Pictures can capture a moment in time, a moment many of us remember and some many never have seen.
So, we decided to share some of those moments in time through 'Picture Perfect' where we will bring to life historical Steelers photos.
Throughout the remainder of the offseason, Steelers.com will be featuring photos that tell the story of the Steelers through the years.
In today's feature, we highlight the final game at Three Rivers Stadium.
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It was home to a lifetime of memories for Steelers fans, but on December 16, 2000, the final game ever was played at Three Rivers Stadium.
And the Steelers sent their treasured home out in style.
On a cold, rain soaked, Saturday afternoon, the Steelers defeated Washington, 24-3, in front of a crowd that included 50 Steelers legends, led by Hall of Fame Coach Chuck Noll.
And when the game ended, they joined the current team on the field for a celebration reminiscent of winning a championship, complete with fireworks and a victory lap where they shook hands and thanked fans.
"What an atmosphere," said Coach Bill Cowher after the game. "Last night at the hotel, you see all of the former players, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue was there, Hank Williams Jr. coming into town to sing the National Anthem. It just had a tremendous buzz about it. When we came out of the locker room, you could see all of the black-and-gold in the stands, and it had that feel about it. It's a special day."
Washington got on the board first when Eddie Murray hit on a 32-yard field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. But that would be it for them. The defense forced five turnovers, including forced fumbles by Kendrick Clancy, Jason Simmons and Kimo von Oelhoffen, while Chad Scott and Dewayne Washington both intercepted quarterback Jeff George.
"We knew we were going to come out and play Steelers football," said Washington. "We knew we had to run the ball with Jerome (Bettis). We knew we had to make some plays on defense. We did that early and got up on them."
The Steelers put up 17 points in the second quarter, with kicker Kris Brown tying the game, 3-3, with a 28-yard field goal. Special teams continued to provide a spark when rookie Hank Poteat returned a punt 53 yards to give the Steelers their first lead of the game, 10-7.
While Jerome Bettis led the ground game with 25 carries for 104 yards, for the last 100-yard game at the stadium, it would be Richard Huntley who got the team in the end zone. With just 28 seconds to play in the first half, Huntley took it in from three yards out to give the Steelers a 17-3 halftime lead.
Huntley, who had only one touchdown on the season prior to the game, would add a 30-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, to give the Steelers a 24-3 lead that would stand, while recording the final touchdown in Three Rivers Stadium history.
''To me, it was like the last playoff game at Three Rivers,'' said linebacker Levon Kirkland of the atmosphere. ''This was an opportunity to add to the history of this stadium, and I'm real proud of it.
"To be here for that part of history is great. I'm just glad I got an opportunity to play for a very special team, a very special owner. When I woke up (Saturday) morning, I realized that I was going to be part of history. I wanted to make it good history."
The Steelers held the ball on the final drive of the game, taking over with 2:11 to play. The Steelers went for it on fourth and 10 with 35 seconds remaining. And Amos Zereoue converted with an 11-yard gain to the Washington three-yard line.
Quarterback Kordell Stewart, who completed 11 passes for 175 yards, closed out the game with a two-yard loss to put a bow on the history of a building that brought many great memories.
While there were plenty of Hall of Famers on hand for the game including Noll, Mel Blount, Jack Ham, Franco Harris and Jack Lambert, with all four players serving as honorary co-captains, there were eight future Hall of Famers part of the game.
"Jack just got fired up," said Kirkland, who was the defensive captain, of Lambert. "He said, 'All right, defense! Let's kill, let's go!'
"That was great, man. You could see how intense he was. It just made us go out there and play better."
For the Steelers, Coach Bill Cowher, running back Jerome Bettis and guard Alan Faneca would eventually be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. And for Washington, future Hall of Famers Champ Bailey, Darrell Green, Andre Reed, Deion Sanders and Bruce Smith all played.
"The atmosphere was incredible," said Bettis. "It makes you realize when you put on this jersey, you're not just representing yourself but every guy who played here and gave it up on that field."
