One of the great coincidences in American history is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the same day. What makes it even more incredible is that that day was July 4, 1826… 50 years to the day of the approval of Jefferson’s written Declaration of Independence. Don’t get me started on the whole July 4th is Independence Day thing. Independence was declared on July 2nd!!! That should be the day we observe and celebrate our nation’s birth!!! I’m a history teacher. Trust me. I know my stuff and I make sure my students know the real date. See, I told you to not get me started on this topic.
Makes me frustrated every time. Sorry about that rampage. Anyway, those types of coincidences are what I love to talk about. Another historical coincidence that we as Steeler fans should take seriously and celebrate is January 27. You can’t tell me that the hiring of Chuck Noll doesn’t coincide with the birthday of one Arthur Rooney in 1969. On Art Rooney’s 68th birthday Steeler Nation was born with the hiring of one Charles Henry Noll. I wasn’t born yet…just sayin’. But, what a day it was and has become! Noll was signed to a three year contract and judging by his record in those first three years you can argue that it wasn’t a successful first three years.
In today’s game there would be a great chance that he wouldn’t be retained for a fourth year. But, holy cow, what a day. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, we do today as fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are directly related to January 27, 1969. Happy Birthday to Art Rooney and Happy Birthday to Steeler Nation. I can see Steeler Nation as a baby wrapped in a Terrible Towel. Chuck Noll would be holding the baby and showing it off to the world like he did with the Lombardi Trophy…ALL 4 TIMES! Art Rooney would be passing out cigars to everyone. Chances are good that Art would have plenty of cigars to go around.
I would love to be in the offices at Steelers Worldwide Headquarters on that day and see Dan offer the job to Chuck and see him sign the contract. There should be magnets, bumper stickers, shirts, jackets, hats, posters, gloves, pennants, ANYTHING that has that date imprinted on it. This day should be a national holiday. If it was it would immediately be a top ten holiday. Just behind Labor Day and ahead of Halloween. Everyone take a day off of work…if you’re a Steelers fan. Non-believers must work a double that day. But, the rest of us, which means “the best of us”, should get a paid day off. Call your congressman or start a petition. Send Jack Lambert to Harrisburg or Washington DC. I know I’d let him in my office. Heck, I’d name my office after him if he wanted. If I was in Congress I ‘d name bridges, highways, counties…ANYTHING…after Jack Lambert if he wanted me to. 01/27/69 should be seen by all, all of the time.
You might want to make these numbers your lottery numbers. You can thank me later…and send me a small portion of your winnings. Please. College tuition is coming. So, are you ready to make this date a “thing” Hold those signs up high in Latrobe this July and August. I’ll be there. This date needs more recognition in Steeler Nation. I want to see it in Pittsburgh throughout the city. Hold your sign up high when you’re at an away game. We can do this. HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEELER NATION!!!!!!! Oh, and July 2, 1776 is Independence Day. Don’t get me started on that one.