Drafted 23rd overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Illinois, Rashard Mendenhall quickly grew into one of the most dependable running backs of the Mike Tomlin era — a powerful, patient runner who carried the load for a Steelers offense built on toughness and tradition.
From Niles West to Champaign
Born in Skokie, Illinois, Mendenhall starred at Niles West High School before heading to the University of Illinois, where he became one of the most electrifying backs in the Big Ten. As a junior in 2007, he rushed for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors and helping lead the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl. He declared for the NFL Draft after that breakout season and was selected in the first round by Pittsburgh.
Becoming a Steeler Workhorse
After a rookie year cut short by injury, Mendenhall took over as the Steelers' featured back in 2009 and never looked back. Over the next three seasons, he became the engine of the Pittsburgh ground game.
- 2009: 1,108 rushing yards, 7 touchdowns
- 2010: 1,273 rushing yards, 13 touchdowns — career-best season
- 2011: 928 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns
His 2010 campaign was the centerpiece of his career. Mendenhall powered the Steelers to a 12-4 record and an AFC Championship, carrying the ball 324 times and scoring 13 rushing touchdowns. In the playoffs, he was a workhorse — including a touchdown run in Super Bowl XLV against the Green Bay Packers.
Career Highlights
- First-round pick (23rd overall), 2008 NFL Draft
- Super Bowl XLV appearance with the Steelers
- Two 1,000-yard rushing seasons (2009, 2010)
- 13 rushing touchdowns in 2010 — among the league leaders
- 4,236 career rushing yards with 37 rushing touchdowns
- Anchored the Steelers backfield during one of the franchise's most successful runs
Style of Play
Mendenhall was a classic between-the-tackles runner with the patience to let blocks develop and the burst to break long runs when the lane opened. Paired with the Steelers' physical offensive line and Ben Roethlisberger's playmaking, he gave Pittsburgh a balanced, punishing offense that defenses dreaded facing in January.
Life After Football
After a final season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, Mendenhall stepped away from the game on his own terms at just 26 years old. He pivoted into a creative second act — writing essays for The Huffington Post, publishing his book "Mind of Mendenhall," and joining the writing staff of the HBO series "Ballers" alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
His thoughtful, candid voice has made him one of the more unique post-NFL stories of his generation — a player who went from carrying the rock in Heinz Field to telling the stories of the league he once starred in.
Vacationing with the Legends
Now fans get the chance to share stories with Rashard in a setting unlike any other — at the Legends of Pittsburgh Resort Takeover. Whether you want to relive the Super Bowl XLV run, talk about life after football, or hear what it was really like to be the workhorse back of the Black & Gold, this is your invitation to spend time with one of the most thoughtful Steelers of his era.
Don't miss your chance to vacation with a true Pittsburgh legend.