Top 10 Players in Steelers History • First and Ten

Few franchises boast the accomplishments, renown, history, and success like the Pittsburgh Steelers. Just picking ten players for our roster has been a very difficult job, as there can always be a place for someone else. We present you this exercise, a sample of subjectivity on who are the 10 best players in the history of the Steelers. As always, we await your comments, observations (write your top 10) and much more about it.

Honorable Mentions:

Lynn Swann – WR

There are receivers with better numbers, more catches, more yards, or even more TDs in Steelers history. However, when we think of the quintessential WR in Pittsburgh we only have to remember Lynn Swann’s mythical catches during the Super Bowls that the Steelers won in the 70s. There are probably other players who could take this position, but I personally feel I must recognize a WR.

From our readers

Among the most interesting cases that our readers have commented in previous editions of this article we find the cases of the WR John Stallworth and the LB James Harrison. Stallworth played from 1974 to 1987 with the Steelers, a period where he managed to be champion of Super Bowls IX, X, XIII and XIV, in addition, he was a 3 times Pro Bowler, designated in 1979 to the first All-Pro team and closed his career with 537 receptions, 8,723 yards and 63 TD. His receptions total was the most in team history until he was surpassed by Hines Ward in 2005. Stallworth was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002, and his honorable mention is more than deserved.

For his part, Harrison came to the Steelers in 2002, however, he earned a roster spot until 2004, and stayed with the team until 2012. After spending a year with the Bengals, he returned to the Steelers from 2014 to 2017. With Pittsburgh he managed to win two Super Bowls (XL and XLIII), he was five times Pro Bowler and twice designated to the first team of the NFL. Additionally, he was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. He eventually retired as a Patriot in 2018 and recorded a career total of 793 tackles, 84.5 sacks, 34 forced fumbles and 8 interceptions – numbers worthy of honorable mention.

10. Franco Harris – RB

The team’s all-time leader in rushing yards (11,950) and rushing touchdowns (91). Watching Franco Harris run was a combination of power, agility and intelligence. He carried the Steelers’ running game throughout the Steel Curtain decade and also has one of the most iconic plays (if not the most recognized) in team history: “The Immaculate Reception.” Many would put Jerome Bettis on this list, but I think Harris brought more to the franchise.

9. Troy Polamalu – S

Personally Troy Aumua Polamalu is my favorite Steelers player. And a real sight to see him play defense. With a rare combination of instincts, speed, strength and the ability to make surprising plays to turn a game around, Polamalu was the icon of a defense that dominated for a decade. Few players in the history of the sport can do what the Steelers safety accomplished in twelve seasons.

8. Ben Roethlisberger – QB

Nobody has more passing yards, completions, TDs and wins with the Steelers than he does. Since he arrived as a rookie and up to this point he has become a key piece of the team’s success in the last 17 seasons. Most importantly, he has seen growth and evolution as a QB throughout his career. Although he is in the final stretch of his career, he still has the talent and tools to make his team competitive and seek his third NFL title.

7. Jack Ham – LB

For many the “great forgotten player” of the Iron Curtain. Ham was the wild card of the linebackers corps, able to go into coverage and steal the ball in any situation (with 37 interceptions in regular season and playoffs), as well as tackle, force fumbles and pressure the opposing quarterback. His speed and ability to react to plays made him one of the best linebackers to play the sport.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxmcH_x60oU

6. Terry Bradshaw – QB

One of three quarterbacks to have won four or more Super Bowls in the history of the sport. Bradshaw always played a supporting role with all the floodlights on defense that Chuck Noll and Dick Haley put together, however in the important moments, including the Super Bowls against the Cowboys, Bradshaw gave his best performances. A guy with a cannon on his arm and the ability to hit at medium and long range. Just that was what his team needed in his day.

5. Rod Woodson – CB/S

One of the best cornerbacks in NFL history. Woodson was so good that he mastered both zone coverage and man-to-man to perfection. He is also an ace on special teams and, most surprising of all, he was able to play Super Bowl XXX, as he recovered from an ACL injury in the regular season, the only one so far that has been able to do so. He was so dominant that he is included in the NFL’s 75th anniversary team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RVTFVlOVdc

4. Mike Webster – C

Yes, a center is the fourth best player in Steelers history. But he’s not just any center, he’s the best he’s played in the entire NFL (along with Jim Otto). For 15 years he was an anchor on the offensive line and gave him a stability in the position like few others. In addition to buying time for Bradshaw to find his receivers, Webster was spectacular in the running game and much of the success of the offense during the 1970s dynasty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZLBzfC4slE

3. Jack Lambert – LB

The Conde it was the face of the Steel Curtain and the reflection of the aggressiveness, destruction and fear that this team imposed every Sunday. Four Super Bowl titles, member of the NFL’s ideal teams in the seventies and eighties, 9 times Pro-Bowls, 6 times All-Pro and one of the most recognized players in NFL history.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLmf2mjVzbI

2. Mel Blount – CB

When they make a rule to prevent you from being dominant and yet you continue to be one of the best in your position you do something well. Blount was in charge of punishing the WR in front of him, with brutal coverage. 57 interceptions, 1975 defensive player of the year and inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CzZO44-rcU

1. “Mean” Joe Greene – DT

The best defensive tackle the NFL has seen. One of the 3-4 best defensive players the sport has ever had. He was the catalyst for the Steelers to become a winning franchise and took it upon himself to tear apart any offensive line that got in front of him. His battles with the Raiders, Dolphins, and Cowboys were epic.

This is our list of the best players in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers. What is your Top-10? Leave us your comments and name suggestions under this article.

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