Ravens Vs. Steelers: Mike Wallace’s Unique Journey

Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Mike Wallace (11) catches a pass during the second quarter against the New York Giants at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Wallace Knows Both Sides Of The Rivalry

The Ravens and the Steelers don’t have a lot of shared players throughout the years. There have been a couple of players but very few stars have crossed enemy lines. The biggest former Steelers star to play for the Ravens was Rod Woodson.

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That being said, that was before this was one of the greatest rivalries in professional sports. Remember at that time the Tennessee Titans were the Ravens main rivals. Now the Ravens and Steelers are the bitterest of rivals. Now Mike Wallace is in a very unique position as far as this rivalry is concerned.

Wallace his first four NFL seasons with the Steelers. He was one of their biggest play-makers. He scored 32 touchdowns in his tenure with the Steelers. He had back to back seasons in 2010 and 2011 with over 1,000 yards receiving. He was one of the best deep threats in the game of football.

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Now Wallace plays for the Steelers biggest enemy. Wallace left Pittsburgh in free agency, but he never really wanted to leave. The Dolphins valued him more than the Steelers did. The Ravens are certainly hoping that this serves as fuel for Wallace to get some revenge.

It’s different from when Jacoby Jones played for the Steelers, for two reasons. First of all it did not last long. Jones fumbled the football three times and the Steelers said goodbye. Secondly, Jones was signed off waivers. Jones did not choose to go to Pittsburgh, he did not have a choice.

Wallace actively chose to sign with the Ravens. Whether or not it played a role, that decision allows Wallace to play against the Steelers twice a year. Wallace has a chance to revive his career with his first employer’s arch-enemy.

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The Ravens and Steelers are like oil and water. They don’t mix. Usually their players don’t mix either. This gives Wallace a rare place in the history of this rivalry.

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