They Said It
Throughout the week we will be bringing you quotes from Steelers players and coaches. The following are from the team's press conference on Monday.
Linebacker James Harrison on the standards set by previous Steelers teams:
"There is a lot of tradition that comes with being a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers and you want to be able to play as close to that level as possible. It is about pride. You don't want to be a part of a team that doesn't perform at that level. It is just a matter of pride."
Defensive end Brett Keisel on how confusing the Steelers defense can be:
"Sometimes when we are playing well, we'll even have a defensive back on a tight end. As a defensive lineman, to have that flexibility, you can freelance, get up and roam around, move and have the ability to disguise things. I think that is where this league is headed, where you are able to show one thing, and then at the last second move to where you really want to be."
Tight end Heath Miller on how the team's schedule prepared them for the Super Bowl:
"You have to be determined. We had to face our share of good teams. It kept us in the proper perspective. Week-in and week-out we know coach is going to come in and tell us what we did well and what we did wrong. We're going to put it behind us, move on and work to get better. Whether it's a big win or a big loss, we have to come back with the same mentality. That's to work, prepare and get better as a team."
Safety Troy Polamalu on Dan Rooney, Sr.:
"I think it's cool that Mr. Rooney gives out his cell phone number to players. People call him, 'Pops'. He's down to earth, very humble. I think that atmosphere has obviously permeated throughout our whole team because our whole team is very close like that as well."
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on center Justin Hartwig:
"Justin has been a great center. He's really picked up the offense fast. He's done a great job, and he's only going to get better as we go. We've got great chemistry, and you have to. The quarterback and center have to be on the same page, and I think we've done a great job with that."
Wide Receiver Hines Ward on what sticks out in his mind about Super Bowl XL:
"Of course catching that touchdown. I just think a lot of people's goals and dreams and aspirations were fulfilled that day. It was a childhood dream of mine to play in the Super Bowl and getting a chance to score a touchdown and help my team solidify the win was definitely great. I envisioned it when I was a kid. I don't know what age I was, I remember Jerry Rice caught a couple of balls and won the Super Bowl. That whole week I was Jerry Rice and being on that stage maybe there was a kid that saw the game and will try to emulate and try to be me. It was definitely a great honor to win the Super Bowl but also to win the Super Bowl MVP. Not too many guys can say that in their career."
