The Greatest Steelers of the Last 40 Years

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. They earned the right to play in seven super bowls and have won a record six times. The team which won four super bowls in just six years has been called one of the best ever. The steel curtain defense combined with an offense with weapons such as Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, and Jon Stallworth could dominate an opponent like few teams, of any era. The newer teams have their own greats. Wining two super bowls in four years and having the leagues number one rated defense, the Steelers of today can compete with anyone. The 2008 Steelers played the toughest schedule of any team, played through a tough playoff schedule and came back to win the super bowl against a scrappy and tough Cardinal team that just would not give up. Through the years the Steelers have had some great players, many of whom have been honored by their inclusion in the Hall of Fame. With such a cast of players, which stand out as the best Steelers of all time? Regardless of what era these athletes played, they are among the best ever, on any team, in any era.

At Quarterback: Terry Bradshaw (4 super bowl wins) & Ben Roethlisberger (2 super bowl wins)

Running Backs: Franco Harris, Rocky Bleier, and Jerome Bettis

Wide Receivers: Lynn Swann, Jon Stallworth, Hines Ward

Line Backers: Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, James Farrior

Defensive Backs: Troy Palamalu, Donnie Shell, Rod Woodson, Mel Blount, Carnell Lake

Defensive Line: Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Dwight White, Ernie Stautner

Offensive Line: Mike Wenster, Alan Faneca, Larry Brown, Tunch Ilkin. Jon Kolb

Tight End: Bennie Cunningham

Punter: Bobby Walden

Kicker: Gary Anderson

Coaches: Chuck Noll (4-0 super bowl record) Bill Cowher (1-1 super bowl record) Mike Tomlin (1-0 super bowl record)