Parker Looking Yet Again to Rebound in 2009

One piece of news from the Steelers first day of mini-camp was running back Willie Paker, who showed up and was in good spirits despite entering the final year of his deal. The Steelers have last seasons first round pick Rashard Mendenhall waiting in the wings, but are still counting on “Fast” Willie to come around and be the back that he was two years ago when he was leading the league in rushing before he suffered a broken leg in week 16 vs the Rams.

Parker told the assembled media on Friday that something like a holdout or a new deal has yet to cross his mind. “I am coming off a bad season, but it was a great season for the team. I just have to come out and get ready to play. It’s not about holding out,” he said. “I have to make the best decision, and the best decision is to be around the team and help out the best way possible.”

He’s set to make $3,350,000 in 2009, and said that unlike unhappy LB Larry Foote, who will be let go to move elsewhere, he has no intentions of wanting to play elsewhere. “The Steelers gave me a chance and I am proud and happy to be a Steeler. That’s all I can say about that,” Parker said. “Whatever happens, happens. As of right now, I am just getting ready for this season and have to make the best of it.”

Parker struggled during parts of last seasons Super Bowl year, and had to push his way past some injuries that set him back at points in the season when the team had to turn to Mewelde Moore, who did a great job stepping in when needed.

Overall, Parker missed 5 and a half games, and even when he was in there, at points he did not seem like the same back that the team had come to know the three seasons previous to that. In 11 regular season games in 2008, Parker ran for 71.9 yards per game, going for 791 yards with five touchdowns.

The run game is a signature of the club, and Parker will be a focus of that unit once again looking to get back to form for the 2009 season.