3 Legendary Steelers Players That Appeared On Video Game Covers

For Pittsburgh Steelers players and athletes across the NFL, is there a higher accolade than being asked to be a cover star? In the era of modern sports, it is no longer the front of Vogue or Time Out that players aspire to. Instead, being front and center on a video game is the way to go.

These covers are shared worldwide. To be selected means you are both a figurehead for the team and the league, and are famous enough to promote the biggest franchises. In short, you have made it. Below, we discuss three legendary players that appeared on video game covers. 

Kordell Stewart – NFL Blitz

Publishers Midway could do nothing wrong when it came to 90s sports games. Hot off the back of NBA Jam, they were opting for a less realistic approach and one that provided a more fun sports experience in their titles. Thus, for their 1997 outing named NFL Blitz, they chose a choppy, comic-book-like render of quarterback Kordell Stewart for their cover, resplendent with lightning emerging from his fingers.

The year of the game's release was when Stewart became the starting quarterback for the team. This ushered in his glory period and made him the perfect star for a game that stripped the concept down to a seven-on-seven game, with no substitutions, penalties, and the ability to drop-kick other players.

Antonio Brown – Madden 19

In the pantheon of football games, the Madden franchise reigns supreme. It is hard to get away from the EA license, which has been turning out the most realistic football simulator since 1988. In its defense, the NHL itself has branched out in its efforts to license itself to other entertainment franchises. It has several slot titles that can be found in physical casinos and several casinos, some of which provide free games for real money. These casinos allow people to play NFL and other branded slot games without dipping into their bankroll for a short time. However, for now, Madden is the go-to title for many.

Antonio Brown played wide receiver for the Steelers. Many believe him to be one of the best receivers of the 2010 decade. In his rookie season with the team, he managed to reach the Super Bowl, but lost to the Green Bay Packers. In 2019, he became the highest-paid receiver in the league, making him a cert for the game's cover.

Troy Polamalu – Madden 10

Rarely seen, the 2010 cover for Madden was a shared exercise. Troy Polamalu, a safety with the Steelers for his whole career of 12 years, took the left-hand side. Opposite him stood Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals. Chosen by the Steelers in the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu had numerous accolades in his time with the team. These included two Super Bowls, and being the 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year.

As gaming evolves, so will the desire for NFL licenses. This is a great revenue stream for both players and the team itself. While there has not been a Steelers player chosen for a video game cover in some time, it can only be a waiting game before the next biggest star is on your console.