Pittsburgh Review

As the Steelers prepare to head to Saint Vincent College for training camp, we are taking a look back at training camp from the Steelers' Super Bowl seasons. Today's spotlight is the 2008 training camp.

In just his second season at the helm, Coach Mike Tomlin entered the Steelers' 2008 training camp at Saint Vincent College with enthusiasm, embracing the challenges ahead.

"I love football. I love this process," said Tomlin as the team reported for camp. "I love going to camp. I love team building, readying ourselves to pursue our goals. I am extremely excited. If I had to characterize it, I would say no more excited or no less excited than a year ago."

Coming off the 2007 season when the team won the AFC North but lost in the Wild Card playoff round, there were expectations and concerns for the black and gold that Tomlin was well aware of.

"There will be a lot of issues, and that is what training camp is about," said Tomlin. "I think one of the things that I am always conscious about is that I never try to tell a story. I always try to let the story unfold and call it as I see it. That is what I intend to do this year as well."

The team entered camp with changes on the offensive line, an aging defensive line, and searching for a returner. However, there was plenty of competition for roster spots as camp opened, including several on that offensive line.

Chris Kemoeatu replaced Alan Faneca, a seven-time Pro Bowl guard. Going into the season Kemoeatu had only started two games in three years. Justin Hartwig, who was signed in the offseason, won the camp battle to start at center over Sean Mahan. Willie Colon and Max Starks competed for right tackle.

Another notable position was running back, where Willie Parker prepared to work with No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall as a one-two punch for the offense.

There were also other players battling for roster spots, something Tomlin always welcomed.

"One of the things we've learned around here and I've learned in this business is that if a man has a helmet and is invited to camp, he has an opportunity," said Tomlin.

One player who didn't have to worry about a roster spot was safety Troy Polamalu, despite not seeing much action early on due to starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform List with a hamstring injury.

"It's always miserable being injured," said Polamalu.

The good news for the 2008 Steelers was that Polamalu's injury wasn't serious. His interception return for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game sent the Steelers to Super Bowl XLIII, where they defeated the Arizona Cardinals for their sixth Lombardi Trophy.

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