The Pittsburgh Steelers are synonymous with hard-hitting, passionate football and a decades-long tradition of excellence. Though founded back in 1933, the Steelers didn’t find success right away, but when they did, they built a dynasty that became the gold standard for the NFL.
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Steelers' Art Rooney gets first of four Lombardi Trophies.
From the Steel Curtain of the 1970s to the Super Bowl-winning squads of the 2000s, the team has been home to some of the greatest players in the game’s history.
BoyleSports researched and identified these standout players, celebrating the legends who have defined the Pittsburgh Steelers across generations.
1. Joe Greene
When you talk about Steelers legends, you have to start with Joe Greene. Drafted fourth overall in 1969, Greene was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense that defined Pittsburgh’s dominance in the 1970s. His presence in the middle of the defensive line was the stuff of nightmares for opposing offenses. With his unmatched power, speed, and a mean streak that lived up to his nickname, Greene became the heart and soul of the Steelers’ defense.
Joe Greene’s impact went beyond his stats, though he had plenty of those too: four Super Bowl wins, 10 Pro Bowl selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. But it was his leadership that truly set him apart. Greene was known for his intensity on the field, but he also became a leader in the locker room, helping to shape the identity of a team that went on to win four Super Bowls in six years. He’s the definition of a Steelers icon, and his #75 jersey is rightfully retired in Pittsburgh.
2. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw is the quarterback who brought the first era of glory to Pittsburgh, guiding the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s. Drafted first overall in 1970, Bradshaw had a rocky start to his NFL career, but he eventually found his rhythm and became one of the most clutch quarterbacks in NFL history. With a cannon arm and a fearless style of play, he could make the big throws when it mattered most.
Bradshaw’s connection with wide receivers like Lynn Swann and John Stallworth created one of the most dangerous passing attacks of their time. He won two Super Bowl MVP awards (Super Bowl XIII and XIV) and was named the league MVP in 1978. Bradshaw’s charisma and personality made him a fan favorite, and even though he often faced criticism, he always delivered when it counted. His leadership helped define the Steelers’ dynasty, and he remains a central figure in the franchise’s lore.
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Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.
3. Troy Polamalu
For a generation of Steelers fans, Troy Polamalu is associated with excellence in the secondary. Drafted in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Polamalu became one of the most unique and electrifying defensive players the game has ever seen. He could be anywhere on the field - rushing the passer, breaking up passes, or making one of his trademark diving interceptions.
Polamalu’s ability to change the game in a single play was unrivaled. Whether it was his unforgettable pick-six against the Ravens in the 2008 AFC Championship Game or his perfectly timed leaps over the offensive line to stop quarterbacks, he always found a way to make a difference. He was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, made eight Pro Bowls, and won two Super Bowl rings with Pittsburgh. His #43 jersey became one of the most iconic in Steelers' history, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. For many fans, he embodied what it meant to be a Steeler: tough, fearless, and a true game-changer.
4. Franco Harris
Franco Harris is a name that will forever be tied to one of the most famous plays in NFL history: the Immaculate Reception. But Harris’s legacy goes far beyond that iconic moment. Drafted in the first round in 1972, Harris was the workhorse for the Steelers’ offense during their dynasty years. His combination of power and agility made him a nightmare for defenders, and he was a key part of Pittsburgh’s ball-control offense.
Harris rushed for over 12,000 yards in his career and scored 100 touchdowns. He won four Super Bowls with the Steelers and was named Super Bowl IX MVP after rushing for 158 yards. Franco’s ability to consistently grind out tough yards helped the Steelers control the tempo of games, especially in the cold, gritty conditions that Pittsburgh is known for. Beyond the stats, though, Harris was known for his grace and humility, making him a beloved figure in the Steelers community. His #32 jersey is retired, symbolizing his lasting impact on the team.
5. Ben Roethlisberger
Big Ben Roethlisberger is arguably the best quarterback in Steelers history, and he’s certainly the most successful in the modern era. Drafted 11th overall in 2004, Roethlisberger made an immediate impact, leading the Steelers to a 15-1 record in his rookie season and becoming the youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led the team to victory in Super Bowl XL.
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Former Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, walks off Heinz Field for the final time in his career.
Roethlisberger’s combination of size, strength, and uncanny ability to extend plays made him a unique talent. Defenders bounced off him as he shrugged off sacks and kept plays alive, often finding receivers like Hines Ward, Santonio Holmes, and later Antonio Brown for big gains. His performance in Super Bowl XLIII, especially the game-winning drive capped off by Santonio Holmes’ incredible catch, remains one of the greatest moments in Super Bowl history.
Over his 18-year career with the Steelers, Roethlisberger set just about every passing record for the franchise. He threw for over 64,000 yards, won two Super Bowls, and became the face of the team through multiple eras. His leadership and consistency helped keep the Steelers competitive year after year, and while he finally retired after the 2021 season, his influence on the team is still felt.
