5 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman of all time

Ernie Stautner

Stautner is one of the best players to ever embody what it means to be a Steeler. Many people do not remember him because of the time in which he played. Many people only recognize his name because he is one of two numbers officially retired by the team. He played 14 seasons, all with the Steelers during the 50s and 60s and he helped define the toughness of the franchise.

He would pave the way for those feared defenses and that tough play style that the team would identify with. Beyond that, this player was able to play along the defensive line throughout his long career and even played on the offensive line as well. He played during a different football era that was hard working and gritty on Sundays and then go to work a job the rest of the week elsewhere.

Stautner’s stats are tough to come by since he played in this era. He is recorded of having 143 games started, three safeties, 23 fumble recoveries, three pass deflections, two interceptions, nine-time Pro Bowl selections, four-time All-pro, 1957 NFL best lineman award, number 70 retired by Steelers, NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, and Hall of Famer.