Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 by Art Rooney as the Pittsburgh Pirates and took the Steelers name in 1940. Still owned by the Rooney family, they are known for stability, hard-nosed defense and one of the most loyal fan bases in sports. The Steelers compete in the AFC North.

Super Bowl history

Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls, tied for the most in NFL history. Chuck Noll’s 1970s dynasty, powered by the “Steel Curtain” defense, won Super Bowl IX, Super Bowl X, Super Bowl XIII and Super Bowl XIV. Under Bill Cowher, the Steelers won Super Bowl XL, and under Mike Tomlin they won Super Bowl XLIII on Santonio Holmes’ toe-tapping touchdown catch in the final minute.

Best players in Steelers history

• Joe Greene – “Mean Joe,” Hall of Fame defensive tackle and the anchor of the Steel Curtain.
• Terry Bradshaw – Hall of Fame quarterback who won four Super Bowls.
• Franco Harris – Hall of Fame running back famous for the “Immaculate Reception.”
• Jack Lambert and Jack Ham – Hall of Fame linebackers from the 1970s dynasty.
• Mel Blount – Hall of Fame cornerback so physical the NFL changed its pass-coverage rules.
• Lynn Swann and John Stallworth – Hall of Fame receivers known for their Super Bowl catches.
• Mike Webster – Hall of Fame center.
• Troy Polamalu – Hall of Fame safety and 2010 Defensive Player of the Year.
• Ben Roethlisberger – Two-time Super Bowl champion and the franchise’s leading passer.
• T.J. Watt – 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.

Biggest rivalries

The Baltimore Ravens are Pittsburgh’s most physical modern rival, while the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals round out the AFC North. Historic 1970s battles with the Raiders and two Super Bowl wins over the Dallas Cowboys are also part of Steelers lore.