Terry Bradshaw (Getty Images)
When you put together a list like this, you get an idea of the franchise’s personality. In creating a list of the top 10 Steelers from 1965 forward, it becomes evident that the Pittsburgh franchise has been defensively oriented. In the last 60+ seasons of the NFL, the Steelers have had some of the greatest defenders in the history of the league. The fact they’ve been in eight Super Bowls and won six of them indicates the level of talent has been extremely high. This is another list that has been revised, which is why it has 11 names on it.
10a. Mike Webster
Mike was one of the greatest centers in the history of the NFL. When he went over the ball, his guns made an impression on TV viewers. Webster was named to the Pro Bowl from 1978–87 and All-Pro five times. Webster was a force for the Steelers’ offensive line in the 1970s and 80s.
10. Hines Ward
The Steelers have had some spectacular receivers in the last 50+ years. Lynn Swann and John Stallworth come to mind. Heinz Ward, however, is the one that gets on this list. Ward had an even 1000 catches in his 14 seasons with the Steelers, good for 12,083 yards and 85 TDs. Those totals are significantly better than that of both Swann and Stallworth. Ward was part of two Super Bowl winners, including being named the Super Bowl MVP in the 2005 Super Bowl. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times. While Swann and Stallworth may have arguably been more talented, Ward gets the nod by reason of longevity.
9. Ben Roethlisberger
Ben was the Steelers’ starting QB from 2004–2021. During that time Ben was named to six Pro Bowls and twice led the NFL in passing yards. Roethlisberger’s trademark was toughness. That, and helping the Steelers win two Super Bowls. Ben may have been running on fumes in his last few seasons, but all in all, he had a great run,
8. Franco Harris
While the highlight of Franco’s career was the “Immaculate Reception” he had a solid, long-term career with the Steelers. In 12 seasons with the Steelmen, Harris found the end zone 100 times. Franco led the NFL in TDs in 1976 with 14. In 1972 Franco was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Harris was named to the Pro Bowl nine times and the All-Pro team once. While I gave Jerome Bettis consideration for this list, I ultimately went with Harris.
7. Andy Russell
Andy started his 12-year career with the Steelers in 1963 and stuck around through 1976. Russell was a Pro Bowler seven times and was on two Super Bowl winners. Russell intercepted 18 passes in his tenure with the Steelers and also recovered 12 fumbles. Andy was one of the Steelers who saw some lean years in the 60s but hung on to see at least part of the Steelers’ glory days in the 70s.
6. Troy Polamalu
Polamalu was another spectacular Steelers defensive player. In 12 seasons in Pittsburgh, Troy was named to the Pro Bowl eight times and the All-Pro team four times. In 2010 Troy was named the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu had 32 picks in his career, including three pick-sixes. He also recovered seven fumbles during his career. Troy was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams. He was also had some of the most spectacular hair in the game.
5. Mel Blount
Mel distinguished himself in his 14 seasons as a Steelers cornerback. Blount picked off 57 passes and recovered 13 fumbles in his career. Mel was also a member of three Super Bowl championship Steelers teams. He was at his peak in 1975, poaching 11 passes, which led the NFL, and being named 1975 AP Defensive Player of the year. Mel was, understandably, named All-Pro that season, as well as one other. He was a five-time Pro Bowler.
4. Terry Bradshaw
Terry isn’t number one on this list and his QB ratings don’t hold up by today’s standards, but Terry is one of the greatest players in Pittsburgh history. While Bradshaw doesn’t have as many awards as some players on this list, he does have two Super Bowl MVP awards. He also was the 1978 AP MVP. Terry was also named All-Pro that season. In addition, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times. Bradshaw was the offensive point man for three Super Bowl winners and was a long-ball thrower of note.
3. Jack Ham
Jack was one of my personal favorites among the Steelers greats. He just never seemed to make a mistake at outside linebacker. Like some other guys on this list, Jack was part of the Steelers’ peak during the 70s, playing on three Super Bowl winners. Jack intercepted 32 passes and recovered 21 fumbles in his Steelers career. Those 53 turnovers are the most of any non-defensive back in the history of the NFL. Jack was a Pro Bowler from 1973–80 and All-Pro from 1974–79. Actually, a review of Ham’s career is stunning.
2. Jack Lambert
A middle linebacker who stood 6’4 and weighed 220 doesn’t sound that imposing, but in Lambert’s case, au contraire. Jack’s missing front teeth enhanced his image as an imposing enforcer on the Steelers’ defense. Lambert was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. Lambert was named to the Pro Bowl from 1975–1983 and was also named to the All-Pro team six times during that time frame.
1. Joe Greene
In a franchise that has abounded with great defensive players, Joe is number one on this list. In 1972 and 1974 Greene was named the AP Defensive player of the year. Joe was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s all 70s team. In Greene’s 13 years with the Steelers, Joe was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times and All Pro four times. Joe was part of the foundation of four Super Bowl winning teams. He also gets bonus points for starring in one of the greatest Coke commercials of all time.
