A year ago today, Ike Taylor announced his retirement after 12 years of donning the black and gold for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A cornerstone for the Steelers dominant defense through the last decade, Taylor was known for two aspects he brought to the game : his swagger and his inability to catch.
During his 12-year career, Taylor was only able to record 14 interceptions, a low number considering Taylor was the team’s #1 cornerback throughout most of those years. Taylor’s name had become synonymous for having hands of stones. Those hands of stone seemed to plague Taylor throughout his career but on one winter night, during the 40th Superbowl, Taylor was healed and his key interception helped drive the Steelers to their fifth Lombardi trophy.
All signs pointed to the Seahawks, the NFL’s most dominant offense battling back and taking the lead over the resilient Steelers. The Seahawks found themselves at the Steelers 27 yard line, down 14-10 with 10:54 left in the game. Facing a 3rd & 18 , Hassleback dropped back and unloaded a pass to wide receiver Darrell Jackson, the pass sailed over his head and right into the hands of Ike Taylor. Steeler Nation stood in misbelief as Taylor begun making his way down the sideline behind Deshea Townsend before finally being tackled by Hassleback after a 19 yard return. Four plays later, Antwaan Randle El threw the game sealing touchdown to Hines Ward to secure the Steelers fifth Lombardi trophy.
Ike Taylor’s 4th quarter INT was instrumental to the Steelers SuperBowl victory.
Hands of stone aside, Taylor will be recognized for his longevity, especially at a position such as cornerback who’s average career length is 5 years according to a report by Chance News in 2002 and for his key contribution in securing Superbowl XL.
My Narrative 