Big Lead Sports Bar

4/02/2010

WILLIE PARKER TO REDSKINS


Scratch one of today's poll questions, because the chances of the Steelers bringing back Willie Parker just went down to 0.0.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Washington Redskins reached agreement on a one-year deal with Parker, which has a maximum value of $3.1 million. He will join fellow veterans Larry Johnson and Clinton Portis in an open competition for the Redskins starting RB job, according to Schefter.

Parker always had his share of detractors in Pittsburgh, due to his size, lack of college pedigree, or draft status. He leaves the Steelers with 5,378 yards rushing (third in the team's storied history of running backs), 29 total touchdowns, two championship rings, and one Super Bowl record. That's not exactly worthy of the criticism he endured as a Steeler in my book. On the contrary, I'd say that was a pretty awesome Steeler career, given the relatively brief period of time in which Parker compiled these numbers.

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13 comments:

Koz said...

Hey good for Willie. I had no problem with him as a Steeler. This is the way the business goes, best of luck to him and thanks for the memories!

I hope his SB longest rush record stands for many years.

Anonymous said...

I wonder if he really meant what he said about him rather sitting out than playing for Pittsburgh again. I find it hard to believe the Steelers couldn't/wouldn't match such an offer.

Brian said...

Running backs are a dime a dozen, and that's something pros should realize by the time they get there. It's a shame to see how quickly guys get dropped in the NFL, and how yesterday's stars become tomorrow's waiver wire pick-ups or UFAs, but that's how the business works. Parker---who I wish the Steelers could have kept---got replaced by the younger guy they drafted, who in turn will be replaced by another high draft pick in three or four years, who in turn will be out of the league at 28, who in turn will be replaced by another high draft pick in a few years . . . and so on.

Anonymous said...

He was just never the same after he broke his leg. I know a lot of the Steelers faithful had their problems with him, but he was a good-to-great back for a three year span.

SantoGold said...

Parker was so pissed off at his college (North Carolina) that he always had his high school announced when his player introduction was made. I like a guy that can carry a grudge for that many years.

He had to work harder than most to get into the league and I hope he sticks around with the Redskins for a few years. Having Shanahan there will help.

MJ said...

And he never got arrested/sued for sexual assault, which apparently now gives players bonus points for a Steelers career.

Unknown said...

Good luck to Willie. No ill will towards him from me. I think he may have a decent season this year because he carries that chip on his shoulder well.

Dean Jackson said...

Watching Willie's first few seasons replacing Bettis were just plain painful, as they didn't change the plays to go from a power-through-the-middle player to a speed-and-dexterity guy. "Willie Parker up the middle for a loss of two" was something we heard a dozen times a game!

I don't think we (fans) ever recovered from that one, even though his overall numbers were pretty darn good.

Dom Errico said...

Willie was one of the best while he was here. I loved watching him play for the black and gold.

Best of luck in Washington Willie!

Louis Lipps is my homeboy said...

I love it when an over the hill player fleeces the Redskins for millions of dollars.

Mr. Pinsky said...

The entire smashmouth/identity crowd in Pittsburgh is FULL OF SH*T! Franco Harris was NOT a smashmouth RB and he was the best running back in Steelers history. The Steelers won five of their six Super Bowls with the PASSING GAME. Willie Parker was one of the greatest running backs in Steeler history. God bless him, and thank him for the memories.

Mr. Pinsky said...

And for you Bettis lovers - he did PISS ALL in the playoffs unlike Willie. He did his best to fumble away the Lombardi in '05. He ought to worship at the feet of Ben Roethlisberger every single day for saving his sorry fat arse in the Colts game. Had Big Ben not made that tackle, Jerome Bettis would have forever been known at the Bill Buckner of Pittsburgh sports.

BURGH08 said...

Nice to see Mark Madden posting here.