Talent alone is not sufficient for an NFL team to win championships; it requires a combination of skill, camaraderie, and the ability to overcome adversity. This principle is exemplified by the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers, a team celebrated for its unity under head coach Bill Cowher. As the 20-year reunion of the squad approaches, Cowher reflected on the key factors contributing to their Super Bowl victory, famously known as “one for the thumb.”
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Cowher emphasized the importance of trust and commitment among the players. “We all had a degree of commitment and we all learned to trust one another and have each other’s back,” he remarked. Despite being less talented than previous squads, this team stood out for its close-knit dynamic, which Cowher takes great pride in.
The Steelers faced significant challenges leading up to the playoffs, suffering a decline in performance from a promising 7-2 start to a precarious 7-5 record. However, bolstered by the strong bonds within the veteran team, they rallied to secure the sixth and final playoff seed. Under the leadership of a second-year quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, and a robust defense, the Steelers were not easily intimidated by their low seed.
Even so, history was not on their side; no No. 6 seed had ever won the Super Bowl before. Just before their Wild Card match against the Cincinnati Bengals, team owner Dan Rooney provided Cowher with rosary beads, offering a gesture of good luck. Cowher initially hesitated but accepted the beads, which would later play an unexpected role in their playoff run.
After a heart-stopping near-upset against the Indianapolis Colts, Cowher found himself holding onto the beads during crucial moments of tension, particularly after a pivotal fumble by running back Jerome Bettis. The moment became even more significant when the opposing kicker missed a crucial game-tying field goal, solidifying the Steelers’ victory. Cowher made it a point to keep the beads close, even retrieving them before the Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks—a match played in familiar territory for running back Jerome Bettis.
During Super Bowl XL, Cowher also made a strategic decision to have the Steelers wear their away white jerseys, promoting the underdog mindset, despite the game taking place close to home. The Seahawks, boasting the league’s top offense and a 13-3 record, were formidable opponents. Ultimately, the Steelers prevailed, cementing their place in NFL history.
As the Steelers honor their 2005 Super Bowl team this weekend against the Colts, Cowher plans to reflect on their incredible journey with former players. The legacy of that team resonates, highlighting the importance of teamwork, resilience, and the right leadership in overcoming challenges. Cowher’s continued connection to the beads serves as a testament to the unique combination of factors that contributed to their success—an inspiring reminder that victory is often built on more than just talent alone.