The Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed remarkable success over the past three decades, with only four seasons boasting a record below .500 since 1991. This consistency owes much to astute decision-making in the front office during both free agency and the NFL Draft. Kevin Colbert, during his tenure spanning over 20 years as the Steelers’ GM, made numerous commendable choices. However, he recently revealed his biggest regret: missing out on a player who would go on to achieve legendary status in the NFL.
Colbert joined Cameron Heyward on an episode of Heyward’s podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward.” Their conversation took place during the Steelers’ draft proceedings on the third day of the 2024 NFL Draft, covering various topics, including Colbert’s most significant regret.
Reflecting on missed opportunities, Colbert remarked, “There’s always those players you look back on and think, ‘Wow, in the grand scheme of things, we overlooked Tom Brady,’ a true icon of the game.”
Regret over passing on Tom Brady might seem cliché, akin to claiming foresight in Patrick Mahomes’ potential during the 2017 NFL Draft. However, Colbert’s case holds particular significance, as Pittsburgh was mere picks away from selecting Brady in 2000. Opting for QB Tee Martin 163rd overall, just 36 spots ahead of Brady, adds a poignant twist to the tale.
“Going into the sixth round, that’s a rarity, not something that occurs often. Yet, we found ourselves in pursuit of him. While we achieved our own successes, Tom Brady’s accomplishments stand out. The Patriots excelled in stringing together victorious seasons, presenting the enduring challenge of our profession. If you ask for one regret, that’s the one I’ll always point to, as it marked my inaugural year here,” Colbert reflected.
Colbert helmed the Steelers’ GM position from 2000 through the 2022 NFL Draft, overseeing a significant era for the franchise.
While Steelers fans might lament the missed opportunity with Tom Brady, they found solace in the subsequent discovery of another franchise quarterback.
In the 2004 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh selected Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th overall pick, the highest quarterback selection since Terry Bradshaw in 1970.
Roethlisberger made an immediate impact, leading the Steelers to an impressive 13-0 record during his rookie season. His performance set the stage for a promising future, with the Steelers making three Super Bowl appearances and clinching two Lombardi Trophies over the next six seasons.
Despite subsequent playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship loss to the Brady-led Patriots in 2016, the Steelers couldn’t replicate their earlier Super Bowl success. Nonetheless, the Roethlisberger era ensured that Pittsburgh remained a perennial contender, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise’s storied history.
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