Top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers of All Time: Celebrating the Legends of the Steel City
You’ve likely heard about the legends who shaped the Pittsburgh Steelers into one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Whether it’s Joe Greene anchoring the “Steel Curtain” or Terry Bradshaw’s pivotal throws, these names might stir vivid memories.
But who truly stands out among the Top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers of All Time? Franco Harris’s clutch performances and Troy Polamalu’s electrifying defensive plays set the bar high for greatness. These moments of brilliance and their lasting impact on the franchise define what it means to be a Steeler legend.
Table of Contents
1. Joe Greene
- Years Played for the Steelers: 1969–1981
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 275 lbs
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Joe Greene, affectionately known as “Mean Joe,” was the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ vaunted “Steel Curtain” defense, playing a critical role in the team’s dominance throughout the 1970s.
Greene’s fierce playing style combined power and agility, making him a nightmare for opposing offenses. His leadership and intensity on the field set the tone for a defense that led the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories.
Greene’s impact extended beyond his physical prowess; his ability to inspire his teammates helped the franchise become one of the NFL’s most successful teams. His legacy endures as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1972, 1974)
- 10× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× First-team All-Pro selection
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1987)
2. Terry Bradshaw
- Years Played for the Team: 1970-1983
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 215 lbs
Terry Bradshaw, drafted as the first overall pick in 1970, is one of the most iconic figures in Pittsburgh Steelers history. Known for his strong arm and fearlessness, Bradshaw led the team to four Super Bowl victories.
He was a clutch performer, demonstrating an ability to elevate his play in critical moments, such as his game-winning touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XIII. Bradshaw was a quintessential leader on the field, blending toughness with an unyielding will to win. His contributions were pivotal in establishing the Steelers as a dominant force in the 1970s.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- 2× Super Bowl MVP (XIII, XIV)
- 1978 NFL Most Valuable Player
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
3. Franco Harris
- Years Played for Pittsburgh Steelers: 1972-1983
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 230 lbs
Franco Harris is a legendary figure in Pittsburgh Steelers lore, known for his powerful running style and ability to deliver in critical moments. Drafted in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris quickly became a cornerstone of the Steelers’ dynasty in the 1970s.
His most iconic moment came in the 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff game with the “Immaculate Reception,” a play that’s still celebrated as one of the greatest in NFL history. Harris helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise with his combination of strength, vision, and durability.
- Accolades:
- 9× Pro Bowl selections
- 4× Super Bowl Champion
- Super Bowl IX MVP
- Named to the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990
- Career rushing yards: 11,950 (Most in team history at retirement)
4. Jack Lambert
- Years played for Pittsburgh Steelers: 1974-1984
- Position: Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 220 lbs
Jack Lambert was the linchpin of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ formidable defense during their dynasty years in the 1970s.
Revered for his fierce playing style and hard-hitting tactics, Lambert’s intense competitiveness made him a natural leader on the field. His speed and instincts allowed him to excel in pass coverage as well as run defense, contributing to the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.
Known for playing through injuries and his toothless snarl under his helmet, Lambert became the embodiment of toughness and tenacity, traits that have left a lasting legacy in Pittsburgh.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1976)
- 9× Pro Bowl selections
- 6× First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
5. Ben Roethlisberger
- Years Played: 2004-2021
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’5″/240 lbs
Ben Roethlisberger, affectionately known as “Big Ben,” is one of the most iconic quarterbacks in Pittsburgh Steelers history. Drafted 11th overall in 2004, Roethlisberger’s imposing physical presence and cannon-like arm redefined the quarterback role in Pittsburgh.
Known for his ability to extend plays and his clutch performances, Ben led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories and numerous playoff appearances. His toughness and resilience, often playing through injuries, endeared him to the Steelers’ faithful.
Roethlisberger’s legacy is cemented as he holds numerous franchise records for passing yards, touchdowns, and wins.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XL, XLIII)
- 6× Pro Bowl selection
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2004)
- Pittsburgh Steelers all-time passing yards leader
- Pittsburgh Steelers all-time touchdowns leader
6. Mel Blount
- Years Played for the Team: 1970-1983
- Position: Cornerback
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 205 lbs
Mel Blount was a dominant force in the NFL, renowned for his physical style of play that often intimidated opposing wide receivers. Standing at 6’3″, his size and strength made him a perfect fit for the aggressive defense used by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Blount’s most significant impact came from his ability to shut down top receivers, playing a critical role in the Steelers’ storied “Steel Curtain” defense.
His adaptability was key in the NFL’s decision to implement the “Mel Blount Rule” that restricted contact with receivers, underscoring his influence on the game. Blount’s legacy includes his contribution to the Steelers’ four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975)
- 5× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1989)
7. Troy Polamalu
- Years Played for Steelers: 2003-2014
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’10”, 207 lbs
Troy Polamalu was the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense during his 12-year career. Known for his flowing mane and fearless playing style, Polamalu redefined the safety position with his rare combination of instinct, speed, and physicality.
He had an innate ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays, often leaping over linemen to disrupt plays before they began. A stalwart in the Steelers’ secondary, Polamalu was pivotal in leading the team to two Super Bowl titles. His presence wasn’t just felt on the field but extended as a stalwart of leadership and sportsmanship within the team.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XL, XLIII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- 8× Pro Bowl Selection
- 4× First-team All-Pro
- 32 career interceptions
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2020)
8. Hines Ward
- Years Played for Pittsburgh Steelers: 1998–2011
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 205 lbs
Hines Ward was the heart and soul of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ receiving corps for over a decade, known for his remarkable toughness and versatility on the field. His physical style of play, coupled with exceptional blocking ability, made him indispensable to the Steelers’ offensive and running games.
Ward’s fearless presence on the field earned him lasting respect from teammates and opponents alike. Key moments include his Super Bowl XL MVP performance where he caught five passes, a touchdown, and had a vital 43-yard catch that sealed the victory.
As a player who exemplified grit and determination, his legacy as a fan-favorite and standout Steeler remains solid.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XL, XLIII)
- Super Bowl XL MVP
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection
- 1,000 career receptions and 12,000+ receiving yards
- 86 career touchdown receptions
9. Rod Woodson
- Years Played for Pittsburgh Steelers: 1987-1996
- Position: Cornerback/Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 205 lbs
Rod Woodson was a dynamic defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, renowned for his speed, agility, and toughness. During his tenure with the team, Woodson became one of the NFL’s most feared defenders.
He was versatile, effectively playing both cornerback and safety, which allowed the Steelers to utilize his skills in various defensive schemes. Woodson’s ability to return interceptions and kicks for touchdowns showcased his remarkable athleticism.
A defining moment in his career was his rapid return from an ACL injury to play in Super Bowl XXX. His legacy endures as one of the Steelers’ greatest defenders, celebrated for his impact on and off the field.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2009)
- 7x Pro Bowl selection with Steelers
- 5x First-team All-Pro
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1993)
- Led the NFL in interceptions (1990) with the Steelers
- Named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
10. Jerome Bettis
- Years Played for Team: 1996-2005
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’11” / 255 lbs
Jerome Bettis, affectionately known as “The Bus,” is one of the most beloved figures in Pittsburgh Steelers history. Renowned for his bruising running style, Bettis consistently powered through defenses, amassing yardage and first downs with sheer determination and physicality.
His extraordinary impact was felt most during the Steelers’ playoff runs, contributing heavily to their success.
Bettis’s crowning moment came in his final NFL game when the Steelers won Super Bowl XL in his hometown of Detroit. Off the field, his leadership and community engagement solidified his legacy as a Pittsburgh hero.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XL Champion
- 6-time Pro Bowl Selection
- 2-time First-team All-Pro
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
