Which Steelers jerseys should be permanently retired?

#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.