Top 10 quarterbacks in Steelers history
By Harv Aronson
4. Kordell Stewart
Kordell Stewart was well known and very popular at the start of his career in Pittsburgh, but as his performances waned, so did his popularity.
Stewart insisted on being an NFL quarterback and never lost confidence that he could start despite pressure that change his role to that of a part-time, multi-purpose skill player.
Playing other positions gave Stewart his moniker “Slash,” but his refusals to play other positions curtailed an otherwise promising career.
Stewart was probably the most exciting quarterback in Steelers’ history. In 1997, he lead Pittsburgh to the AFC title game only to lose to Denver. Still, there remains fond memories of Stewart and the plays he made during his tenure in Black and Gold.
While there are fans in Steelers Nation that to this day don’t think fondly of Kordell Stewart, one fact can not be ignored. He is one of the very best quarterbacks in Steelers history.
Unbeknownst to many, Stewart ranks third all-time statistically on the Steelers’ historical passing leaders list. Only Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger have bettered Slash’s numbers. In the end, Stewart threw for 13,328 yards while wearing the Black and Gold.
Kordell Stewart’s 56.5 completion rate is better than Bradshaw’s 51.9. In eight seasons, Slash rushed for 2,561 yards for a 5.2 per-carry average. Stewart reached the end zone 35 times on the ground.
No other quarterback before Stewart or after is anywhere close to those numbers—with the exception of Bradshaw—who rushed for 32 touchdowns and finished with a per-carry average of 5.1.
Stewart would play three more seasons, before retiring after one season with the Baltimore Ravens in 2005.
Next: 3. Neil O'Donnell