Why is james farrior potsie

The former Steelers All-Pro was the consummate professional, both on and off the field. While doing research for a recent article about Devin Bush's immense potential to evolve into one of the greatest inside linebackers in Steelers history, I wasn't surprised at the insane number of superior inside backers the Steelers have fielded, or that the greatness of Jack Lambert would standout so prominently in the annals of NFL history.

What did shock me more than just a little was the fond memories that kept flooding back of the outstanding career of former Steelers standout James Farrior and how truly unique a inside linebacker he was, both in style and demeanor. James Farrior was a great player by all accounts, highly respected by his peers and opponents. In my research, I was reminded of just how overlooked and underrated Farrior was among the national sports media outside the city of Pittsburgh throughout his professional career.

Similar to his teammate Aaron Smith , Farrior was an easy guy to overlook. Farrior was a affable gentleman in all regards, and he was a man of few words by nature.

He wasn't going to toot his own horn in an effort to call attention to himself. They say the squeaky wheel gets the grease, and oftentimes the more boastful players garner the most attention. That line of reasoning perfectly explains part of the reason why players like Farrior get overlooked.

Another reason why Farrior seemingly was taken for granted by so many was the manner in which he went about his business. Oftentimes fundamentally sound and insanely consistent gets mistaken for boring and unspectacular. Unbelievably the defensive leader and signal caller on two Lombardi Trophy winning teams, Farrior was only named to two Pro Bowls.

Those seasons turned out to be his only two All-Pro selections also. The inside linebacker doesn't get the credit he deserves, and I'm here to give it to him. Farrior hasn't missed a game in five seasons, meaning 80 consecutive regular season starts, and 11 postseason starts over that span.

Having a constant in the lineup over such a long time gives the Steelers' defense a huge advantage, and they have become really reliable on Farrior being in the lineup and wreaking havoc in the defensive backfield.

Since joining the organization in , Farrior has missed just seven games total four regular season, three postseason , and has had an impact on a majority of the games he's played in.

Staying healthy has always been a huge plus with Farrior. It's obvious that over his 14 professional seasons four with New York Jets, nine with Steelers , Farrior has gained some precious experience and knowledge. He is the oldest and most experienced member of the Steelers' linebacking corps and has two Super Bowl rings in three appearances.

At the age of 35 this past season, Farrior continued to put up respectable numbers from the inside linebacking position. His 80 solo tackles were 12 more than his total and his six sacks was just a half of a sack shy of tying his career-high. Have you ever heard anything bad about Farrior? Any complaints from his fellow teammates? I know I haven't. Farrior has four children that keep him busy, and he hopes none of them pursue football as a career. Best Of. Pittsburgh News. Local Radar and Maps.