Officially the Steelers have only retired two jersey numbers in their team’s history. Unofficially eleven other jersey numbers are retired.
In 1964 the Steelers retired number 70 in honor of Ernie Stautner. Then in 2014, the Steelers decided to retire Joe Greene’s number 75. After all, Joe Greene was the draft pick that began the Steelers trek to becoming an NFL dynasty in the ‘70s.
During Joe Greene’s tenure with the Steelers, he and many other teammates have gone to the Hall of Fame Mel Blount, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Mike Webster, Terry Bradshaw, and Franco Harris. When the first Steelers dynasty ended then a few more players came along that have since ended their careers in Canton, Ohio including, Jerome Bettis, Troy Polamalu, Dermontti Dawson.
Plus, a few others Steelers who deserve to go to the Hall of Fame or that fans will remember for their contributions to the Steelers, such as Hines Ward, Maurkice Pouncy, Ryan Shazier. There are potentially three others currently playing that the Steelers could retire their jersey numbers or use the numbers sparingly when their careers end.
Sure the Steelers have the option to retire a lot of jersey numbers. Of course, if they do, the number could start adding up. The team with the most retired numbers currently are the Chicago Bears, with 14. Three teams, the Raiders, Falcons, and Cowboys, have chosen not to retire jersey numbers. The Steelers, like the Washington Football Team, do so sparingly. However, with the Steelers, it morphs into not using the jersey number again while not officially retiring it.
So with two jerseys retired and knowing the Steelers have not used others for decades, should the Steelers officially retire at least some of the jersey numbers they have not used in a while. Then throw the remaining numbers back into circulation. While it sounds easy enough, the question comes to which numbers do the Steelers retire.
#12 Terry Bradshaw
What is there to say about Terry Bradshaw that you have not already heard. Chuck Noll, after drafting Joe Greene in 1969, the player he felt was the best player period in the NFL draft needed a quarterback. Plus, the Steelers ended up with the number one pick heading into 1970 after having the fourth selection in 1969.
His early career was a bit shaky. In 1974 Chuck Noll benched him until the middle of the season. Bradshaw’s benching seemingly proved to be the catalyst needed to light a fire under him. The Steelers won the Superbowl in 1974. Then led the Steelers to three more Superbowl titles in the next five years. At the same time, he finished his career with 27,898 passing yards and 212 touchdowns.
Bradshaw finally retired in 1983 after he re-injured his elbow. Upon his retirement, the Steelers have not used his jersey number since. However, the Steelers have not chosen to retire it permanently. It should be retired, though. Given Bradshaw was the first quarterback to lead the Steelers to not one title but four in six years, no other quarterback has achieved that, not even Tom Brady. Granted Bradshaw’s stats are not on par with Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, or Tom Brady. Bradshaw was a prolific passer for his era, especially since the rules for defensive backs did not change until 1978.
The argument for not retiring it could be that Ben Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his career. He has maybe 2-5 years remaining before he hangs it up for good. It seems unlikely the Steelers will use number 7 any time soon when he does retire. Plus, he will end his career as the Steelers all-time passing leader. If he wins another title or two yet before he does, one could make a case to retire Big Ben’s jersey and put Bradshaw’s number back into circulation.
#43 Troy Polamalu
In fairness, Polamalu only retired in 2015. So it makes sense the Steelers wouldn’t use his number yet. Polamalu, though, was one of those players who, when he stepped on the field you knew something was going to happen. He made one-handed interceptions leaped over offensive linemen to make a tackle, flew through the air to block field goals. He made the impossible look easy.
It’s hard to fathom the Steelers would have made three Superbowls between 2004-2010 without him. Do not expect to see anyone else wear number 43 for a long time. However, should it be retired? Well, they have one other defensive back that was just as great.
#47 Mel Blount
What can you say about Mel Blount that anyone has not already said. He only redefined how future cornerbacks played the position. He was tough and physical and finished his career with 57 career interceptions. His style of play was so physical he forced the NFL to rewrite the rules for defensive backs opening up the passing game. Certainly, no one can deny his importance to the ‘70s Steelers dynasty. It’s every bit as important as Mean Joe Greene, Franco Harris, Terry Bradshaw, and others. However, in Blount’s case, he was not only instrumental in their four championships; he changed the NFL.
Ironically, unlike Bradshaw, Harris, Bettis, and other Steelers on this list, the Steelers did not immediately retire his number. The Steelers handed the number out four times after he retired in 1985, 1987, 1999-2000, and 2006. They have not used it since. At this juncture, it’s hard to say if the number is semi-retired or if the Steelers do not need to use it presently. That said, the Steelers should retire his number along with Polamalu’s. Sure the Steelers will have great defensive backs in the future; however, very few will ever match the achievements nor play to their level. The Steelers should honor the impact they made on the Steelers and retire both of their jerseys.
#58 Jack Lambert
Historically the Steelers have been known for their tough-as-nails linebackers. Lambert, on the other hand, was something special. He was not only rough and intimidating; one can honestly say he may have instilled fear when he stepped onto the field. His only comparison in the NFL would be Dick Butkus.
Lambert had no qualms about laying someone out if he could and did on numerous occasions. Lambert, though, is from a bygone era. If someone tried to match his style of play today, the refs would undoubtedly throw numerous flags. Nonetheless, regardless of when he played, Lambert is one top five linebackers of all time. As a result, number 58 has been in retirement since he ended his playing days. They could put 58 on someone else, but it wouldn’t be the same. Whoever wears it would have to live up to a reputation they could never match.
#59 Jack Ham
Ham was another great in the long list of linebackers. However, he was the antithesis of Lambert. Ham was the clean-cut lad from Penn State. While Lambert was loud and boisterous, Ham was the quiet one. He never needed to scare anyone; he was simply talented. He let his achievements on the field do his talking. If anyone tried to avoid Lambert, Ham would kill you. It was a catch 22 for most offenses. When he retired he was inducted into the Hall of Fame. Pittsburgh also pulled his jersey out of circulation. However, they did issue it to Todd Seabaugh in the 1984 season but have not used it since.
Lambert and Ham are synonymous like Swann and Stallworth. They are defensive icons in Steelers’ history. There is no doubt they both deserve to have their jerseys permanently retired. However, you can not retire the jersey of every great player. Of the two, Lambert managed to set himself apart from nearly every linebacker that played before or since. Lambert needs 58 needs to be retired permanently.
#52 Mike Webster
When anyone mentions the position of center, two names come to mind, Jim Otto and Mike Webster. Jim Otto started and played in 210 consecutive games, never missing one. Webster played a total of 17 seasons and played every game until 1986, missing four. He played in 245 games in his entire career. Centers come and go, and the Steelers have had a string of great ones.
In the age of player safety, you will never see another center match Webster’s longevity. Nor will there be another center as strong and as good of a blocker. When Webster finally retired, they took his jersey out of circulation and have not used it for 32 seasons. When you see number 52, one thinks of Webster and no one else. It’s like number 58 in that sense. There is no doubt, in this case, there is no debate. Pittburgh should retire his number.
#63 Dermontti Dawson
Drafted in 1988, he was Mike Webster’s eventual replacement. He had some big shoes to fill. Starting in 1989 he played in 160 consecutive games. A rarity at the center position, and the Steelers had two centers that did not miss a game in 22 combined seasons. The only thing missing from Dawson’s resume is he does not have a championship ring. He retired in 2000, four years before the Steelers drafted Ben Roethlisberger. Despite how good Dawson was, he still, to a degree, lives in Webster’s shadow a bit. Had the Steelers won a championship when he played, perhaps that would be different.
There is no discussion Pittsburgh needs to retire Webster’s number. There will never be a center like him though Dawson came close. It’s harder to justify retiring Dawson’s. However, there is one case to make in favor of retiring number 63 too. Ernie Holmes wore number 63 from 1972-1977. He was one of the founding linemen in the initial steel curtain with Joe Greene, Dwight White, and L.C. Greenwood. Holmes was very talented however found himself in Chuck Noll’s doghouse and finally was cut. So he does not get the notoriety of his teammates. So in that sense, retiring number 63 could honor both players.
#50 Ryan Shazier
Shazier had exceptional talent as a linebacker. Had he played until he retired, it’s hard to say where he would have ranked among all the great linebackers to play for the Steelers. Certainly, his name would fall high on the list. Unfortunately, his career was cut short to a spinal injury.
The Steelers have not used his jersey since 2017. As a tribute to Shazier, it seems unlikely they will issue anyone his jersey for the foreseeable future. He was a high-impact player whose career was cut way too short. Faithful fans loved Shazier as well. It seems unlikely anyone would argue against it
#86 Hines Ward
The Steelers have had three outstanding wide receivers in their team’s history. John Stallworth, Lynn Swann, and Hines Ward. While Swann and Stallworth are both in the Hall of Fame, the Steelers chose not to retire their numbers. Though on the ballot for the Hall of Fame, he has missed out every year. However, the Steelers have not used his Jersey since 2011. So, in this case, it might make sense, retire number 86. He certainly earned having his number retired; no one can deny his on-field talent as a receiver and a blocker. So if no one votes him into the Hall of Fame, then honor him by retiring his jersey. It’s a fair compromise.
Since the ‘70s the Steelers have had so much talent it’s hard to retire everyone’s jersey. Plus, you have to expect there will be great players in the future. So Pittsburgh has retired number 70 for Ernie Stautner and 75 for Joe Greene. Retiring Bradshaw’s makes sense but could be contentious over those who would prefer Roethlisberger when he retires.
So in addition to the two that are retired, they should also retire number 32 for Franco Harris, number 52 for Mike Webster, 58 for Jack Lambert, 86 for Hines Ward, and 43 for Troy Polamalu. That would give the Steelers seven retired jerseys. Not the most in the league, then free up the others not being used currently. However, Pittsburgh still has room for some of the additional players to come when they retire, such as Maurkice Pouncey, TJ Watt, and Cam Heyward, or of course Ben Roethlisberger.