Alan Faneca

After a successful college career as a star player at LSU, Faneca was chosen 26th overall in the 1998 NFL Draft’s first round. As the top rookie, he earned the franchise’s Joe Green Award. By 2000, the team ranked fourth in rushing compared to other organisations due in part to Faneca’s efforts. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 2002 and recognized for his efforts by the press. These successes inspired Faneca to work harder, and by 2007, Steeler fans chose him to the All-Time team for the franchise’s 75th anniversary. In 2003, he was selected a second time for the Pro Bowl. His efforts helped his teammates set rushing records and contributed to the team’s Super Bowl XL appearance.

By 2008, Faneca signed a $40 million deal with the New York Jets, making him the highest-paid lineman for offence in the league’s history at the time. In 2008, the Jets ranked third in the AFC East. In 2009, the team reached the championships for the AFC but lost to the Colts of Indianapolis. The Jets released Faneca in 2010. After a short stint with the Arizona Cardinals, Faneca retired in 2011.

Faneca was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Pro Football in 2021.