Long before dual-threat quarterbacks transformed the modern NFL, former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart was breaking barriers under center. Decades after enduring intense public scrutiny for his dynamic playstyle, Stewart believes his sacrifices laid the groundwork for today’s signal-callers.
Speaking on the “Locked On Steelers Squad Show,” Stewart reflected on how his career helped normalize mobile quarterbacks, pointing to stars like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts as the beneficiaries of a movement he helped ignite.
"Today we do have the Lamar Jacksons. Today we do have the Jaylen Hurts," Stewart said. "I just hope people can really appreciate holistically when we do give sentiments and that type of homage to guys that kind of look like us where there's only so many."
Selected by Pittsburgh in 1995, Stewart’s rare combination of arm strength and elite athletic versatility made him a sensation, leading the Steelers to two AFC Championship games. Yet in an era dominated by traditional pocket passers, his dual-threat ability often drew criticism rather than praise. Many analysts and fans argued he should abandon quarterback entirely to play wide receiver full-time.
"So many said that I was way ahead of my time," Stewart recalled. "And so when you hear that, my question is, if you want to call it a penalty or if you want to call it being overlooked or underappreciated, what is that today if I did it when it was not prepared or ready to be received properly?"
Despite the personal toll and heavy scrutiny he shouldered throughout his tenure in Pittsburgh, Stewart maintains zero regrets about how he handled his career.
"I take the responsibility. I mean, the loss and the turnovers and all the stuff that didn't work well," Stewart reflected. "And if I had to do it again, I promise you I would do it the exact same way again."
By standing tall through the scrutiny of an era unready for his rare versatility, Stewart didn't just survive the pressure in Pittsburgh; he absorbed the blows so the next generation of dynamic quarterbacks could thrive on football's biggest stage.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Kordell Stewart on how his Steelers era paved way for Lamar Jackson