Brady Keys & Bob Schmitz-Two Big Plays Each

LeonardRachiele · Post by **LeonardRachiele** » Sat Apr 15, 2023 1:52 pm

The Pittsburgh Steelers had two ball players who made their mark on two plays in successive years. They earned highlights on weekly and year end reviews. All four games were at Pittsburgh. This was in the era of baseball dominance in the Steel City when it was easy to get football tickets.

Bob Schmitz

Subject was the linebacker who played for the Steelers in 1962 and 1963

1962 Game 3 Saturday Night-Forbes Field-Versus the Eagles
The Steelers were leading 3 to 0 in the first quarter. Bob Schmitz intercepted a pass from Sonny Jurgensen and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. The Steelers on offense got only two field goals and won 13 to 7.

1963 Game 9- Pitt Stadium-Versus the Cleveland Browns
Pittsburgh repeatedly was muffing scoring opportunities and were trailing 7 to 0 in the third quarter. A great punt put the Browns at their own two. Cleveland was trying for a game breaker and took a risk with Jimmy Brown. Quarterback Frank Ryan, calling a pass option play, pitched back to Brown in the End Zone. Schmitz darted threw and tackled Brown, who lamely threw the ball away. The officials flagged Brown and Pittsburgh had a safety. With the score 7 to 2, Pittsburgh went on a 78 yard drive to win. The final score was 9 to 7. This game should have been much easier. The NFL named Bob Schmitz the defensive player of the week for this effort.

Brady Keys
Keys made a few interceptions with the Steelers in his seven years at Pittsburgh. Even so, we remember him for two punt returns. Both were in the second game of the season, against the New York Giants, and at Pitt Stadium; yet both were frustrating for Brady.

1963
Keys fielded a punt at his 17 and moved to his left. With a great escort, he easily cruised 82 yards. With a great effort, two Giants pushed him out at their one. BK slammed the ball to the turf. He really wanted a touchdown. John Henry Johnson went threw to get the six points. Another layers in the landslide. Steelers 31 Giants 0.

1964
Keys fielded a punt at his nine and moved to his right. With a great escort, he easily cruised 90 yards. With a great effort, two Giants pushed him out at their one. BK slammed the ball to the turf. He really wanted a touchdown. John Henry Johnson went threw to get the six points. A close thriller Steelers 27 Giants 24.