The five most memorable Steelers players to wear jersey number 33

Jerry Shipkey -LB, FB, DB 1948-1952

The number five most memorable Steeler to wear number 33 goes to Jerry Shipkey. Ironically he didn’t always wear number 33. He started with Jersey number 49, then in his last two years, the Steelers changed his jersey to number 33.

Unlike many players, his college career made him just as memorable as his playing days as a Steeler. Upon graduation from High school, he attended USC and in 1940, helped lead the USC Trojans to a Rose Bowl victory defeating Tennessee 14-0.

Then World War II intervened. Returning home after the War he returned to college; however, he transferred to UCLA. As a member of the UCLA Bruins. Playing halfback, he led the Bruins to a 13-6 victory over  California. UCLA later inducted him into the UCLA hall of fame. He holds the distinction as the only player to win a Rose Bowl with both USC and UCLA.

The Steelers then drafted him in the sixth round of the 1947 draft. Like honorable mention, Charlie Seabright, he played multiple positions. He played fullback, linebacker, and defensive back. Jerry played in three pro bowls and earned an all-pro title twice. In the pro bowl  he holds the distinction for being the first player to represent the Steelers as a linebacker.

Jerry played 59 games for the Steelers in total. He finished his Steelers career with 109 rushes for 310 yards with 16 touchdowns, along with  12 receptions for 138 yards. On the defensive side, Shipkey had 13 interceptions for 238 yards and one touchdown and eight fumble recoveries. On special teams, he had two returns for 34 yards.  He certainly earned the right to claim the number five spot.