Oct. 11, 1949: This is one of those endearingly corny pictures newspapers once published for organizations seeking publicity. Here, Steeler Elbie Nickel unconvincingly fakes a field goal attempt. Holding the ball with great enthusiasm is Vera Love, described in the caption as a “Carousel Ballerina.” The two were supporting a benefit for the Fireman’s Widows Pension Fund. Forbes Field was dressed in its football duds.
You may have heard of Nickel. He played for the Steelers from 1947-57 and was for years considered the best tight end in Steelers history. Then along came Heath Miller …
PG sportswriter Bob Dvorchak examines the career of Steeler Elbie Nickel in this episode of “Sports ‘n ‘at.”