The best Steelers player ever to wear each jersey number still in circulation

Jersey #89 Bennie Cunningham

There are very few standouts for this jersey, so by default, you have to give it to Bennie Cunningham. If for any other reason, he played on the back half of the Steelers dynasty from 1976-1985. He helped them win titles in 1978-79 despite his injury in 1978. While not the greatest tight end ever, he had 202 receptions for 2879 yards and 20 touchdowns. However he has two rings to go with his stats, not shabby.

Jersey #90 T.J. Watt

This jersey is now linked and shall forever belong to T.J. Watt. Cased closed. If the Steelers do not retire his jersey as soon as he retires, then something is amiss. After only six seasons, he has 77.5 sacks. A number that will only get bigger. You could go on all day about his ability, but why he’a the best in the business and perhaps of all time. It’s hard to envision him retiring as a Steelers.

Jersey #91 Aaron Smith

Another Jersey that could have been linked with two players, but because the Steelers just named him the 2023 Hall of Honor class, this distinction belongs to Steelers defensive end Aaron Smith who played 13 seasons.    

Aaron Smith is perhaps the single most underrated defensive end to ever play for the Steelers. If only because between 2000-2008, he played in 139 consecutive games without injury. He was not as flashy or mean as Dwight White, Ernie Holmes, or Joe Greene, but he was solid and did his job quietly.

He finished with 481 combined tackles and 44 sacks, with seven forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. How someone of his caliber only played in one pro bowl is a head-scratcher considering he even has 2 championship rings. It’s nice to see the Steelers are giving him his long-overdue recognition.