The 1997 Pittsburgh Steelers enjoyed a successful transition year, finishing with an 11-5 record and clinching their fourth consecutive AFC Central division title. Led by "Slash" Kordell Stewart in his first year as the starting quarterback and a dominant ground game powered by Jerome Bettis's 1,665 rushing yards, the team featured the league's top-ranked rushing attack. The season was highlighted by three exciting overtime victories and a resilient defense that helped the squad advance to the AFC Championship Game after a gritty 7-6 playoff win over the New England Patriots. A two-time All-Pro and member of the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, Levon Kirkland was a massive yet agile inside linebacker who recorded over 1,000 tackles and anchored the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense for nine seasons.