Kordell Stewart, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, is on a mission to reshape the narrative surrounding his NFL career through the new HBO documentary, "Kordell Stewart/Slash & Burn." Known for his dual-threat capabilities as both a quarterback and a versatile playmaker, Stewart led the Steelers to two AFC Championship games in the late '90s and early 2000s.

In a recent interview with CBS Sports, Stewart expressed his desire for fans to appreciate his contributions to the Steelers without being overshadowed by a damaging rumor that nearly derailed his career. He stated, "I just wanted people to appreciate my experience of being a Steeler in Pittsburgh."

The rumor, which began after a 1998 loss, falsely accused Stewart of engaging in inappropriate behavior in a city park. Despite the unfounded nature of the claim, it affected both his performance and the team's record, leading to a 7-9 season.

Stewart's resilience shone through as he transitioned back to his role as "Slash" and later reclaimed the starting quarterback position. Under his leadership, the Steelers achieved a 9-4 record in the 2000 season and a remarkable 13-3 record in 2001, where he set a franchise record for completion percentage and earned a Pro Bowl selection.

His journey included heart-wrenching losses in both AFC Championship games against iconic quarterbacks John Elway and Tom Brady. Reflecting on his career, Stewart remarked, "Looking back on it, I'm not going to say I accept it... But hey, if those are the two guys [I lost to], I don't think that's too bad."

Stewart hopes to be remembered for his thrilling plays and significant achievements, particularly during his historic 1997 season, where he became the first NFL player to throw 20 touchdowns and rush for 10 scores in a single season.

As the documentary airs, Stewart envisions his eventual induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor, affirming, "For me, playing ball in that city... I think that would really vindicate and cap off a successful run in Pittsburgh." HBO's "Kordell Stewart/Slash & Burn" is now streaming on HBO Max.