For a long time after the new millennium in 2000, the defensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers was widely considered the barometer by which opposing defensive lines were measured. The foundation, or bedrock, in the middle, was none other than Casey Hampton, aptly nicknamed “Big Snack”, who’s listed weight of 325 pounds was perhaps off by a few buckets of KFC. Flanking him on the outside were bookend 5-techniques Aaron Smith, perhaps the most underrated Steeler in history, and Brett Keisel, whose infamous beard took on an identity of itself.
Led by those three up front, the Steelers ranked #1 in the league defensively on a handful of occasions, and became so steady and reliable, that fans seemed to take their greatness for granted.