Steelers Throwback Thursdays: Free agent James Farrior signs deal with Pittsburgh
Before the NFL officially gears up for the 2022-23 season, Steel City Underground will be taking fans back in time to feature events, special moments, and historical times in the world of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Steelers Nation. Join us as we revisit these moments in our “Throwback Thursdays”.
As the Pittsburgh Steelers dip into the market of the 2022 NFL free agency period this March, we looked back at possibly the best free agent signing the franchise has made in its history: James Farrior.
Following the 2001-02 NFL season, Farrior left the New York Jets to sign as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Jets’ first round selection (eighth overall) from Virginia in 1997 wasted little time in boosting the Steelers defense.
Between 2003 and 2009, Farrior led all Steelers in tackles. Farrior remains the Steelers’ all-time tackles leader at 740 per Pro Football Reference. He ranks fourth all-time in franchise history in tackles for a loss (82) and tenth in quarterback hits (47).
Farrior was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in 2004, and earned first-team All-Pro honors. That season was arguably his best as he logged career highs in passes defensed (12), four interceptions, and three forced fumbles with 95 tackles. He was named runner-up as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and helped the Steelers finish the regular season with a 15-1 record before the team lost the AFC Championship game.
In 2005, Farrior was credited with 2.5 sacks in an epic upset of the Indianapolis Colts, 21-18, that propelled Pittsburgh to a Super Bowl XL win.
Farrior also earned a ring in Super Bowl XLIII and helped the Steelers earn a spot in Super Bowl XLV.
Per NFL.com, Farrior remains among the top free agent signings in league history as a two-time Pro Bowler, and additional AP All-Pro honors.
Farrior is a member of the Steelers’ Hall of Honor. He is also a member of Virginia’s Hall of Fame.
