Franco Harris
Well with Bettis off the board at number two, Harris was the obvious number one for this list. Harris was just some dominant with the Steelers during his career not just during the regular season but during big games as well. The Immaculate Reception might have turned the Steelers franchise around from bad luck to good luck. Harris was able to put up amazing numbers and is still an all-time leading rusher for the Steelers in franchise history.
Harris did play on one of the best-assembled teams of all time but Harris also was a huge factor in that 70’s dynasty and their success. Harris was able to bring a new elegant and shifty style to the running game all while preserving his body and lasting for a long and storied career by going out of bounds and not taking extra hits when necessary.
Harris was able to accumulate so many awards and stats over his Hall of Fame career that it seems almost impossible for any other Steelers player now or in the future to pass him as the best running back in franchise history. Harris had stats that included 11,950 rushing yards, 91 rushing touchdowns, four Super Bowl Championships, Super Bowl MVP, nine Pro Bowl nominations, selection to First-team All-pro and 1970’s All-decade team, NFL man of the year, and NFL offensive rookie of the year.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have always been known for their hard-nosed running game and with that approach comes some amazing talents at the running back position. These five players were extremely talented during their time with the Steelers and they still are some of the best to ever run the ball for Pittsburgh.