REDEMPTION

Apparently, through the years the word "redemption" has meant a lot of different things to a lot of different people.

I tend to associate it with the theological definition: deliverance from sin: salvation. However, there are other meanings listed that do not frighten me quite as much in my old age - as I'm less willing to give up my bad habits but, conversely, more apt to review my life and the error of my ways.

For example, Redemption is both a card game and a song according to Wikipedia. Actually, I prefer the 4th definition from this same source: atonement from guilt.

It clearly is a word that has been both used and abused. The Redemption movement was once a taxpayer conspiracy promoted by a guy known as Roger Elvick. It was also the establishment of a white democratic one-party rule in the South following Reconstruction.

So, who knows which definition to embrace?

Answer? I do.

To me it has to do with my fanatical desire to follow the Steelers and make the NFL prosperous via the purchase of so much Steeler clothing gear for me by my wife, my kids, and myself.

It means there is light at the end of the tunnel.

It also means I have been given both deliverance and rescue from my many years of faithfully following the Pittsburgh Pirates.

But, surely there is too much joy in our home at this date to dive into negative feelings.

Before going much further, I must confess to be ignorant of many of the intricacies of the game; a fact which does not necessarily place me in the minority of Steeler fans, I hasten to add.

I am both critical and forgiving.

Watching our much maligned defensive backs, who in past years were the only players besides the quarterback, the running backs, and the kickers whose numbers we remembered so easily, (Polamalu being a noted exception) was the critical Barry.

One reason for my remembering the numbers of so many of the Steeler defensive backs was due to their willingness to display those numbers as they were chasing some wide receiver, tight end or running back from the opposing team into the end zone; after being feinted out of position.

Yesterday during the AFC playoff game - there was true redemption when the actions of starting cornerback Ike Taylor in knocking the ball out of the hands of Jet's QB Sanchez and the scooping up of that same ball by replacement CB William Gay as he proceeded to wind himself toward and into the end-zone for a touchdown.

I believe I heard the announcer say both of these guys split the honors of "player of the game".

It was a well deserved honor -a clear demonstration of both "deliverance and rescue" - a form of Redemption I'm more than willing to embrace.

Go Steelers!