The mid-2000s duel between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens was arguably the most severe in the NFL’s AFC North.
Both teams were
distinguished by defenses that made any quarterback cringe, and strong rushing attacks were always present on offense, regardless of who was in the backfield. The rivalry was always intense, but it may have peaked in 2008, when both clubs had legitimate Super Bowl aspirations.
The Steelers defeated the Ravens three times that year on their way to winning Super Bowl 43, and it appears that level of intensity may have caused one former All-Pro fullback to retire early.
Lorenzo Neal is one of the top fullbacks in NFL history, having made three All-Pro teams and four Pro Bowls during his career, which included stints with numerous clubs, including the Ravens in 2008.
After assisting running backs LaDainian Tomlinson, Eddie George, and Corey Dillon in having some of their best seasons, Neal spent a year working with Ray Rice and Le’Ron McClain.
Neal, who co-hosts the podcast Bleav In Chargers with Matt Smith, revealed in a recent episode that the brutality of that season shortened his career by several years.
“I was in Baltimore the year of the AFC Championship game; we lost to the Steelers but definitely might have won.
“We lost to them three times that year,” Neal stated on the 2008 season. “That was the year that pretty well retired me since I was just blocking for Le’Ron McClain, a fullback, and Ray Rice. That year cut at least two years from my career.
I believe I would have played another two or three years if I hadn’t gone to Baltimore.” Neal attempted to play for the Oakland Raiders in 2009, but was released with an injury settlement before the season began.
That injury could be the result of the wear and tear on his body during his one season in the AFC North.
Neal’s body must have hurt after three games against the Steelers defense, where he had to block players like James Farrior and Larry Foote. The Steelers’ defense was vicious, and it appears Neal learned this firsthand.
Neal also played 15 seasons before to his arrival in Baltimore, so that season may not have been the main reason he had to retire, but it appears to have had a long-term influence.
Those were the days when Haloti Ngata broke Ben Roethlisberger’s nose in the middle of a game, with only blood and pain guaranteed in every Steelers-Ravens game. Neal was one of the top players in his position, but the AFC North presents a different challenge.
If you aren’t raised and shaped in it, it can rip you apart. This year’s Steelers-Ravens rivalry is expected to be intense, with players on both teams adding fuel to the fire.
The Ravens have had higher expectations recently because their quarterback is a two-time league MVP, but the Steelers have consistently outperformed them.
This year, the Steelers’ offensive should be significantly improved, so their games against each other may resemble the competitive clashes Neal experienced, but without the long-term injuries.