2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season

Pittsburgh Steelers 70th US football season August 2023 March 2026 Pittsburgh Steelers 2002 10–5–1 1st AFC North Bill Cowher Kevin Colbert The Rooney Family Heinz Field Won Wild Card Playoffs(vs. Browns) 36–33Lost Divisional Playoffs(at Titans) 31–34 (OT Overtime) 4 G Alan Faneca OLB Jason Gildon OLB Joey Porter WR Hines Ward 3 Alan Faneca (1st team) Joey Porter (1st team) Hines Ward (2nd team) Joey PorterHines Ward Kendall Simmons Steelers seasons The 2002 season was the Pittsburgh Steelers' 70th as a professional sports franchise and as a member of the National Football League. The Steelers were coming off a 13–3 record in 2001 and making an appearance in the AFC Championship game. The team failed to improve their 13–3 record, finishing 10–5–1, although this record was good enough for a division championship. With their finish, the Steelers became the first champions of the newly created AFC North. Bill Cowher's team won the Wild Card Game, defeating the rival Cleveland Browns at home, but lost to AFC South champion Tennessee Titans in the divisional round. Week 4 saw Kordell Stewart's final game as the Steelers' starting quarterback, as he was replaced by Tommy Maddox during the game. Even though he did relieve an injured Maddox, Stewart never regained his job as he was released following the season. Offseason Additions Subtractions QB Charlie Batch (Lions) WR Troy Edwards (Rams) WR Terance Mathis (Falcons) WR Bobby Shaw (Jaguars) K Todd Peterson (Chiefs) FS Jason Simmons (Texans)LB James Farrior (Jets) C Roger Duffy (retirement) FB Jon Witman (retirement) G Rich Tylski (Panthers) NFL draft 2002 NFL draft 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers 1 30 Kendall Simmons Guard Auburn yes 2 62 Antwaan Randle El Wide receiver Indiana yes no 3 94 Chris Hope Safety Florida State yes yes 4 128 Larry Foote Linebacker Michigan yes no 5 166 Verron Haynes Running back Georgia yes no 6 202 Lee Mays Wide receiver Texas El Paso yes no 7 212 Lavar Glover Defensive back Cincinnati no no 7 242 Brett Keisel Defensive end Brigham Young yes yes no Undrafted free agents + 2002 undrafted free agents of notePlayerPositionCollegeMatt AndersonCenterTexasWill BoutonLinebackerFurmanLeon BrockmeierTackleNorthwesternJosh BurrTackleSouth DakotaBurke DalesPunterConcordiaDallas DavisWide receiverColorado StateD. J. FlickWide receiverSlippery RockPernell GriffinLinebackerEast CarolinaJames HarrisonLinebackerKent StateBary HolleymanDefensive EndOklahomaJay JohnsonLinebackerSUNY BrockportBob JonesDefensive EndPenn StateJermese JonesTackleVirginiaAntwon McRayRunning backToledoErik TottenSafetyWestern WashingtonAlbert TuipulotuFullbackPortland State Personnel Staff / Coaches 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers President – Dan Rooney Vice president & general counsel – Art Rooney II Vice president – John R. McGinley Vice president – Arthur J. Rooney, Jr. Administration advisor – Chuck Noll Director of business – Mark Hart Business accounting coordinator – Jim Ellenberger Human relations/office coordinator – Geraldine Glenn Business operations – Omar Khan Accounting manager – Jodie Spagnolli Communications coordinator – Ron Wahl Public relations/media manager – David Lockett Website/network administrator – Scott Phelps Marketing and merchandising Director of marketing – Tony Quatrini Marketing coordinator – Rick Giugliano Merchandising manager – Tim Carey Assistant merchandising manager – Sam Rogiero Merchandising accounting manager – Kristen Weiland Marketing manager – John Wodarek Producer/broadcasting manager – Rick Fairbend Marketing/community relations manager – Lynne Molyneaux Marketing assistant – John Simpson Marketing assistant – Mike Marchinsky Ticket operations Ticket manager – TBA Football operations Director of football operations – Kevin Colbert College scouting coordinator – Bill Baker Pro scouting coordinator – Doug Whaley Pro/college scout – Phil Kreidler College scout – Mark Gorscak College scout – Bob Lane College scout – Bruce McNorton College scout – Dan Rooney College scout – Bill Nunn BLESTO Scout – Kelvin Fisher Head coach – Bill Cowher Offensive coordinator – Mike Mularkey Quarterbacks – Tom Clements Running backs – Dick Hoak Wide receivers – Kenny Jackson Tight ends – Ken Whisenhunt Offensive line – Russ Grimm Offensive assistant – Mike Miller Defensive coordinator – Tim Lewis Defensive line – John Mitchell Linebackers – Mike Archer Defensive backs – Willy Robinson Defensive assistant – Lou Spanos Special teams – Kevin Spencer Conditioning coach – Chet Fuhrman Medical staff Ophthalmologist – Dr. Randy Beatty Physician, orthopedic – Dr. James P. Bradley Neurological surgeon – Dr. Joseph Maroon Physician, M.D. – Dr. Richard Rydze Physician, consultant – Dr. Abraham J. Twerski Physician, M.D. – Dr. Anthony P. Yates Training staff Head athletic trainer – John Norwig Assistant athletic trainer – Ryan Grove Assistant athletic trainer – Ariko Iso Football staff Player development coordinator – Anthony Griggs Equipment manager – Rodgers Freyvogel Field manager – Rich Baker Field/equipment assistant – Paul Gallagher Video coordinator – Bob McCartney Video assistant – Andy Lizanich Video assistant – Rob Brakel Photographers – Mike Fabus 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide Roster 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers 53 5 5 16 Charlie Batch  8 Tommy Maddox 10 Kordell Stewart 36 Jerome Bettis 45 Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala 35 Dan Kreider FB 21 Amos Zereoué 80 Plaxico Burress 88 Terance Mathis 89 Lee Mays y 82 Antwaan Randle El y 86 Hines Ward 85 John Allred American football 81 Marco Battaglia 48 Matt Cushing 84 Jerame Tuman 66 Alan Faneca G 72 Wayne Gandy T 64 Jeff Hartings C 78 Mathias Nkwenti T 56 Chukky Okobi C 79 Oliver Ross offensive lineman G/T 73 Kendall Simmons y G 77 Marvel Smith T 68 Keydrick Vincent G 94 Rodney Bailey DE 96 Kendrick Clancy NT 98 Casey Hampton NT 76 Chris Hoke NT 99 Brett Keisel y DE 91 Aaron Smith American football DE 67 Kimo von Oelhoffen DE 97 Kendrell Bell ILB 51 James Farrior ILB 50 Larry Foote y ILB 92 Jason Gildon OLB 53 Clark Haggans ILB 93 James Harrison American football y OLB 95 Mike Jones linebacker ILB 90 Justin Kurpeikis OLB 55 Joey Porter OLB 27 Brent Alexander FS 41 Lethon Flowers SS 28 Chris Hope American football y FS 29 Chidi Iwuoma CB 31 Mike Logan American football SS 22 Hank Poteat CB 30 Chad Scott CB 26 Deshea Townsend CB 20 Dewayne Washington CB  3 Jeff Reed American football y K 14 Tom Rouen P 54 Mike Schneck LS 87 Mark Bruener TE IR 57 John Fiala LB IR 34 Verron Haynes y RB IR  4 Josh Miller punter P IR  2 Todd Peterson K IR 60 Josh Burr y T 15 Khori Ivy WR 83 Darcey Levy y WR 37 Antwon McCray y RB 39 Erik Totten y S 2003 Pittsburgh Steelers Media Guide 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/pit/2002_roster.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com December 27, 2014 Preseason Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 August 8 New York Jets L 6-16 0–1 Heinz Field 57,251 Recap 2 August 18 at Washington Redskins L 34-35 0–2 FedExField 70,310 Recap 3 August 24 at Detroit Lions W 34–22 1–2 Ford Field 59,262 Recap 4 August 29 Minnesota Vikings W 17–14 2–2 Heinz Field 57,062 Recap Regular season Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap 1 September 9 at New England Patriots L 14–30 0–1 Gillette Stadium 68,436 Summary 2 September 15 Oakland Raiders L 17–30 0–2 Heinz Field 62,260 Summary 3 Bye week 4 September 29 Cleveland Browns W 16–13 (OT) 1–2 Heinz Field 62,864 Summary 5 October 6 at New Orleans Saints L 29–32 1–3 Louisiana Superdome 67,734 Summary 6 October 13 at Cincinnati Bengals W 34–7 2–3 Paul Brown Stadium 63,900 Summary 7 October 21 Indianapolis Colts W 28–10 3–3 Heinz Field 62,800 Summary 8 October 27 at Baltimore Ravens W 31–18 4–3 PSINet Stadium 69,638 Summary 9 November 3 at Cleveland Browns W 23–20 5–3 Cleveland Browns Stadium 73,718 Summary 10 November 10 Atlanta Falcons T 34–34 (OT) 5–3–1 Heinz Field 62,779 Summary 11 November 17 at Tennessee Titans L 23–31 5–4–1 Adelphia Coliseum 68,804 Summary 12 November 24 Cincinnati Bengals W 29–21 6–4–1 Heinz Field 60,473 Summary 13 December 1 at Jacksonville Jaguars W 25–23 7–4–1 Alltel Stadium 55,260 Summary 14 December 8 Houston Texans L 6–24 7–5–1 Heinz Field 58,551 Summary 15 December 15 Carolina Panthers W 30–14 8–5–1 Heinz Field 58,586 Summary 16 December 23 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 17–7 9–5–1 Raymond James Stadium 65,684 Summary 17 December 29 Baltimore Ravens W 34–31 10–5–1 Heinz Field 61,961 Summary Note: Intra-divisional opponents are in bold text. Game summaries Week 1: at New England Patriots Pittsburgh Steelers 2002 2;text-align:center; autocollapse Week 1: Pittsburgh Steelers (0–0) at New England Patriots (0–0) – Game summary Steelers 7 0 0 7 Patriots 7 3 17 3 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts September 9, 2002 9:00 p.m. Overcast, 86 F C ABC Al Michaels, John Madden and Melissa Stark Tony Corrente (99) 68,436 Recap, Game Book First quarter NE – Christian Fauria 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 10:57. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 26 yards, 1:54. PIT – Hines Ward 13-yard pass from Kordell Stewart (Todd Peterson kick), 4:50. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 6:07. Second quarter NE – Adam Vinatieri 45-yard field goal, 2:23. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:11. Third quarter NE – Donald Hayes 40-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 13:27. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 4 plays, 74 yards, 1:33. NE – Deion Branch 22-yard pass from Tom Brady (Adam Vinatieri kick), 7:03. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 6:04. NE – Adam Vinatieri 28-yard field goal, 2:08. Patriots 27–7. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 2:50. Fourth quarter NE – Adam Vinatieri 27-yard field goal, 9:32. Patriots 30–7. Drive: 6 plays, 22 yards, 2:59. PIT – Kordell Stewart 1-yard run (Todd Peterson kick), 0:00. Patriots 30–14. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 2:55. Top passers PIT – Kordell Stewart – 24/37, 242 yards, TD, 3 INT NE – Tom Brady – 29/43, 294 yards, 3 TD Top rushers PIT – Jerome Bettis – 8 rushes, 35 yards NE – Antowain Smith – 17 rushes, 60 yards Top receivers PIT – Hines Ward – 8 receptions, 90 yards, TD NE – Deion Branch – 6 receptions, 83 yards, TD Week 2: vs. Oakland Raiders Raiders 10 7 3 10 Steelers 7 3 7 0 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 8:30 pm EDT Game weather: 70 F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 62,260 Referee: Bill Leavy TV announcers: (ESPN) Mike Patrick (play by play), Paul Maguire (color commentator), Joe Theismann (color commentator), Suzy Kolber (sideline reporter) With the loss, the Steelers went 0-2 heading into their bye week. Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns Browns 3 3 0 7 0 Steelers 0 6 0 7 3 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EDT Game weather: 70 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 62,864 Referee: Bernie Kukar TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson (play by play), Brent Jones (color commentator) Kordell Stewart began the game, going 15–25 for 143 yards, but was intercepted by Robert Griffith of the Browns. At this point his Pittsburgh career all but ended when he was benched and replaced by backup Tommy Maddox, who had resurrected his career with stints with the New Jersey Red Dogs in the Arena Football League and a championship season in the ill-fated XFL. With the Steelers down 13–6, Maddox found Plaxico Burress for the tying touchdown just before the two-minute warning. The game went to overtime, but Maddox was picked off on his first throw of the extra quarter. The Browns, however, gagged when Phil Dawson missed a 45-yard field goal try. With new life the Steelers led by Maddox marched in range for Todd Peterson's 31-yarder and the 16–13 final. Week 5: at New Orleans Saints Steelers 0 14 7 8 Saints 10 9 10 3 at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana Game time: 1:00 pm EDT Game weather: Dome Game attendance: 67,734 Referee: Larry Nemmers TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson (play by play), Brent Jones (color commentator) Tommy Maddox made his first start replacing an ineffective Kordell Stewart. Jerome Bettis went over 11,000 rushing yards in his career. Week 6: at Cincinnati Bengals Steelers 7 17 7 3 Bengals 0 0 7 0 at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio Game time: 1:00 pm EDT Game weather: 54 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 63,900 Referee: Ron Winter TV announcers: (CBS) Kevin Harlan (play by play), Randy Cross (color commentator), and Beasley Reece (Sideline Reporter) Week 7: vs. Indianapolis Colts Colts 0 3 7 0 Steelers 14 7 7 0 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 9:00 pm EDT Game weather: 46 F (Partly Cloudy) Game attendance: 62,800 Referee: Walt Coleman TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) Week 8: at Baltimore Ravens Steelers 14 14 3 0 Ravens 0 3 8 7 at Ravens Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 61 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 69,638 Referee: Johnny Grier TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson (play by play), Brent Jones (color commentator) Week 9: at Cleveland Browns Steelers 3 14 0 6 Browns 7 7 0 6 at Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, Ohio Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 40 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 73,718 Referee: Mike Carey TV announcers: (CBS) Ian Eagle (play by play), Solomon Wilcots (color commentator), Marcus Allen (sideline reporter) Week 10: vs. Atlanta Falcons Falcons 0 7 10 17 0 Steelers 3 14 14 3 0 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 66 F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 62,779 Referee: Terry McAulay TV announcers: (FOX) Sam Rosen (play by play), Bill Maas (color commentator), Alby Oxenreiter (sideline reporter) In the first NFL tie since 1997, Tommy Maddox erupted with 473 passing yards (a club record that stood until Ben Roethlisberger broke it in 2009) and connected on four touchdown throws in his first matchup against the coach who drafted him in Denver, Dan Reeves. Reeves' Falcons, however, were surging behind the running of sophomore quarterback Michael Vick. A 34–17 Steelers lead in the fourth could not be held as Warrick Dunn and Vick rushed the Falcons in range for a one-yard Bob Christian rushing touchdown, a Jay Feely field goal, and finally the tying Vick rushing score with 32 seconds remaining in regulation. In overtime the Steelers drove to range of a 48-yard field goal try by Todd Peterson, this after he'd missed a 40-yarder in regulation. The Falcons' Brian Finneran had caught six passes for 72 yards, but in his career debut on special teams he pulled off the play of the game by blocking the kick. Late in the extra quarter Maddox was picked off by Kevin Mathis, but the subsequent 56-yad Feely try was blocked, with one second left on the clock. Maddox launched a desperation heave and Burress caught it, but was ruled down at the one-foot line with the game declared over. This would be the last time the Steelers would tie until Week 1 of the 2018 season. Week 11: at Tennessee Titans Steelers 7 0 0 16 Titans 7 7 14 3 at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 42 F (Partly Cloudy) Game attendance: 68,804 Referee: Tony Corrente TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson (play by play), Brent Jones (color commentator), Marcus Allen (sideline reporter) Maddox's career nearly ended in tragedy as he threw a pass that Hines Ward turned into a 72-yard touchdown, but after completing just 14 of 28 throws for 194 yards and three picks he was sacked; the hit left him briefly paralyzed and he was taken to the hospital on a stretcher. He recovered from the hit but Kordell Stewart had to come off the bench for what turned out to be his final three games with the Steelers. He completed 13 of 17 throws for two touchdowns and the Steelers also completed two two-point tries. It wasn't enough as the Titans behind 257 passing yards (with two touchdowns) by Steve McNair and 121 rushing yards (McNair and Eddie George accounted for 103 of them) won 31–23. Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals Bengals 0 14 0 7 Steelers 14 3 3 9 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 45 F (Partly Cloudy) Game attendance: 60,473 Referee: Ed Hochuli TV announcers: (CBS) Craig Bolerjack (play by play), Craig James (color commentator) Week 13: at Jacksonville Jaguars Steelers 6 10 3 6 Jaguars 7 3 0 13 at Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Florida Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 53 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 55,260 Referee: Gerald Austin TV announcers: (CBS) Gus Johnson and Brent Jones Kordell Stewart made his last start as a Steelers quarterback, running for a touchdown. Jeff Reed kicked six field goals. Maddox regained his starting position the following week despite Stewart performing well. Week 14: vs. Houston Texans Texans 14 0 0 10 Steelers 0 3 3 0 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 35 F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 58,551 Referee: Bob McElwee TV announcers: (CBS) Ian Eagle (play by play), Solomon Wilcots (color commentator) The Steelers were stunned at home against the expansion Houston Texans, failing to find any offensive footing at all. With the embarrassing loss, the Steelers fell to 7-5-1. This would be the Steelers only home loss to the Texans until 2025. Week 15: vs. Carolina Panthers Panthers 7 0 0 7 Steelers 7 6 7 10 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 40 F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 58,586 Referee: Dick Hantak TV announcers: (FOX) Sam Rosen (play by play), Bill Maas (color commentator) Week 16: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Steelers 17 0 0 0 Buccaneers 0 0 0 7 at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida Game time: 9:00 pm EST Game weather: Game attendance: 65,864 Referee: Larry Nemmers TV announcers: (ABC) Al Michaels (play by play), John Madden (color commentator), Melissa Stark (sideline reporter) Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens Ravens 7 7 10 7 Steelers 7 13 0 14 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 32 F (Cloudy) Game attendance: 61,961 Referee: Ron Winter TV announcers: (CBS) Kevin Harlan (play by play), Randy Cross (color commentator), and Beasley Reece (sideline reporter) Standings Division Conference Playoffs Schedule Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Attendance Recap Wild Card January 5 Cleveland Browns W 36–33 1–0 Heinz Field 62,595 Summary Divisional January 11 at Tennessee Titans L 31–34 (OT) 1–1 Adelphia Coliseum 68,809 Summary Game summaries AFC Wild Card Playoff: vs. Cleveland Browns Browns 7 10 7 9 Steelers 0 7 7 22 at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Game time: 1:00 pm EST Game weather: 27 F (Light Snow) Game attendance: 62,595 Referee: Bill Carollo TV announcers: (CBS) Greg Gumbel, Phil Simms and Armen Keteyian AFC Divisional Playoff: at Tennessee Titans Steelers 0 13 7 11 0 Titans 14 0 14 3 3 at Adelphia Coliseum, Nashville, Tennessee Game time: 4:30 p.m. EST Game weather: 34 F (Sunny) Game attendance: 68,809 Referee: Ron Blum TV announcers: (CBS) Dick Enberg, Dan Dierdorf and Bonnie Bernstein Honors and awards Pro Bowl representatives See: 2003 Pro Bowl No. 55 Joey Porter-Outside Linebacker No. 66 Alan Faneca-Offensive Guard No. 86 Hines Ward-Wide Receiver No. 92 Jason Gildon-Outside Linebacker References External links 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season at Pro Football Reference 2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season statistics at jt-sw.com Category:Pittsburgh Steelers seasons Pittsburgh Steelers Category:AFC North championship seasons Pitts