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See the full story · 2 sourcesEAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 13: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the New York Jets on October 13, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Steelers defeated the Jets 19-6. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
Meet the panel
Jarrett Bailey, SB Nation
Chris Carter, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Don Chedrick, 93.7 The Fan
Dave Dameshek, Meadowlark Media
Todd Haley, Former Steelers Offensive Coordinator
Tommy Jaggi, FanSided
Alan Saunders, Steelers Now
Joe Starkey, 93.7 The Fan
10. Mike Webster
Career accolades
9-time Pro Bowler
6-time All-Pro
5-time First-Team All-Pro
4-time Super Bowl champion
1970s All-Decade Team
1980s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1997)
Player tribute
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
9. Franco Harris
Career stats
Rushing yards: 12,120
Rushing touchdowns: 91
Yards per attempt: 4.1
Receptions: 307
Receiving yards: 2,287
Receiving touchdowns: 9
Career accolades
9-time Pro Bowler
3-time All-Pro
4-time Super Bowl champion
Super Bowl IX MVP
1977 First-Team All-Pro
1972 Offensive Rookie of the Year
1970s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
Player tribute
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
8. Ben Roethlisberger
Career stats
Passing yards: 64,088
Passing touchdowns: 418
Passer rating: 93.5
4th-quarter comebacks: 41
Game-winning drives: 53
Career accolades
6-time Pro Bowler
2-time passing yards leader
2-time Super Bowl champion
2004 Offensive Rookie of the Year
Player tribute
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
7. Jack Ham
Career accolades
8-time Pro Bowler
6-time All-Pro (All First-Team selections)
4-time Super Bowl champion
1970s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988)
Player tribute
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
6. Terry Bradshaw
Career stats
Passing yards: 27,989
Passing touchdowns: 212
Passer rating: 70.9
4th-quarter comebacks: 15
Game-winning drives: 23
Career accolades
3-time Pro Bowler
1978 All-Pro
1978 NFL MVP
4-time Super Bowl champion
2-time Super Bowl MVP
1970s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame (1989)
Player tribute
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
5. Rod Woodson
Career stats
Tackles: 1,158
Interceptions: 71
Forced fumbles: 18
4 kick return touchdowns (2 punts, 2 kickoffs)
Career accolades
11-time Pro Bowler
7-time All-Pro
6-time First-Team All-Pro
1993 Defensive Player of the Year
Super Bowl champion
All-time leader in pick-sixes (12)
1990s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame (2009)
Player tribute
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
4. Mel Blount
Career accolades
5-time Pro Bowler
4-time All-Pro
2-time First-Team All-Pro
4-time Super Bowl champion
1975 Defensive Player of the Year
1980s All-Decade Team
Pro Foot...
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