The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the proudest histories in the NFL. Throughout that history, many players have been permanently linked to their numbers. “Mean” Joe Green with 75, Terry Bradshaw with 12, Jack Lambert with 58, and Hines Ward with 86. Each of these guys played critical roles in Super Bowl titles. These legends helped make the Steelers what they are today: the greatest franchise in NFL history. Without further ado, here are some of the players throughout history who have proudly worn a Steelers jersey.
History Of Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Numbers: Volume One
Steelers Jersey Numbers 00 through Two
Johnny Clement played 26 games for the Steelers between 1946 and 1948. In his three seasons, Clement carried 239 times for 991 yards and 7 touchdowns. Through the air, although not very efficient, he completed 86 of 228 passes for 1,630 yards. Clement threw 11 touchdowns against 19 interceptions. The only other player to wear zero was Jack Collins in 1962.
The kicker who wore number one for the Steelers is one of the best in NFL history. Gary Anderson signed with the Steelers prior to the 1982 season after being cut by the Buffalo Bills. Anderson became the Steelers all-time leading scorer, with 1,343 points, during his 13 seasons with the team. Anderson kicked 309 field goals in 395 attempts. His career long of 55 yards came against the San Diego Chargers on November 25, 1984. Anderson’s 416 extra points are still a franchise record, as are his 420 attempts.
Dennis Dixon was drafted by the Steelers out of Oregon in 2008. An intriguing prospect in the mold of Kordell Stewart, Dixon played with the team through 2011. He only saw action in four games, including a prime time start against the Baltimore Ravens. For his career, Dixon was 35 for 59 with 402 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Other players who have worn number two for the Steelers were Brian St. Pierre, Todd Petersen and Sigurd Sandberg.
Steelers Jersey Numbers Three Through Five
Jeff Reed kicked for the Steelers from 2002 through 2010. He won his opportunity to kick during a tryout at Heinz Field, in conditions that weren’t the greatest. Reed regularly nailed clutch field goals in NFL’s toughest stadium for kicking. He was also known for urinating in parking lots and ripping towel dispensers off the bathroom walls at Sheetz. Reed is second all-time in Steelers history with 919 points. He kicked 204 field goals in 249 attempts, along with 307 extra points. His longest career field goal was 53 yards, which he accomplished twice. One came at Philadelphia in 2008, and the other at Cincinnati in 2010. Other players who have worn number three for the Steelers include Brian Hoyer, Rohn Stark, and Bill Dudley.
Byron Leftwich was a solid backup quarterback for the Steelers in 2008, and again from 2010 through 2012. He had a big arm with a long windup, and led the team to some critical victories during his stay. In the eight games that Leftwich played for Pittsburgh, he completed 51 of 96 passes, including two touchdowns and an interception. Other players who have worn number four for the Steelers include Josh Miller, Dan Stryzinski, and Mel Pittman.
Craig Colquitt was drafted out Tennessee to replace long time punter Bobby Walden. He had a big leg and was a solid directional punter. During his seven years in Pittsburgh, Colquitt averaged 41.3 yards on 429 punts, for 17,734 yards. He only had two punts blocked. Colquitt was a defense’s best friend because of his penchant for flipping field position. Other players who have worn number five for the Steelers include Terry Hanratty and David Trout.
Steelers Jersey Numbers Six Through Eight
Bubby Brister was another strong-armed Louisiana quarterback the Steelers hoped would lead them back to the Super Bowl. He showed flashes that gave hope, but overall he was just another in the long line of failed quarterbacks. Brister did play with passion and had a gunslinger’s mentality, but all he could muster was a record of 28-29. He did provide some memorable moments but he never really had the weapons needed to be successful. Other players who have worn number 6 for the Steelers are Shaun Suisham, Jim Elliot and Chester Johnson.
Ben Roethlisberger came to the Steelers with high expectations, and it didn’t take long for him to deliver. He went undefeated in his rookie year, taking Pittsburgh to the AFC Championship game. After losing, Roethlisberger promised Jerome Bettis if he gave him one more year, he’d be a Super Bowl champion. Roethlisberger delivered on that promise, bringing home the Steelers 5th Lombardi Trophy. Following the 2008 season, he led the Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XLIII and a 6th Super Bowl Title. Not bad for a guy who was a wide receiver until his senior year of high school. Other players who have worn number seven for the Steelers are Pete Gonzalez, Reggie Collier and politician Jack Kemp.
Tommy Maddox arrived in Pittsburgh by way of the now defunct XFL. He is one of the few Quarterbacks in team history to have a 400+ yard passing game with 473. Maddox’s starting record was only 15-16-1, but he did provide some exciting moments. His greatest game may have the comeback win in the playoffs against the Cleveland Browns, where Maddox had a huge second half. Other Steelers players who have worn number 8 are Everett Fisher and Joseph Yurcic.
The Lonesome Kicker
Matt Bahr only kicked with the Steelers for two seasons, but he won two Super Bowl rings. In his two years, he kicked 37 in 58 attempts, totaling 200 points. He didn’t have the best leg, but he was still a valued member of one of the best teams ever. The Adam Sandler song “Lonesome Kicker” could be based on Matt Bahr. Other Steelers players who have worn number 9 include Norm Johnson, Daniel Sepulveda, and George Kiick.
The next installment of this series will cover numbers 10 through 19. Hopefully for fans both inside and outside of the Steel City, this list can bring back great memories of Steelers all-timers, and the amazing games they played in.
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