Kordell Stewart -- Coming of age in the NFL

It seems that Pittsburgh Steeler's quarterback Kordell Stewart's emergence, as one of the best in the league has been a long time coming.

Stewart, drafted in the second round of the 1995 NFL draft, finished his career at the University of Colorado as the school's all-time passing leader. During his career he completed 58 percent of his passes for 6,481 yards and 33 touchdowns. He also holds the record for total offense amassing 7,770 yards.

In his first year as a Steeler, Stewart was named the team's rookie of the year and was aptly nicknamed "Slash" for his ability to play numerous positions.

During the season and the Super Bowl, he lined up at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and punter. Although the Steelers fell short to the Dallas Cowboys that Sunday, it seemed that a new era was dawning in the city of Pittsburgh.

In both the 1996 and 1997 seasons, Stewart was named as an alternate on the Pro-Bowl team.

In 1996, he threw 30 passes, caught 17 passes and three touchdowns, and rushed the ball 39 times for 171 yards and five scores.

During that year he also set two new team records -- one with an 80-yard touchdown run from scrimmage, the longest in Steeler history, and the other with a 102-yard rushing effort. No other Steeler quarterback had ever rushed for over 100 yards.

More of the same continued in 1997 as Kordell threw for 3,020 yards to become only the fourth Steeler quarterback to surpass 3,000 yards. He also was the team's second leading rusher piling up 476 yards on 88 carries and broke Terry Bradshaw's record of rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season with 11. Bradshaw's previous mark was seven.

In 1998, Stewart's productivity seemed to be on the decline. He threw for a career high 252 completions, but would only reach 2,560 yards for the season for 11 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. However, he did rush for 403 yards on 78 carries and two touchdowns.

Again in 1999, his production faded from the previous year. He completed more passes (275) but, unfortunately, could only muster 1,464 yards. His rushing statistic also plummeted, carrying the ball 55 times for a modest 256 yards.

Stewart appeared to be in search of his own identity as well as that of the team. Head Coach Bill Cowher constantly had Stewart fighting for his job against less than consistent quarterbacks like Mike Tomczak and Kent Graham.

Stewart's confidence appears to be the most important thing in his game. To have that confidence shaken by the constant possibility of losing his job to a lesser quarterback made Kordell push the envelope and, ultimately, make more mistakes.

However, in 2000 Stewart regained the starting position by beating out Kent Graham in the preseason. Stewart has not looked back since and now has his team in the playoffs, with a very good chance to lead them to the Super Bowl.

Even though St. Louis Ram's quarterback Kurt Warner was named as the league MVP, Stewart very well could have captured the title with his accurate passing and ability to scramble mixed with his new-found leadership.

Along with teammates Jerome Bettis, Hines Ward, Plaxico Burress, Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala, and the new "Steel-Curtain" defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers have my vote to win the Super Bowl no matter who their opponent might be.

As for Stewart, who is now a Pro-Bowl quarterback, I believe that he has indeed come of age as an NFL quarterback and will just get better with time.

Now that's a scary thought for every other team in the NFL.