The second installment of this series continues its look at some of the men who have played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Some were all-time greats, minor stars of their era, or solid role players who were fan favorites. This edition continues with Players who have worn Pittsburgh Steelers jersey numbers 10 through 19.
History of Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Numbers: Volume Two
Kordell Stewart
Kordell Stewart was a quarterback who was a little bit ahead of his time, and could beat you in multiple ways. The problem was figuring out how he fit into the offense. Stewart started out as “Slash”, the wide receiver, running back, and quarterback who did a little bit of everything. As good of a wide receiver as he could have been, his goal was to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. Fans either loved or hated Stewart, with really no middle ground. In 1997, Stewart’s first year as a starting quarterback, he led the Steelers to the AFC Championship game. Following a 24-21 loss to the Denver Broncos, Stewart endured his share of struggles for the next three seasons.
In 2001, Stewart led the Steelers back to the AFC Championship game and finished third in NFL MVP voting. During his career with Pittsburgh, Stewart completed 1,109 of 2,107 passes for 13,328 yards, including 70 touchdowns and 72 interceptions. His record as a starter was 46-29. Stewart ran the ball 496 times for 2,561 yards and 35 touchdowns. He averaged 5.2 yards per carry. Whether loved or hated, Stewart easily is one of the most exciting and versatile players in team history. Other players who have worn Steelers jersey number 10 include Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes, Scott Campbell and current wide receiver Martavis Bryant.
Stefan Logan
The history of Steelers jersey number 11 is full of forgettable and obscure players, including Kent Graham and Quincy Morgan. Perhaps the most productive player to wear the jersey was Stefan Logan. Logan was the Steelers primary kickoff returner during the 2009 season, and possessed the potential to take it all the way. While Logan never did break a return for a touchdown, he had an average return of 26.7 yards on 55 returns. He may have had a longer career with the Steelers if he was more than a one dimensional player.
Terry Bradshaw
He was the number one overall draft pick in 1970. With 212 touchdown passes, 210 interceptions, and 27,989 yards, Terry Bradshaw is the most famous player to wear Steelers jersey number 12. His career is highlighted by four wins in as many trips to the Super Bowl. Bradshaw’s final heroic act for the Steelers came in the final start of his career. The Steelers needed a win over the New York Jets to reach the 1983 postseason and turned to Bradshaw. He tossed two touchdown passes in the win but could not finish the game. Bradshaw retired in 1984 with a career record of 107-51. He is the only quarterback in NFL history to win back to back Super Bowls twice. Other players who have previously wore Steelers jersey number 12 are Terry Nofsinger, Jack Scarbath, Dick Riffle, and Morgan Tiller.
Jeremy Kapinos
If things would have played out like they should have, you would be reading about Dan Marino now. Instead you are hearing of how the most productive player to wear the number 13 was a punter from 2010-2011. Jeremy Kapinos was an average punter who replaced an injured Daniel Sepulveda. His directional punting helped get the team to Super Bowl XLV. Other Players who have worn Steelers jersey number 13 are Bill Mackrides and Lee Mulleneaux.
Neil O’Donnell
Neil O’Donnell will always be remembered as the player responsible for the Steelers losing Super Bowl XXX. Despite being vilified for that performance, he played a key role in the Steelers getting back to the big game. In 1995, O’Donnell led an offense featuring the revolutionary five wide receiver set, created by offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt. That formation helped O’Donnell become one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league. O’Donnell is second in Steelers history with six 300 yard games. He tossed 68 touchdown passes against 39 interceptions. His record as a starting quarterback for the Steelers was 39-22. Other players who have worn Steelers jersey number 14 include Limas Sweed, Todd Blackledge, Bill Nelson and Lynn Chandnois.
History Of Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Numbers 15 Through 19
Mike Kruczek
Mike Kruczek was a rarely used backup quarterback from 1976-1979. Kruczek was 6-0 in relief of Bradshaw despite throwing zero touchdown passes and six interceptions. He completed 71 passes in 123 attempts for 1,185 yards during his career with the Steelers. Being the backup to Bradshaw was one of the easier jobs in the NFL at that time. With all of that Hall of Fame talent surrounding him, all Kruczek had to do was manage the game. Other players who have worn Steelers jersey number 15 are, Willie Reid, George Izo, Johnny “Blood” McNally, and Warren Heller.
Len Dawson
Len Dawson was a Hall of Fame quarterback who spent most of his illustrious career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Prior to that, he spent 1957-1959 with the Steelers, who did not think much of him. During his three years with the Steelers, Dawson threw 17 passes, completing six of them for 96 yards; including one touchdown and two interceptions. Dawson lost his only start with the Steelers, and played in a total of 19 games. Other players who wore number 16 were, Charlie Batch, Mark Malone, Dock Mosely and Allen Donelli.
Mike Wallace
Mike Wallace is the most notable player to wear Steelers jersey number 17. He could blow the top off of any coverage but had limited route running ability. During his time in Pittsburgh, Wallace was targeted 403 times, catching 235 passes for 4,042 yards and 32 touchdowns. After the 2012 season, Wallace took his ‘me first’ attitude to the Miami Dolphins. Other players who wore number 17 for the Steelers are Tee Martin, Joe Gilliam, Dick Shiner and Ted Marchibroda.
Cliff Stoudt
Cliff Stoudt, a quarterback from 1980-1983, is best known for breaking his hand on a punching bag in Seattle. He was 9-7, completing 244 passes in 479 attempts for 3,217 yards. He tossed 14 touchdown passes and 28 interceptions during his tenure with the Steelers. His best decision as a Steeler was to leave for the Birmingham stallions of the USFL after the 1983 season. Other players who have wore number 18 for the Steelers are, Mike Tomczak, Harry Newsome, and Jack Kemp.
David Woodley
David Woodley came to the Steelers from the Miami Dolphins, where he was unseated by Dan Marino. Woodley previously led the Dolphins to Super Bowl XVII. He played for the Steelers from 1984 through 1985 and was 7-6-0 as a starter. Woodley completed 179 of 339 passes for 2,630 yards. He tossed 14 touchdown passes and 21 interceptions. Before the San Diego Chargers game in 1985, David called his wife, Suzonne, from the locker room. He told her he was quitting right then, because at 27, he had had enough. She talked him out of it and he threw 3 touchdowns that game. He retired at the end of the season. Other players who have worn number 19 for the Steelers are, Tyler Grisham, Andre Coleman, Pat Stark, and Vic Vadoni.
The next installment of History Of Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey Numbers will cover jersey numbers 20 through 29. For a more comprehensive list of the history of Pittsburgh Steelers Jersey numbers, go to the Steelers homepage or check out the latest Pittsburgh Steelers media guide.
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