Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the 10 best players of the past decade

4. Maurkice Pouncey, C

The Steelers selected Pouncey with the 18th overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Florida product took over the center position immediately and became the next Pro Bowler in a long line of successful players to hold the position for Pittsburgh. In 2011, the Associated Press selected the young center as a First-Team All-Pro. He earned the honor again in 2014.

Unfortunately, injuries hampered the prime of Pouncey’s career. He missed 15 games in 2013 and never saw the field in 2015. Another two All-Pro years could make the difference between going down as a very good center or a Hall of Famer. Sadly, Pouncey’s injury-history may have prevented him from making history.

Nevertheless, Pouncey still stands out as one of Pittsburgh’s greatest offensive linemen in history. In ten seasons, two of which ended early because of injuries, he’s made eight Pro Bowls. Pouncey also has three Second-Team All-Pro selections.

While the center dealt with some regression this past season, fans believe he can bounce back in 2020.

3. Troy Polamalu, SS

Polamalu played five seasons in the 2010s before the Steelers pushed him into retirement. Pittsburgh originally drafted the USC product with the 16th overall pick in 2003. The safety’s attitude and playmaking set the tone for a decade of Steelers football.

Polamalu, who entered the Hall of Fame this past voting cycle, entered his age-29 season in 2010. Still, in his prime, the legendary safety recorded seven interceptions on his way to becoming the DPOY. Of course, the Associated Press also selected him as a First-Team All-Pro. Polamalu also earned the honor in 2011. Afterward, he never made another All-Pro team.

Injuries limited Polamalu to seven games in 2012, which marked the beginning of his gradual regression. Polamalu made the Pro Bowl in 2013, but the safety’s physical style began taking a toll. After missing four games in 2014, Polamalu retired at only 33 years old.