TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Steelers offensive lineman Alan Faneca blows a kiss to the crowd after his last game with the Steelers, Jan. 5, 2008.
While attending the franchise's 75th anniversary gala in November, All-Pro guard Alan Faneca unofficially came to grips with the 2007 season being his last with the Steelers.
"Rod Woodson said there were guys who didn't get to finish their careers as Steelers, but they'd always bleed black and gold," Faneca said Saturday night. "That resonated with me.
"Ten years is a long time. You'd like to finish it, but it's not always meant to be."
Faneca agreed Saturday night to a free-agent contract with the New York Jets. The deal is worth $40 million over five years, with $21 million guaranteed.
"It was a gut decision," Faneca said. "I just felt like that was the best place for me."
Faneca said the St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals also were vying for his services.
Faneca, 31, came to the Steelers as a first-round draft choice in 1998 (26th overall). He made seven Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro five times during his 10 years with the Steelers, including 2007, when he once again received both designations.
Faneca also was selected as a member of the Steelers' 75th Anniversary All-Time Team in November, one of three current players to be honored (wide receiver Hines Ward and strong safety Troy Polamalu were the others).
Faneca said he will fly to New York late this morning. He has yet to pass his physical or sign his contract with the Jets.
"I'm excited," Faneca said. "It's like a new challenge. I'll be playing with new players in a new environment. I'm going to go get my feet wet and get after it.
"It's very exciting."
Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert could not be reached for comment last night.
Faneca had announced during last spring's minicamp that the 2007 season would be his last with the Steelers after negotiations for a long-term contract extension broke down. Subsequent talks proved unproductive.
Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or 412-320-7923.
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