The Pittsburgh Steelers are a franchise with one of the most storied legacies in NFL history, having built their success around players who defined eras and changed football. It discusses the careers and impact of all ten dominant players that made this Steelers dynasty possible. Whether it be the smothering defense of the 1970s or a high-powered offense from another planet in the early-2000's, these players became symbols for their franchise and professional football itself.
1. The Green Corner of the Steel Curtain
Nothing in the Steelers' dominance can come without "Mean" Joe Greene. Greene, whom the Steelers selected in 1969, anchored that famed “Steel Curtain” defense, which personified one of professional football's greatest dynasties throughout the 1970s. He had an instant presence, taking a perennial loser and making it a powerhouse.
No one could dominate the field like Greene did. Battling double and triple teams throughout his career, he totaled an impressive 78.5 sacks. His fierce playing style earned him the nickname "Mean" Joe, but his leadership and commitment made all of the difference.
Greene, a 10-time Pro Bowler himself, was just one of only two players in NFL history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award twice. Those were about more than just numbers; he set the entire tempo of his team by not taking no for an answer.
Hehas left a permanent mark in Steeler's history and NFL lore. With his contributions, he finally helped the Steelers transform from perennial losers to a dynasty with his number 75 jersey rightly retired by Pittsburgh.
2. The Gunslinger, Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw's path with the Steelers is one of perseverance and development. Bradshaw was the first overall pick in 1970, but he faced a rough start to his career, throwing 24 interceptions as a rookie. Bradshaw faced harsh local media scrutiny for years, but his grit would be vital to the ultimate team's success.
He did hit his stride and, in 1972, led the Steelers to their first playoff berth in a quarter of a century. One of the most monumental moments in Harris' career came on fourth down late at vital time against the Oakland Raiders when he threw a pass that resulted in one of NFL history's best-known plays, "The Immaculate Reception."
Bradshaw's career flourished in the mid-1970s as the Steelers became an NFL power. He guided the team to four Super Bowl championships in six seasons and was named MVP of those games for victories Nos. 13 and 14. He had the gun and grappled well in these clutch situations, a perfect match for Chuck Noll's system.
Bradshaw retired from the game after 1983 due to elbow injuries, but his impact on the Steelers franchise can not be measured. He ended with 27,989 passing yards and 212 touchdowns and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
3. Immaculate Reception Franco Harris
In 1972, Franco Harris came to the Steelers and was an instant impact player, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season with 11 touchdowns. He came with the Steelers when they were finally ready to break through, beginning their dynasty.
Harris may be best known for catching a deflected pass from Terry Bradshaw during the 1972 playoffs and returning it to score the game-winning touchdown in what would become immortalized as "The Immaculate Reception" against Oakland. This game-winning play essentially sealed Pittsburgh's fate in this championship contest and ushered in an era of football dominance.
Harris was consistent and durable during his playing career. He did so in eight of his 12 seasons with the Steelers, wrapping up a career that ended with him gaining 12,120 rushing yards and scoring 91 touchdowns.
Harris had an influence over and above that of his on-field contribution. Genius, a beloved and kind man, you knew if you had any connection to Pittsburgh philanthropist, sport in every sense. Hewas inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, solidifying his legacy as one of the best running backs ever to play in the NFL.
4. Jack Lambert: The Intimidator
Linebacker Jack Lambert represented the toughness and intensity that was Steeler's defense. Lambert was one of the premier middle linebackers in football after being drafted in 1974. The toothless snarl and aggressive play scared opponents and turned teammates on.
His presence was felt on the field since Lambert was the heart of their defense during Pittsburgh's dynasty in the 1970s. He was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976 and made nine straight Pro Bowls from 1975 to '83. He was perfect for Pittsburgh's defensive scheme because of how well he read offenses and made plays everywhere.
Lambert was an intimidating but also a clever player. In his career, he picked off 28 passes, proving he could do more than just stop the run. Lambert also led by example off the field; he'd light into teammates and demand excellence from everyone around him.
A bad toe injury cut Lambert's career short, but he left an undeniable mark on the Steelers and the NFL. In 1990, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, drawing many to refer him as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.
5. Lynn Swann: The Acrobat
Lynn Swann was a wide receiver who brought athleticism and grace to the position greater than ever. A legendary Steelers draft class member from 1974, Swann quickly turned into one of Terry Bradshaw's most trusted targets.
Fans were captivated by Swann's grace and athleticism and the opponent nightmares he created in big games. He delivered one of the all-time great individual performances in Super Bowl history at Super Bowl X, where he made several highlight-reel catches and took home MVP honors.
Even though Swann's career numbers (336 catches for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns) fail to make his case by today's standards, there was so much more to him than the stats. Four Super Bowls partially stood on his back as he was a clutch performer who delivered at critical moments.
Having left a permanent mark on the game through his graceful play and contributions to one of Pittsburgh's four Super Bowl-winning teams, Swann was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001. As such, his reputation as one of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history has endured to the present day.
6. John Stallworth: The Safety Valve
Lynn Swann was often the headliner with his circus grabs, but John Stallworth played just as important a role in making Pittsburgh great. In the same legendary 1974 class that brought Lynn Swann, he doubled as a perfect complement with reliable hands and route-running precision.
During his 14 seasons with the Steelers, Stallworth caught 537 passes for 8,723 yards and scored on one out of every nine receptions (63 touchdowns). Highly considered one of the best players in team history, he was essential to all four of their Super Bowl successes during the 1970s, with significant receptions at each step in Super Bowls XIII and XIV.
Stallworth, however, did have consistent and longtime excellence. Though hiscareer was cut shorter than it could have been due to injuries, Stallworth continued at a high level into the 1980s. He had his statistical high water mark in 1984 at 32, when he caught 80 passes for a career-high and league-leading total of 1,395 yards. He also led the NFL with another single-season best of nine touchdown receptions.
Stallworth was so much more than just a player for the Steelers. He has also been part owner of the team since his retirement and continues to solidify himself further in Steelers history. His election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2002 represented a fitting tribute for one of the game's most dependable and productive wide receivers.
7. Mike Webster: The Iron Man
Nicknamed "Iron Mike," Webster anchored the offensive line for 15 seasons, more than any player in Steelers history. Webster was a member of the famed 1974 draft class that altered history and quickly became one of the best centers in football.
It was said Webster's durability was mythical. At one point during his career, he appeared in 220 consecutive games, a symbol of toughness and commitment. With strength and technique that made him nearly impossible to beat at the point of attack, Webster provided all-important protection for Terry Bradshaw while opening holes for Franco Harris.
Webster was a nine-time Pro Bowler and seven-time First-team All-Pro, embodying consistency at his position. Bottorff was selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1970s and 1980s, a rarity highlighting his durability and continuous success.
One cannot underestimate Webster's impact on the Steelers' success. Not only was he an integral part of all four Super Bowl wins in the 1970s, but he still played at a high level well into the '80s. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, he will forever be remembered as one of the game's greatest centers.
8. Intelligent Assassin: Jack Ham
The flashy Jack Lambert often overshadows Jack Ham, but he was probablythe smartest and most technically sound linebacker of his generation. The Steelers drafted Ham in 1971, and he immediately became essential to Steel Curtain's defense.
Later in his career, Ham was a nightmare for any offense because he could diagnose plays and react quickly. He was just as good at stopping the run, covering receivers, and rushing the passer. His football IQ permitted him to be in the right spot and time, resulting in thirty-two picks and twenty-one fumble recoveries throughout his career.
Ham was the consummate player in his 12-year playing career with the Steelers, an eight-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-team All-Pro. He was a key component of all four Super Bowl-winning teams of the 1970s and anchored that part of the defense with tremendous leadership ability.
Ham's cerebral style of play established him as a distinctive player compared to many players during his era. His mind allowed him to outthink opponents and not only give the Steelers defense play as best suited for, but he could do so without overly relying on physical dominance. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988, solidifying his place as one of the best linebackers ever playing in the NFL.
9. Jerome Bettis: The Bus
In the late 1990s and early '00s, Jerome Bettis ("The Bus") changed Pittsburgh's offense. Bettis was acquired in a 1996 trade with the Rams and made an immediate impact as Pittsburgh's power running game centerpiece.
Standing 5'11" and weighing 252 pounds, Bettis was nearly impossible for defenders to bring down. Brusque and punishing, he stomped through defenses into the best calendar months, scoring over 30 points per game while restricting opponents almost exclusively to three-and-outs. Bettis, however hefty and lumbering in appearance, was still surprisingly agile, with long strides that allowed him to break off big runs.
In his first six seasons with the Steelers, Bettis rushed for more than 1,000 yards every time and ended up with his career numbers of 13,662 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-team All-Pro.
10. Ben Roethlisberger: The New Era Record Holder
The Steelers have been at or near the top of their division for nearly two decades under Ben Roethlisberger, who was drafted in 2004. His right arm, enhancement skills, and several eye-catching timestamps in post-season games were a perfect organization sign to operate again.
Throughout his career, Roethlisberger collected accolades and shattered records with a consistency that mirrored his play. He became the youngest Super Bowl-winning quarterback in NFL history when he led the Steelers to victory in Super Bowl XL at just 23 years old. But Roethlisberger's ambitions stretched far beyond a single championship. He would go on to add another Super Bowl title to his resume, further solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greats.
Perhaps what endeared Roethlisberger most to the Pittsburgh faithful was his blue-collar work ethic and unyielding desire to win. In a city that prides itself on its industrial heritage and hard-nosed approach to life, Big Ben was a perfect fit. His willingness to play through injury and put his body on the line for the team resonated with fans and teammates alike, earning him respect across the NFL.
These men were more than just athletes; they were the embodiment of Pittsburgh's spirit, a reflection of the city's resilience, strength, and commitment to excellence. The Steelers dynasty, built on the backs of these legends, will forever be remembered as one of the greatest eras in NFL history, a true testament to being "Forged in Steel."
