Last week, Kevin Colbert signed a one-year-deal to remain the GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s 63 years old. He may soon be ready to have his toes in the water and ass in the sand. Retirement beckons.
That should terrify Steelers fans.
When I was a kid, I was afraid of the dark. You don’t know what’s lurking in the shadows. Fear of the dark is really the fear of the unknown.
Now that I'm a grown(ish) man, I’m afraid of death. Do I rot in a grave for all eternity? Will I be reincarnated as someone’s pet pig that they treat entirely too aggressively?
Is there a heaven? A hell? Purgatory?
Nobody knows.
I know when Ben Roethlisberger plays, the Steelers have a chance. He’s only missed the playoffs a few times in his career. He’s a Hall of Fame player. The Steelers have never had a losing season when he plays the majority of the games.
I know when he plays, they’re going to be relevant that season.
When he leaves? I don’t know what that will bring.
I’m equally as scared about seeing what happens to the Steelers after Kevin Colbert leaves.
Maybe Omar Khan takes over. Though, he’s more of a capologist. Perhaps it’s Brandon Hunt? Maybe it’s an outside hire?
Uh oh, the fear of the unknown is creeping back in!
I know that with Colbert as the GM, the Steelers have had one losing season. I know that they’ve made the playoffs 12 times. They've won two Super Bowl's and been to three. I know that he’s built some of the most talented rosters in football.
I know what I can expect from Kevin Colbert. I know what I can expect with Ben Roethlisberger.
I’m not sure about the alternatives.