Faneca says This is His Last Season as a Steeler
Longtime star lineman Alan Faneca says he is through negotiating with the Pittsburgh Steelers, pushing them again Friday to trade him and promising he won’t play for them past this season.
Faneca, an All-Pro left guard five times since 2001, reported to a three-day minicamp only because it is mandatory and he could be fined for not attending. He didn’t threaten to sit out the season, but made clear his unhappiness with a team that won the Super Bowl
only 15 months ago.
“This will be my last year as a Pittsburgh Steeler,” Faneca said.
Faneca would like to be traded, but is resigned with staying with Pittsburgh for another season.
“I’ve been asking since February to trade me, to let me go,” Faneca said. “I’ve done my piece. I’ve done my time. I’ve done everything I can for this organization. I’ve lived and breathed
Steeler football for nine years and gave them everything I’ve had and helped them win a Super Bowl. In my mind, I’ve earned the right to be treated fairly.”
Faneca’s criticism is virtually unprecedented for a Steelers player so accomplished — only a handful of players in team history have made All-Pro more than he has.
The Steelers usually re-sign their key players and, thanks greatly to player-friendly owner Dan Rooney, have long been considered the NFL’s model franchise for handling players.
Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler FanaticPat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.
