On the eve of the Pittsburgh Steelers reporting for training camp, we’ve reached the final iteration of our Top 30 Greatest Steelers countdown, concluding with the top 10 players in franchise history. From two quarterbacks who combined to win six Super Bowls, to the Hall of Famers that made the Steel Curtain the most vaunted defense in NFL history, here are the 10 greatest Steelers of all time, as voted on by our panel.
Jarrett Bailey, SB NationChris Carter, Pittsburgh Post-GazetteDon Chedrick, 93.7 The FanDave Dameshek, Meadowlark MediaTodd Haley, Former Steelers Offensive CoordinatorTommy Jaggi, FanSidedAlan Saunders, Steelers NowJoe Starkey, 93.7 The Fan
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 18: Center Mike Webster #52 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Three Rivers Stadium on December 18, 1988 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Dolphins 40-24. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Getty Images
9-time Pro Bowler6-time All-Pro5-time First-Team All-Pro4-time Super Bowl champion1970s All-Decade Team1980s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1997)
If you asked 100 people who the greatest center in NFL history is, Mike Webster would be the overwhelming consensus answer. His longevity would be considered rare in today’s game, totaling 17 seasons from 1974-90. He was the anchor of the Steelers’ offensive line that won four Super Bowls and was the final piece of those Super Bowl teams to leave the franchise. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. – Jarrett Bailey
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 9: Running back Franco Harris #32 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers during the NFL/AFC Wild Card Game January 9, 1983 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Chargers won the game 31-28. Harris played for the Steelers from 1972-83. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Getty Images
Rushing yards: 12,120Rushing touchdowns: 91Yards per attempt: 4.1Receptions: 307Receiving yards: 2,287Receiving touchdowns: 99-time Pro Bowler3-time All-Pro4-time Super Bowl championSuper Bowl IX MVP1977 First-Team All-Pro1972 Offensive Rookie of the Year1970s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
IF it wasn’t for Franco, the dynasty of the 1970s very likely doesn’t happen – at least not to the extent of four Super Bowls. The Immaculate Reception is the exact moment Pittsburgh went from historic pushover to perennial threats. Two seasons after perhaps the most iconic play in NFL history, the Steelers were raising their first Lombardi Trophy off the strength of Harris’ MVP performance. At the time of his retirement, only Jim Brown had more rushing touchdowns. The Steelers retired his No. 32 jersey in 2022, becoming just the third player in franchise history to earn that honor. – Jarrett Bailey
Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers during Super Bowl XL between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan on February 5, 2006. (Photo by Allen Kee/NFLPhotoLibrary) Getty Images
Passing yards: 64,088Passing touchdowns: 418Passer rating: 93.54th-quarter comebacks: 41Game-winning drives: 536-time Pro Bowler2-time passing yards leader2-time Super Bowl champion2004 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Ben was arguably the most naturally gifted thrower I have ever coached. Arm strength, touch, accuracy, and ability to adjust mid-throw. Great feel within the pocket, tremendous size, excellent athlete. He legitimately could have played multiple sports professionally. The bottom line is if Ben was your quarterback, you had a chance to win every Sunday regardless of who was on the other side. Hall of Fame player without a doubt. – Todd Haley
PITTSBURGH, PA – CIRCA 1979: Jack Ham #59 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against during an NFL football game at Three Rivers Stadium circa 1979 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Ham played for the Steelers from 1971-82. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) Getty Images
8-time Pro Bowler6-time All-Pro (All First-Team selections)4-time Super Bowl champion1970s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1988)
Perhaps the most underrated player in Steelers history, Ham always made an impact, whether it be an interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery, blocked kick, or all of the above. He may not have put the fear of God into opponents like others we will see on the list, but he is perhaps the best all-around linebacker of all time. – Don Chedrick
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 9: Quarterback Terry Bradshaw #12 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks to pass during a game against the Houston Oilers on September 9, 1979 at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Bradshaw played for the Steelers for his entire NFL career, from 1970-1983, and led the team to four Super Bowl Championships. (Photo by James Drake/Getty Images) Getty Images
Passing yards: 27,989Passing touchdowns: 212Passer rating: 70.94th-quarter comebacks: 15Game-winning drives: 233-time Pro Bowler1978 All-Pro1978 NFL MVP4-time Super Bowl champion2-time Super Bowl MVP1970s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1989)
Many mocked the intelligence of Bradshaw throughout his playing career and beyond, but he was smart enough to pick defenses apart to the tune of four Super Bowls, two of which he was the game’s MVP. Yes, he threw nearly as many interceptions as touchdowns – so did every other quarterback of that era. He also led the NFL in touchdown passes twice and was the league’s MVP in 1978. Beyond his playing days, he continued to be a big part of our Sundays as part of the Fox NFL Sunday crew, becoming one of the best and most entertaining players-turned broadcasters of all time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. – Jarrett Bailey
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 24: Cornerback Rod Woodson #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Three Rivers Stadium on August 24, 1995 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Steelers 16-6. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Getty Images
Tackles: 1,158Interceptions: 71Forced fumbles: 184 kick return touchdowns (2 punts, 2 kickoffs)11-time Pro Bowler7-time All-Pro6-time First-Team All-Pro1993 Defensive Player of the YearSuper Bowl championAll-time leader in pick-sixes (12)1990s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (2009)
While Woodson’s Steelers didn’t win a ring in Pittsburgh, he helped usher in the era of dominant Steelers defenses of the 1990s. He was one of the game’s top players immediately, earning First-Team All-Pro honors as a rookie in 1989, and was the heartbeat of Pittsburgh during his 10 seasons with the franchise. He is the NFL’s all-time leader in pick-sixes, and his 71 interceptions ranks third all-time. – Jarrett Bailey
Football: Hall of Fame Game: Pittsburgh Steelers Mel Blount (47) during game vs New Orleans Saints at Fawcett Stadium. Canton, OH 7/30/1983 CREDIT: John Iacono (Photo by John Iacono /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Set Number: X28826 )
5-time Pro Bowler4-time All-Pro2-time First-Team All-Pro4-time Super Bowl champion1975 Defensive Player of the Year1980s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1989)
Whenever the NFL changes the rules because of you, you were probably a good player. The league instituted the five-yard rule when it came to contact between receivers and defensive backs because of Blount’s tenacity at the line of scrimmage. Even after the rule was put in place, Blount made three All-Pro teams and helped the Steelers win two additional Super Bowls. His 57 interceptions rank 11th all-time, and he is one of the five best cornerbacks to ever play the game. – Jarrett Bailey
PITTSBURGH, PA – 1982: Linebacker Jack Lambert #58 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the field during a National Football League game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1982 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Getty Images
9-time Pro Bowler7-time All-Pro6-time First-Team All-Pro4-time Super Bowl champion1976 Defensive Player of the Year1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year1970s All-Decade Team1980s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
Lambert was the face of the Steelers throughout the 1970s – literally. The snarl and missing teeth created the picture perfect Steelers linebacker. His play backed up his looks, as few players in history hit as hard or had as much of a mean streak as No. 58. – Don Chedrick
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 30: Safety Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on November 30, 2014 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Saints defeated the Steelers 35-32. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Getty Images
Tackles: 783Tackles for loss: 56Interceptions: 32Forced fumbles: 148-time Pro Bowler6-time All-Pro4-time First-Team All-Pro2-time Super Bowl champion2010 Defensive Player of the Year2000s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (2020)
There is no player in NFL history like Troy Polamalu. His ball hawk ability, closing speed, play recognition, and calculated recklessness set him apart from all of his peers. Polamalu wasn’t just a safety, he was a football player. Diving over the line of scrimmage after timing snap counts just right, making the most unbelievable of interceptions while laying out for the ball, and delivering some of the hardest hits of the 2000s made Polamalu the most feared defensive back of his era. He is a true one-of-one player, which is so incredibly rare when it comes to professional sports. – Jarrett Bailey
LATROBE, PA – JULY 1980: Defensive lineman Joe Greene #75 of the Pittsburgh Steelers smiles as he poses for a photograph on media photo day at summer training camp at Saint Vincent College in July 1980 in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) Getty Images
10-time Pro Bowler6-time All-Pro4-time First-Team All-Pro4-time Super Bowl champion1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year2-time Defensive Player of the Year1970s All-Decade TeamPro Football Hall of Fame (1987)
When you think of the Steelers, Mean Joe Greene is the first name that comes to mind. Without the player many consider to be the greatest defensive lineman of all time, there is no Steel Curtain, which means there is no Super Bowls. He is the beginning and end to the teams of the 1970s, and thus the Steelers organization as a whole. Without a doubt the most important player in franchise history. – Jarrett Bailey
Let us know what you think in the comments. Be sure to bookmark Behind the Steel Curtain for all the latest news, breakdowns, and more!