The decades of the 80s and 90s were some dark times for the Pittsburgh Steelers. There was just one Super Bowl appearance during that 20 year span, a heart breaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. Despite the lack of success, there were plenty of talented players to come through Pittsburgh during this time. In the first installment of our series “Forgotten Steelers from the 80s and 90s” we bring you tight end Eric Green:
Eric Green was a massive tight end drafted out of Liberty in 1990. He stood 6’5”, and weighed in at a whopping 280lbs. Think Darnell Washington only bigger, and a far better receiver. Green was drafted 21st overall by the Steelers, and as was very common in this era ended up holding out in a contract dispute. Pittsburgh was notoriously stingy with contracts in the 80s nad 90s. Green did not sign with the team until after the first game of the regular season. He would not play a down until week five that year.
His signing was a god send for the Steelers struggling offense. The team did not score a touchdown in the first four weeks of that season. Green ended up catching 5 of the 7 touchdown passes thrown by Bobby Brister in 1990. Eric Green was so crucial to the offense then defensive coach Joe Green was quoted as saying “Without Eric Green, we might not have scored a touchdown last year.”https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Green_(tight_end)
Green’s career was marred by a 6 game drug suspension in 1992. Despite this setback, the Steelers star tight end would go on to have an All-Pro season in 1993. Green had career high’s of (63) receptions, and (942) yards in 93. In terms of receiving yards, he was 14th overall in the NFL that season. He ranked second among tight ends, only 11 yards behind Shannon Sharpe. Green did average more yards per reception at 15 however.
This of course led to yet another hold out in 1994. Green would eventually sign for one year, at $1.4 million just before the Steelers opening game. He would earn his second consecutive Pro Bowl nomination in 1994, with 46 receptions, and 618 yards. This would mark Eric Green’s final season in Pittsburgh. He eventually signed a 6 year, $12 million free agent deal with the Miami Dolphins in 1995.
Eric Green was one of the most unique, and talented players in Steelers history. He finished third all time for receiving yards by a tight end in team history. His time in Pittsburgh was tumultuous to say the least. In his five seasons with the team, Eric Green was one of the most feared tight ends in the NFL, and the biggest offensive weapon on the team. Check out this link for highlights of one of the best tight ends in Steelers history: https://youtu.be/ouA2-AoxD3Q?si=Y19EAjFgA-IdoWvg