Who are the best Steelers of all time?

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

April 12, 2025

Terry Bradshaw is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have been home to a legendary roster of talent since their establishment in 1933. With a legacy defined by six Super Bowl victories, the question remains in fans’ minds: Who is the best Steeler ever?

From the grit and determination of legendary defensive players to the team’s dynamic all-time offensive roster, each contender brings unique contributions and unforgettable moments, making the search for the ultimate Steeler as complex as it is passionate.

Ultimately, the discussion goes beyond statistics, diving into these athletes’ impact on black and gold culture and their roles in shaping the franchise’s legacy.

5. Franco Harris (1972-84)

Franco Harris, a legendary running back for 12 years in Pittsburgh, cemented his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats and an important figure in NFL history.

Notably remembered for his role in the Immaculate Reception, Harris was instrumental in transforming Pittsburgh into a dominant force during the 1970s, leading the team to multiple Super Bowl championships.

Harris’s consistent performance earned him numerous accolades, including an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, solidifying his status as a key player in the evolution of the running back position and the success of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

4. Troy Polamalu (2003-14)

Troy Polamalu’s career as a safety with Pittsburgh is marked by extraordinary athleticism and innovative playmaking.

Drafted with the sixteenth pick of the 2003 NFL draft, Polamalu quickly established himself as a centerpiece of the team’s defense, known for his iconic long hair and electrifying style of play.

A four-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First-team All-Pro, Polamalu’s ability to read offenses, break out of coverage, and make crucial tackles set him apart as one of the best safeties in NFL history.

His legacy is not just defined by individual successes but also by his leadership, sportsmanship, and deep connection with Pittsburgh fans, making him a beloved figure in the Steel City.

3. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-21)

Similar to Polamalu, Ben Roethlisberger had a storied career with Pittsburgh, establishing himself as one of the franchise’s all-time greatest quarterbacks.

Drafted in 2004, he quickly made an impact, leading the team to two Super Bowl victories (XL and XLIII) and earning a reputation for his playmaking ability and clutch performance in high-pressure situations.

Despite facing injury challenges and controversies off the field, his leadership and resilience solidified his legacy in Pittsburgh, where he became a beloved figure and a symbol of the team’s consistency throughout the 2000s and 2010s.

Upon his retirement in 2021, Roethlisberger left an unforgettable mark on the franchise, including a reputation for durability and a deep connection with Pittsburgh’s fan base.

2. Joe Greene (1969-81)

Joe Greene, often referred to as Mean Joe, is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh team during its Steel Curtain years.

The 1979 Walter Payton Man of the Year was instrumental in securing four Super Bowl titles in six years.

Known for his strength, agility, and competitiveness, Greene transformed the defensive tackle position and set a standard for excellence in the NFL.

Greene’s accolades include ten Pro Bowl selections, an NFL MVP award in 1972, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987, solidifying his legacy as a transformative player in the league’s history.

1. Terry Bradshaw (1970-83)

Terry Bradshaw, a Greene teammate, is regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

His tenure in Pittsburgh was marked by extraordinary success, leading the team to four Super Bowl victories (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) that established Pittsburgh as a dominant force in the 1970s.

Bradshaw’s combination of athleticism, passing ability, and leadership on and off the field helped define the team’s identity during its prime years and helped build the team’s culture for years to come.

He was known for his resilience, overcoming early career struggles and injuries to become the first quarterback to win multiple Super Bowls while earning two Super Bowl MVP awards.

After retirement, his role as a sports commentator and television personality further cemented his status as a beloved figure in American sports.

About the Contributor

Patrick Romito, Staff Writer

And that’s another Bethel Park Black Hawks win for the boys soccer team. Whether Patrick is on the soccer field or behind the keyboard, he’s always aiming to make an impact—one play and one story at a time. This year, Patrick Romito, an 11th grader, joins Scholastic Publications for the first time. When asked why he decided to sign up, Patrick said, “I took the class to get more involved in school activities.” With a clear passion for making the most of his high school experience, Patrick is eager to contribute to the class by writing articles for the Hawk Eye newspaper. He’s ready to take on whatever stories come his way, whether spotlight features, sports, or school news. Patrick is not just a writer; he’s also an accomplished athlete. With 12 years of soccer experience under his belt and as a three-year DECA member, he balances both extracurriculars and academics with ease. As someone who enjoys variety, he’s equally open to different kinds of stories, saying, “I enjoy writing in general, so whether it’s spotlights, sports, or school news-related content, it doesn’t matter to me.” Looking ahead, Patrick’s plans after high school include studying marketing and advertising, although he’s still deciding on a specific college. In the meantime, his favorite class is Law & You with Mr. Vic. He appreciates how the course prepares him for life after high school, and he enjoys Mr. Vic’s real-life stories that make each lesson engaging. Reflecting on his time in high school, Patrick recalls the excitement of attending football games as a freshman, where he formed friendships that have lasted throughout his high school years. “I really enjoyed going to the football games freshman year because I ended up making a lot of friends there, a lot of which I’m still friends with today,” he said. Outside of school, Patrick has worked as a lifeguard at Highpoint Fitness for almost two years, a job that highlights his dedication and work ethic. When he’s not working or playing soccer, he enjoys comedy movies, with Step Brothers being his top pick. And what’s his dream vacation? Patrick hopes to one day visit Italy. “My dream vacation is Italy because first, it is very beautiful there, as well as my family roots going back to there,” he shared. In just three words, Patrick describes himself as calm, caring, and hardworking — qualities that are sure to serve him well both in and out of the classroom. Keep an eye out for Patrick’s contributions to Hawk Eye this year as he dives into the world of scholastic publications! Written by: Grace Ferency, Staff Writer