The Pittsburgh Steelers are marking the 20th anniversary of their 2005 Super Bowl XL victory during this year’s Alumni Weekend, with several team members returning for the game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The 2005 season is remembered by many as a turning point for the franchise. After starting strong with a 7-2 record, the Steelers faced setbacks with three consecutive losses to the Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, and Cincinnati Bengals. This left them at 7-5 and put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.
Coach Bill Cowher addressed his players during a critical team meeting, erasing all previous records from their board and emphasizing a “one game season” mentality for each remaining matchup. “It was special. It was a really special team,” said Cowher. “It might not have been our best team during my time there, but it was our closest team. I think you realize in this business that the chemistry that you have on the team is more important than the talent that you have.
“We had good players. We had great players. We had a very special team. They were close to one another. They played for one another.”
Linebacker James Farrior recalled how the losing streak affected morale: “We were on the verge of not making the playoffs,” he said. “We were having a great season leading up to that, we were even coming off a 15-1 record the year before in 2004.
“Everyone thought things were good and then we hit that three-game losing streak and that shook everybody up.”
Running back Jerome Bettis described Cowher’s approach: “We had been underachieving,” said Bettis. “Guys were a little bit down on their luck, not confident. He basically erased everything on the board in the team meeting room… He erased all of it and told us it’s a one game season.
“He did a great job of focusing us on that next game. It was all about it being a one game season for the rest of the year.”
Veteran leadership also played an important role according to running back Willie Parker: “What made it a special group is we always held each other accountable… The leaders were telling you what to do when you’re in the building, following teammates in the gym, the cold tub, in the training room.”
Guard Alan Faneca highlighted how Cowher unified everyone: “On a week-to-week basis he rallied the team and put… everybody in the building… pointed at one singular mission of winning the next game.” Faneca added that camaraderie helped win close games: “That camaraderie, that brotherhood that’s in locker room is worth two or three wins a year.”
The Steelers won their final four regular-season games to secure a Wild Card playoff spot and then won three straight road playoff games to reach Super Bowl XL.
Farrior reflected on this period: “While it shook us up, it brought us closer together,” he said. “…Once we had our backs against wall, we knew if we lost another game, it would be over…”
Super Bowl XL took place at Ford Field in Detroit—Jerome Bettis’ hometown—fulfilling quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s promise to get him there for his final NFL season.
Linebacker Joey Porter described Bettis’ solo introduction before kickoff: “Jerome meant so much not only to organization but also to us as our captain… We wanted to let him run out first…”
Faneca spoke about his emotions before kickoff: “…Standing on sidelines before game… The Super Bowl was an accumulation of not just that one season but few seasons…”
Parker recalled his feelings during pregame ceremonies: “…It was like dream come true… I was so numb…”
Rookie tight end Heath Miller noted early nerves led him to commit an offsides penalty on Pittsburgh’s first play from scrimmage.
Seattle scored first but Pittsburgh responded late in first half with Roethlisberger’s touchdown dive for 7-3 halftime lead.
Early second half saw Parker break free for what remains Super Bowl’s longest run—a 75-yard touchdown—to extend Pittsburgh’s lead.
“The Willie Parker touchdown run at beginning of second half was really big play for us,” Farrior said.
Seattle narrowed gap after Kelly Herndon intercepted Roethlisberger and Matt Hasselbeck threw touchdown pass; score tightened to 14-10.
Cornerback Ike Taylor intercepted Hasselbeck early fourth quarter after missing an earlier opportunity: “I had opportunity for interception earlier… Not this time.”
A trick play followed as Antwaan Randle El threw touchdown pass to Hines Ward sealing Pittsburgh’s fifth Super Bowl title with final score 21-10.
Bettis described his emotions upon receiving ball from Roethlisberger postgame: “…That was special moment for me…” He called hoisting Lombardi Trophy “a really magical moment.”
Parker summed up championship feeling as confetti fell: “…It’s feeling of relief, excitement… knowing you’re best in world…”
The reunion weekend serves as both celebration and reflection on teamwork and resilience shown by Steelers two decades ago.
