Steelers’ Great Alan Faneca Had Lots Of Emotional Stress Put On Him While Waiting For “The Knock”
The Pittsburgh Steelers have had numerous players make the Hall of Fame during their first year of eligibility. It’s always a great celebration for these players, as all of their hard work and top-level play is being recognized as some of the best to ever happen in the game of football. There are many players that never get even close to reaching those highs, and it can sting for some. However, nothing stings harder than being so close to achieving that, but not being able to.
Alan Faneca was one of the most reliable linemen of his time. He started and played in every single game but one from 2000 until his retirement after the 2010 season. During that time, he was voted onto All-Pro teams eight times (six First Team All-Pros), as well as nine Pro Bowls. He was also a key piece of the Steelers’ championship run in 2005-2006, where he helped open a hole for Willie Parker on his 75-yard record-setting touchdown run in Super Bowl XL.
Faneca seemed like a lock to be voted into the Hall of Fame for everything that he did. Even after he left the Steelers, he continued his dominance with the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. However, every time he went into that hotel room during the weekend of the NFL Honors, he never got “The Knock.” Faneca talked with Rob King about how that affected him and his family.
Faneca had to deal with the disappointing phone call five years in a row. As time goes on, the frustration keeps on building. He kept getting hyped up as a potential Hall of Fame inductee, but he never got the result he was expecting. He was all ready to go and show off for his big moment each time, but that big moment never came, until his sixth year.
While the news wasn’t delivered how Faneca expected it to be, it’s still got to be a great feeling to see Baker standing outside your door, telling you that you have officially made it to the Hall of Fame. It still must be great to know that all of your achievements, hard work, and dominance on the field will be immortalized in Canton, Ohio forever.
While many people would do anything to have that kind of problem, Faneca got through it, and he uncovered his own bronze bust in the end. The thought of “will I ever make it” can torture any person in regard to anything, and it tortured the Faneca family until he finally received “The Knock.”
What do you think about Faneca dealing with the disappointing phone calls constantly, then finally getting what he was looking for all his life? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
