The Pittsburgh Steelers are the one of the NFL’s most respected and winningness franchises. From their iconic “Steel Curtain” four Super Bowl dynasty in the 1970s to the run of never having a losing season under head coach Mike Tomlin, many stars have contributed to their regular-season and playoff success over the years.
The Sporting News ranks the 19 best players in Steelers history, from a modern defensive superstar to their all-time dominant legend up front:
Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player’s strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.
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19. Ernie Stautner (1950-1963)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro
Why he made SN’s list: Ernie Stautner had an apt surname as a stout defensive tackle who excelled at stopping running plays and wreaking interior havoc on quarterbacks before sacks became an official stat. He was passionate and productive, durable and destructive. He went on to be a successful defensive line coach to further stamp his football intelligence.
Place in Steelers history: Stautner is a fine representative of the Steelers’ long pre-Super Bowl existence. As a dominant Hall of Fame player in his day, he deserved at least this mention.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 5 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 3 |
| Cultural impact | 3 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 56 |
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18. Lynn Swann (1974-1982)
Accolades: 9 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Man of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl MVP, 1-time NFL receiving TDs leader
Why he made SN’s list: Lynn Swann’s limited longevity as a regular-season performer holds him back, but he made his biggest mark as a Hall of Fame receiver, saving his best games for the playoffs. The Steelers don’t have their dynasty without his clutch catches for Terry Bradshaw.
Place in Steelers history: Swann is beloved for his playoff heroics and apt graceful play. When looking back, there was some extra gloss added to his career, but the results did help add up to championships.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 5 |
| Stats | 7 |
| Awards | 6 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 2 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 57 |
MORE: To Lynn Swann, the catch of his life was ‘business as usual’
17. John Stallworth (1974-1987)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: John Stallworth had nice alliterative ring with Lynn Swann when referring to the Steelers’ dangerous dynastic wide receiver duo. While Swann got the bigger buzz for his Super Bowl work, Stallworth was a long-time contributor as an integral part of their downfield passing game, averaging 16.2 yards per reception during his Hall of Fame career.
Place in Steelers history: Stallworth almost became synonymous with Swann as Terry Bradshaw’s co go-to guy. The Steelers were known for their “Steel Curtain” defense and tough running game, but Stallworth helped make their passing game a thing of beauty, too.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 5 |
| Awards | 5 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 6 |
| Retirement honors | 8 |
| Total | 60 |
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16. Cameron Heyward (2011-active)
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Accolades: 14 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
Why he made SN’s list: Cameron Heyward was born in Pittsburgh as the son of late former Pitt and NFL fullback Craig “Ironhead” Heyward. The late first-round draft pick out of Ohio State has been a rock of a 3-4 defensive end with his pass-rush production boosting his steady presence vs. the run.
Place in Steelers history: Heyward and T.J. Watt have kept up the strong schematic playmaking tradition up front and have become beloved modern icons in the process. Heyward should end up in the Hall of Fame but is worthy to kick off the run of several Steelers NFL defensive legends on this list.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 8.5 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 7 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7.5 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 9.5 |
| Retirement honors | N/A |
| Total | 60.5 |
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15. Jerome Bettis (1996-2005)
Accolades: 10 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Walter Payton Man of the Year, Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: “The Bus” rolled into Pittsburgh from the Rams, and the Steelers kept riding him to a hometown championship in Super Bowl 40 in Detroit. A tough running back built like a bowling ball, Jerome Bettis put would-be tacklers in the gutter with his ability to explode through lanes. His throwback style and physical workhorse production landed him in the Hall of Fame.
Place in Steelers history: With 10,571 rushing yards and 78 rushing TDs while with the Steelers, he is second only behind franchise leader Franco Harris. His carrying the load on and off the field left a lasting impact with fans and the community.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 7 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 5 |
| Playoff success | 7 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 7 |
| Health | 7 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 8 |
| Total | 64 |
MORE: Jerome Bettis stars alongside Eli Manning, other NFL legends in Pepsi commercial
14. Rod Woodson (1987-1996)
Accolades: 10 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Why he made SN’s list: Rod Woodson had a long career as a playmaking defensive back, reviving and thriving as a safety in helping the Ravens and Raiders get to Super Bowls. Before then, however, he was the top ballhawk cornerback in the NFL and could also make a lot of plays coming upfield vs. the run or blitzing.
Place in Steelers history: Woodson is fourth behind fellow Hall of Famer Mel Blount and two others with his 38 interceptions as a Steeler. He also scored five times on returns and had 13.5 sacks from corner.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 7 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 6 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 7 |
| Franchise records | 7 |
| Cultural impact | 7 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 65 |
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13. Alan Faneca (1998-2007)
Accolades: 10 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro, Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Alan Faneca was a ferocious interior blocker, starting for a decade at left guard. The late first-rounder from LSU in 1996 was athletic setting up the running game and was smooth enough to play tackle when the team needed him here in 2003. He boosted the rushing success of Jerome Bettis, Willie Parker and others.
Place in Steelers history: There’s only a few offensive linemen who have contributed more over the years to Pittsburgh than Faneca. He could intimidate opponents and inspire teammates alike. Although he did break up with the team during the Mike Tomlin era to have a few more strong seasons with the Jets, the Hall of Famer is remembered much more as a standout Steeler.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 7 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 6 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 8 |
| Total | 67 |
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12. Mike Webster (1974-1988)
Accolades: 15 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Mike Webster was the anchoring center n front of Terry Bradshaw for many season in their primes, setting the tone as the snapper, offensive line leader and tenacious blocker. He was a gritty, competitive captain, doing whatever it takes to gain an edge over defensive linemen.
Place in Steelers history: Unfortunately, Webster, honored as a Hall of Famer, dealt with a lot of physical and mental pain off the field after his retirement and was lost too young at age 50. He poured all his effort into his time with the franchise and was a critical asset to Bradshaw.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 7 |
| Awards | 8 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 7 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 6 |
| Retirement honors | 8 |
| Total | 68 |
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11. T.J. Watt (2017-active)
Accolades: 8 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 3-time NFL sack leader (Deacon Jones Award), 2-time NFL forced fumbles leader, record for most sacks in an NFL season (22.5)
Why he made SN’s list: T.J. Watt had the pedigree of being surefire Texans and Cardinals Hall of Famer J.J. Watt’s brother. That also came with the pressure to produce, as he’s turned into a superstar in his own right after being drafted No. 30 overall in 2011. He has become a sack-producing and ball-swatting nightmare, a consistent disruptor of game plans off the edge.
Place in Steelers history: The Steelers have a strong tradition at linebacker and up front in the pass rush. Watt fits right into that history and should ascend into the top 10 with a few more big seasons.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 7 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 8.5 |
| Retirement honors | N/A |
| Total | 68.5 |
MORE: Is T.J. Watt related to J.J. Watt?
10. Hines Ward (1998-2011)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 2-time Super Bowl champion, Super Bowl 40
Why he made SN’s list: Hines Ward is the Steelers’ all-time leading receiver in receptions (1,000), yards (12,083) and touchdowns (85). The converted Georgia QB was another draft gem, taken in the third round in 1998. At 6-foot and 205 pounds, he had reliable hands, often as a slot receiver, and also was known as an elite blocker from the position.
Place in Steelers history: Ward was prolific and consistent, the ultimate bridge from the Bill Cowher to Mike Tomlin eras as the most dependable target for Ben Roethlisberger. He also had his biggest moment on the biggest stage, stamping his status as a clutch performer. The Hall of Fame should call soon.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 6 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 7 |
| Total | 72 |
MORE: Complete list of Super MVP winners through the years
9. Dermontti Dawson (1988-2000)
Accolades: 13 seasons, 7 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro
Why he made SN’s list: Dermontti Dawson, a Kentuckian gone to Pittsburgh, gave the Steelers another Hall of Fame center to follow Webster and precede another perennial Pro Bowler, Maurkice Pouncey. He was known for his size (6-foot-2, 292 pounds), absolute power and burst into winning his blocks.
Place in Steelers history: Dawson, after a few seasons, established himself as game’s best center and ended his career as the franchise’s best-ever offensive linemen.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 6 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 8 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 10 |
| Franchise records | 6 |
| Cultural impact | 6 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 74 |
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8. Troy Polamalu (2003-2014)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 2-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Troy Polamalu was an exciting, do-everything safety. With his trademark free-flowing locks and freelancing game, he flew around the field making plays, including an uncanny ability to anticipate snaps to get the jump on runners and passers. The 2003 first-rounder from USC was known for playing hard on the field with soft-voiced class off the field.
Place in Steelers history: Polamalu’s Hall of Fame whirlybird ways still capture the imagination of Steelers fans who can still picture him launching himself toward making a big, clutch, game-winning play.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 8 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 6 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 8 |
| Total | 75 |
MORE: Talanoa Hufanga explains why he plays like his Hall of Fame mentor, Troy Polamalu
7. Mel Blount (1970-1983)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1-time NFL interceptions leader, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Mel Blount played 200 regular-season games at right cornerback and has the franchise record with his 57 interceptions. He was the back-end enforcer to clean up behind the pressure of the “Steel Curtain.”
Place in Steelers history: Blount edges Troy Polamalu for the Steelers’ best secondary player with his key part in their defensive-driven dynasty. He epitomized the physical play and toughness associated with the franchise.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 7 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 8 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 77 |
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6. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021)
Accolades: 18 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, 2-time NFL passing yardage leader, 2-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Ben Roethlisberger is the Steelers’ all-time leader in regular-season games played with 249. He also leads in passing yards and TDs. On the field, he was known for his toughness in extending plays to throw downfield while under duress. He made full use of his big arm and big frame (6-foot-5, 240 pounds). The first-rounder from the famed 2004 QB class did battle some issues off the field but matured into a venerable leader.
Place in Steelers history: Roethlisberger gave the Steelers’ a much-needed formidable downfield passer after years of trying to find the right successor to Terry Bradshaw. His longevity and consistent production is bound to land him in the Hall of Fame, too.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 7.5 |
| Playoff success | 8.5 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 7 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 8.5 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 77.5 |
MORE: NFL Hall of Fame cases for Ben Roethlisberger, Eli Manning and more
5. Jack Ham (1971-1982)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: The Penn State product was one of two Jacks who starred in the “Steel Curtain” linebacker corps, dominating from the outside while Jack Lambert laid the wood on the inside. Jack Ham was ahead of his time with his intelligence in diagnosing pass plays and acing coverage. He also, like Lambert, was a hard but disciplined hitter.
Place in Steelers history: Ham was meant to play side-by-side with Lambert and join him in the Hall of Fame. His pioneering, smart play at the position would have made him a beloved Steelers star in the modern era.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 9 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 8 |
| Retirement honors | 9 |
| Total | 79 |
MORE: 70s Steelers own the history and legacy the modern Chiefs are chasing
4. Jack Lambert (1974-1984)
Accolades: 11 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 6-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: The Steelers didn’t care that Jack Lambert was undersized at 6-foot-4, 220 pounds when they drafted him in the second round out of Kent State. Lambert, like his long-time linebacker teammate Jack Ham, was a transcendent player in the middle, covering a lot of ground in his coverage duties as well as in his relentless pursuit of ball-carriers. He was an intimidating dynamo who seemed to be everywhere at once.
Place in Steelers history: Lambert is only behind defensive tackle Joe Greene in being an irreplaceable force in the “Steel Curtain.” Whether he was made for the scheme or the zone scheme was made for him, Lambert was the ideal Steeler.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 9 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 9 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 81 |
MORE: Complete list of Super MVP winners through the years
3. Franco Harris (1972-1983)
Accolades: 12 seasons, 9 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, NFL Man of the Year, 1-time NFL rushing TDs later, Super Bowl MVP, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Franco Harris, a running fullback, was the heart of the Steelers’ offense to complement their dominant “Steel Curtain” defense during the dynasty. He remains the all-time team leader in rushing yards and rushing TDs. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, he was hard to bring down between the tackles but also had burst to the outside.
Place in Steelers history: Harris is beloved as another former Penn State star to transition well to Pittsburgh after being taken No. 13 overall in the 1972 draft. He was the key workhorse, an adept receiver and a clutch playoff performer, always remembered for making “The Immaculate Reception.”
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 8 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 9 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 8 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 10 |
| Cultural impact | 9 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 83 |
MORE: NFL world mourns the loss of Steelers legend, ‘Immaculate Reception’ architect
2. Terry Bradshaw (1970-1983)
Accolades: 14 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 2-time NFL passing TDs leader, 2-time Super Bowl MVP, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Terry Bradshaw was the first superstar QB to lead a dynasty in the Super Bowl, setting the tone for what was to come with Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. His stats weren’t always clean, but he played in a different era where accurate, downfield passing and delivering the biggest plays in the playoffs was most important. He was an exceptional leader and face of the franchise, on and off the field. HIs presence has endured on a national level in his post-playing career as a TV broadcaster.
Place in Steelers history: Bradshaw is beloved for being the fun-loving captain of a sturdy ship. The Steelers were loaded on defense, the running game and offensive line, but he was the glue with the ball in his hands in the most critical moments.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 7 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 10 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 8 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 84 |
MORE: Age, career timeline for Terry Bradshaw, from Steelers legend to Fox retirement plans
1. ‘Mean’ Joe Greene (1969-1981)
Accolades: 13 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1-time NFL Man of the Year, 4-time Super Bowl champion
Why he made SN’s list: Straight from the Mean Green of North Texas, Joe Greene had the apt nickname for how he struck fear in the hearts of quarterbacks and ball-carriers as one of the most havoc-wreaking defensive tackles in NFL history. He ripped off 77.5 career regular-season sacks and notched seven more in 17 playoff games, including four in one game. He was wire-to-wire dominant, and like Terry Bradshaw, became a national crossover celebrity as a result of the Steelers’ dynasty.
Place in Steelers history: For a franchise that measures its weight in Black and Gold based on defense first, Greene is the reason for that and was also the best example of that. For Pittsburgh, there’s no nicer top choice than Mean Joe.
| Category | Points |
| Number of seasons | 10 |
| Stats | 10 |
| Awards | 10 |
| Playoff success | 10 |
| Best 3-5 year stretch | 9 |
| Health | 9 |
| Franchise records | 9 |
| Cultural impact | 10 |
| Retirement honors | 10 |
| Total | 87 |
