Black and gold glory. Steel City. The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history and have a rich legacy filled with remarkable players who have left an indelible mark on the game. From their inception in 1933 to their numerous Super Bowl victories, the Steelers have been home to some of football's greatest talents.
Joe Robbins / USA Today
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and Super Bowl XL MVP, Hines Ward, holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy while celebrating with his young son Jaden.
Currently sitting on six Super Bowls, tying them with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl victories by any NFL team, bookmakers such as online social casino have them at +5000 to lift the 2026 edition. The high odds reflect the team's chance of triumphing this season, but regardless of form, when it comes to the knockout rounds, anything can happen. The team scraped into the playoffs after a breath-taking win against the Ravens, which was decided in the final seconds and now face the Houston Texans as part of the Wild Card Round. Behind the steel curtain, the current crop of players has been taking inspiration from former legends as they attempt to break the record at SBLX, which would secure the franchise with a total of seven rings.
*DID YOU KNOW* St. Louis Rams, now known as the LA Rams, defied their +15000 odds to win the Super Bowl in 1999.
Terry Bradshaw
No list of Steelers greats would be complete without Terry Bradshaw. The quarterback who led the team to four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, Bradshaw was known for his powerful arm and competitive spirit. He was a two-time Super Bowl MVP and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Over his career, Bradshaw threw for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns, but it was his leadership and clutch performances in big games that truly set him apart. Despite his claims that he wouldn't be as effective in modern-day NFL games, his ability to rally the team and deliver under pressure made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and a symbol of the franchise's success.
Franco Harris
Harris is synonymous with the Steelers' glory years, particularly for his iconic "Immaculate Reception" in the 1972 playoffs, a play that is etched in NFL lore. A key part of the Steelers' dynasty, Harris was a powerful running back who combined speed and agility with an impressive work ethic. He rushed for 12,120 yards and scored 91 touchdowns during his career, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Harris was instrumental in the Steelers winning four Super Bowls and was named Super Bowl MVP in 1974. His contributions on and off the field have made him a cherished figure in Pittsburgh.
Joe Greene
Joe Greene, affectionately known as "Mean Joe," is often regarded as one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history. A cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense, Greene was a fierce competitor who redefined the position. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowl selection, earning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1972. Greene's career statistics include 78.5 sacks and 4 interceptions, but his impact transcended numbers; he was a leader who inspired his teammates to elevate their game. His legacy continues to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in Steelers history.
Associated Press
“Mean” Joe Greene was a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense and a team that became a dynasty in the ’70s.
Heath Miller
Heath Miller had an extremely successful nine-season career with the team. As a tight end, Miller recorded 466 catches for 5,273 yards - making him the all-time leader among Steelers tight ends- and 40 touchdowns. Known for his reliable hands and ability to move the chains, Miller was a crucial asset in the passing game, consistently helping the team advance down the field. Beyond his receiving prowess, he was also a functional blocker, contributing significantly to the Steelers' running game. His work ethic and team-first mentality made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, embodying the spirit of the franchise and leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most effective tight ends in NFL history.
Troy Polamalu
A more recent mention, Troy Polamalu was the embodiment of the Steelers' hard-hitting defensive style. Known for his distinctive long hair and instinctual play, Polamalu was a safety who could change the course of a game with a single play. Over his 12-year career, he recorded 32 interceptions, 14 sacks, and was a key figure in the Steelers' defense during their Super Bowl XL and XLIII victories. Polamalu was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. His ability to read offenses and make game-changing plays earned him a legendary status among Steelers fans.
