Hard Hat Award (Game #8, @ GB)
Stiller RB Duce Staley is winner of the weekly Hard Hat Award, given to the Stiller player who best embodies the iron-tough, hard-as-steel attitude of the steel workers inside the blast furnace of a still mill.
Staley, who was hobbled in preseason and had dressed for only 1 game this season, was called upon in the 2nd half of a very tight game, with starter Willie Parker hampered with an ankle injury and Jerome Bettis held out for the game. On came The Duce, and out went the chances for the Pack to pull off the upset. The Duce burrowed, rumbled, and plowed for good yardage, gaining 76 yards on 15 carries, with all but 8 of those yards coming in the 2nd half. Staley showed little rust, reading the holes and following his blocking like a grizzled veteran. When the Stillers needed tough yards, he took on tacklers and churned for extra yardage. Click here to review a nice run by The Duce!!
Kudos to Staley for winning the weekly Hard Hat Award. Wear the Hard Hat proudly, Duce!
Past 2005 Hard Hat Winners:
Week 1, vs. Tenn: Willie Parker
Week 2, @ Hou: Troy Polamalu
Week 3, vs. NE: Clark Haggans
Week 4, @ SD: Troy Polamalu
Week 5, vs. Jax: Heath Miller and Ike Taylor
Week 6, @ Cinci: Hines Ward and Ike Taylor
Week 7, vs. Balt.: Andre Frazier