The mills are all but torn down, and the city has seen better times.

But through it all, one constant has remained for 76 years, withstanding both the good and bad. No matter what, it has remained the one source of pride for a town built around strong family values and a strong blue-collar work ethic.

The Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I don't know if I can use words to eloquently describe the relationships that this organization has with Steeler Nation," head coach Mike Tomlin said. "I know that the more I get to understand it, the more Steeler Nation drives me. I want to give them something to be excited about. I want to perform for them. I want to win for them because they are that special."

Tomlin and his team did just that on Sunday night, beating Arizona, 27-23, in what some are calling the greatest game in Super Bowl history. In the process, they won not only for a city, but also for their beloved owner, Dan Rooney.

"For me, it's about getting that sixth one for the Rooney family, giving the family one more than any other team, and for our fans," said quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. "Pittsburgh, our fans, we love you all over the world. This is for you."

Yes, No. 6 is that special.

Winning may seem like a habit in the Steel city, but for decades after Art Rooney Sr. founded the team in 1933, the Steelers struggled. From that year through 1971 they reached the playoffs just twice, in 1947 and 1962, suffering two losses.

Still fans stood behind them, as football Sunday meant perhaps more than Christmas morning to much of Steeler Nation.

Then, the fruitful drafts of the 1970s brought success of an unprecedented level, elevating the Steelers from perennial cellar dwellers to legendary status as one of the league's model franchises.

Pittsburgh has now been to the postseason 24 times in the last 37 years. In the Steel Curtain Dynasty days of the 1970s it was almost a given the team would play for a championship.

"When you sit back and have time to reflect on it, the organization should be proud of what The Chief (Art Rooney Sr.) started decades ago." general manger Kevin Colbert said. "We don't want to be the team of the 1970s and the team of the 2000s. It's the Pittsburgh Steelers, it's the organization, and we're all just lucky to be here. Getting the sixth, well it's unreal."

Surreal may be a better word, but Colbert is right. It's the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"It all starts at the top, with the Rooneys surrounding themselves with great people," said tight end Heath Miller "It's also about the city of Pittsburgh and creating an atmosphere that is worth playing and competing in. There is no better place to play football then the city of Pittsburgh, and to be a part of two of the six championships is special."

The way they got to Tampa, and then won in 2009 was an incredible feat. With one of the toughest schedules in NFL history, most prognosticators had them 8-8 at best, some even under .500. Yet through it all, they never wavered from their goals.

"Back in the spring when we got our schedule, everyone doubted us," receiver Nate Washington said. "But the city of Pittsburgh had faith in us, our true fans believed in us, and we believed in ourselves. So getting No. 6, it's major to not only us, but also the city of Pittsburgh. This is gratification for not only us, but the Rooney family and also the fans."

Sunday's come-from-behind, last-minute win vindicated that fact. To borrow a favorite sports quote: "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." That was exactly how Roethlisberger engineered the decisive 78-yard drive.

"You think about all the great teams that we have had, and hope you can win one, but this was definitely a team award, winning this Super Bowl," an emotional wide receiver Hines Ward said. "It took all the guys out there on the field and we stayed together. I have tears of joy. It's just a great feeling to bring the sixth championship back to the city of Pittsburgh."

As the Lombardi Trophy was passed around the Steelers locker room at Raymond James Stadium, it was hard not to notice that two people in particular were more overwhelmed then the others — Dan Rooney and his son Art II.

"It's hard to describe really, when you start thinking about being the first to win six, and the way we won it, just an unbelievable game and an unbelievable year," Steeler president Art Rooney II. said. "This is not only for the city of Pittsburgh, but also the Steeler fans everywhere. It's a special group of people and we are very fortunate to have them."

Then there was Rooney's father Dan, who had a hard time holding back tears because he knew how much it meant to the players to win No. 6 for him. One of the most respected men in the business, one by one he congratulated each of his warriors after the game as he walked through the lockers.

"It's about having good players," he said deferring any credit for the dynasty he has helped build. "That's the big thing, because players are the ones that do it for you. The players are it. You can't win without the players, remember that. They are all marvelous and you get emotional thinking of that. They are great people, and this is a great feeling for us."