The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 1974 rookie class, widely regarded as one of the most exceptional in NFL history, produced four future Hall of Famers: Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Jack Lambert, and Mike Webster. This group played a critical role in the Steelers’ 1970s dominance, securing four Super Bowl titles within six years. Yet, a surprising fact about this legendary class has emerged: one key member spent his initial three seasons mostly on the bench.
This revelation sheds light on the challenging path some players face, even those destined for greatness. The player in question, Mike Webster, ultimately became one of the top centers in NFL history. However, he began his career as a backup for his first three seasons (1974-76), serving as an understudy to Ray Mansfield, a veteran nearing the end of his career. During this period, Webster refined his skills, gaining insights into the game and earning the confidence of his coaches and teammates.
Pittsburgh’s decision to develop Webster in a reserve role was consistent with the team’s approach at the time, as they favored gradual player growth over immediate starting roles. This strategy allowed Webster to adapt to the professional level, learning from the seasoned Mansfield. Although challenging, this period laid the groundwork for Webster’s remarkable career.
Webster became the starting center in 1977 after Mansfield’s retirement, quickly establishing himself as a linchpin of the Steelers’ offensive line. Over the next ten years, he played 220 games for Pittsburgh, earned nine Pro Bowl selections, and secured five first-team All-Pro honors, contributing to two more Super Bowl victories. His persistence during his early career was instrumental in his rise to become one of the NFL’s greatest centers.
The story of the 1974 rookie class highlights that even legendary players may encounter early setbacks. It also illustrates how the Steelers’ player development philosophy turned Mike Webster from an overlooked backup into a Hall of Famer. Ultimately, his journey serves as a reminder that patience and perseverance are crucial to achieving lasting success in the NFL.