A full list and analysis of each kicker would be a worthy project in itself, showcasing the varied performances and experiences.

Chris Boswell's Predecessors: A Legacy of Ups and Downs

The Steelers' kickers before Boswell represent a diverse group of athletes with varying levels of success. While some contributed significantly to the team’s overall victories, particularly Gerela during the Super Bowl era, many others faced the constant pressure and inconsistency typical of this position. Understanding their stories adds depth to the appreciation of the Steelers' history and the significant role kickers play in shaping a team’s fortunes. Chris Boswell's success now highlights the past challenges and underscores the importance of finding consistent reliability in such a high-pressure position.