Willie Parker

Willie Parker is a Pro Bowl running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Parker missed several games during the 2008 season with knee and shoulder injuries. In November of 2008, rumors spread that Parker had a torn labrum in his shoulder, which would require surgery during the offseason.ESPN.com: Pittsburgh Steelers RB Willie Parker Denies Report of Torn Labrum

Career

Parker was a standout in high school, averaging 12.3 yards per carry in his senior year and winning county player of the year. He was granted a scholarship to play at University of North Carolina, where coach John Bunting limited his play due to lack of size. Despite very little exposure the Steelers signed him as a free agent in 2004 to back up Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley. The following season Parker was thrust into the starting lineup after both Bettis and Staley suffered injuries. He finished the season with 1,202 yards and help Pittsburgh win Super Bowl XL by scoring on a record 75 yard run. Entering the 2006 season Bettis retired and Staley was cut, leaving Parker as the lone back. He ran for 1,494 yards in 2006 and 1,316 in 2007 earning Pro Bowl bids for both years, however, he was unable to play due to a broken right fibula suffered during a game against the St. Louis Rams in late 2007.Pittsburgh Steelers: Willie Parker