RickeyHelsel.com

In a deal that took place late Sunday night the Pittsburgh Steelers shipped former first round draft pick, wide receiver Santonio Holmes to the New York Jets. In return for the Super Bowl XLIII MVP the Steelers received a fifth round selection (number 155) from the Jets, via Philadelphia (via New Orleans). While this decision may leave many Steelers fans scratching their heads, it may prove to be a brilliant move by Pittsburgh GM Kevin Colbert.

It’s no secret that, as of late, NFL fans have had the need to unusually question the character of the Steelers organization. Recent off the field actions by Holmes and Steelers’ franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger have poised some questions about the organization (and its players) that you usually don’t ask of the Steelers. Colbert’s action of trading Holmes further strengthens the front office’s commitment to on the field and off the field excellence. This may also have been a method of sending a message to Roethlisberger, showing that no one is “too big” for the Steelers.

Willie Parker (known to Steelers Nation as “Fast Willie Parker” or FWP) has reportedly signed a one year deal with the Washington Redskins. Although I enjoyed the 70+ yard run in Super Bowl 40, I didn’t enjoy FWP’s recent attitude towards the game of football. It doesn’t take a rocket-scientist to deduce that FWP isn’t as effective now as he was in the Steelers’ ’05, ’06 and ’07 campaigns. During those years FWP averaged just over 15 starts, 1,337 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, 6 TDs and 5 fumbles. In the ’08 and ’09 seasons the [knee] injury plagued running back averaged 7 starts, 590 yards, 3.9 yards per carry, 2.5 TDs, and 1 fumble. FWP could argue that injuries attributed to this decline in performance; however, those injuries were to his knee… which doesn’t bode well for a scat-back.

Again, what really bothers me is FWP’s attitude, I understand the competitive attitude causing him to be disappointed about playing second-fiddle… but when given the opportunity to shine he hasn’t taken it. You can’t whine about being second on the depth chart if your performance warrants it, you also can’t lean a 75 yard touchdown run for the rest of your career either. Parker has one year left on his 4 year, $13.6 million deal ($3.4 million per year) which, if he sits out, will be worth significantly less as he sits out and piles up fines.

FWP, you’re not an elite back anymore. You’re not a team leader, and you’re certainly not setting a good example. In 2006, your best season, you were number six on the NFL’s rushing chart… while I enjoyed your time in Pittsburgh I believe that your recent actions simply reinforce the staff’s decision to put you on the pine. Enjoy playing second fiddle to Clinton Portis (or Larry Johnson) and watch out, your head swelling could slow you down.