Pittsburgh Steelers Explained: Traditions, Logo & History

What is the Terrible Towel?

The Terrible Towel was created in 1975 by legendary Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope, who urged fans to wave gold towels during the playoffs.

It became one of the most iconic fan traditions in all of sports. Cope later donated the rights to the towel to the Allegheny Valley School, a facility for people with intellectual disabilities, so that its proceeds support a charitable cause — giving the beloved symbol a deeper meaning.

What was the Immaculate Reception?

The Immaculate Reception is one of the most famous plays in NFL history.

In a 1972 playoff game against the Raiders, with the Steelers trailing and seconds left, Terry Bradshaw's deflected pass was scooped up inches off the ground by Franco Harris, who ran it in for the game-winning touchdown. The play launched the Steelers' dynasty and remains eternally debated and celebrated in Pittsburgh.

Who was the 'Steel Curtain'?

The 'Steel Curtain' was the Steelers' dominant defensive line of the 1970s, anchored by 'Mean' Joe Greene alongside L.C.

Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White. It became shorthand for the entire vaunted Steelers defense of the dynasty era — a unit that featured multiple Hall of Famers and powered four Super Bowl championships. It set the standard for defensive dominance in the NFL.

Who are the Rooney family?

The Rooney family has owned the Steelers since Art Rooney founded the franchise in 1933.

Known for stability, loyalty, and treating the team as a family institution, the Rooneys presided over all six Super Bowl titles. Art's son Dan Rooney was instrumental in league affairs, including the 'Rooney Rule' requiring teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching jobs.

What is the 'Renegade' tradition?

'Renegade' by Styx is a beloved Steelers game-day tradition at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field).

When the defense needs a big stop, the song plays with a hype video, and the crowd erupts — often preceding a defensive momentum swing. It has become one of the most recognizable in-stadium traditions in the NFL.

What did 'One for the Thumb' mean?

'One for the Thumb' was the Steelers' rallying cry through the 1980s and 1990s — a reference to winning a fifth Super Bowl ring to go on the thumb, after the four won in the 1970s dynasty filled one hand.

The wait finally ended with the Super Bowl XL win following the 2005 season, and a sixth title came three years later.

Pittsburgh Steelers Records, Titles & Milestones

How many Super Bowls have the Pittsburgh Steelers won?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won 6 Super Bowls (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008).

Do the Pittsburgh Steelers retire jersey numbers?

The Steelers have historically been reluctant to retire numbers, honoring only a select few of the franchise's greatest legends.

Ring of Honor (6 members)

Pittsburgh Steelers all-time statistical leaders

The Greatest Pittsburgh Steelers Players of All Time

Who is the greatest Pittsburgh Steelers player of all time?

By the measure of championships, individual honors, and lasting impact, Joe Greene tops most all-time Pittsburgh Steelers rankings. The full top 5 follows.

1. Joe Greene DT \u00b7 1969–1981

   'Mean' Joe Greene was the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain and the franchise's transformation from perennial losers into a dynasty. A 10-time Pro Bowler, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time champion, he is widely regarded as the greatest Steeler of all time and one of the best defensive tackles ever.

2. Terry Bradshaw QB \u00b7 1970–1983

   The quarterback of the 1970s dynasty, Bradshaw won four Super Bowls and was named MVP of two of them. Long doubted early in his career, he grew into a clutch big-game performer whose arm and toughness defined the Steelers' championship era. A Hall of Famer and enduring franchise icon.

3. Ben Roethlisberger QB \u00b7 2004–2021

   'Big Ben' is the franchise's all-time passing leader and won two Super Bowls, including a game-winning drive in Super Bowl XLIII. Famous for his size, escapability, and ability to extend plays, he anchored 18 seasons of sustained success and ranks among the most productive quarterbacks in NFL history.

4. Jack Lambert LB \u00b7 1974–1984

   The snarling, gap-toothed heart of the Steel Curtain defense, Lambert was a nine-time Pro Bowler and 1976 Defensive Player of the Year. His intensity and intelligence at middle linebacker embodied the ferocity of the dynasty. A first-ballot Hall of Famer.

5. Franco Harris RB \u00b7 1972–1983

   The franchise's all-time leading rusher and author of the Immaculate Reception, Harris was the workhorse of the dynasty and Super Bowl IX MVP. A nine-time Pro Bowler whose steady, punishing running complemented the great Steelers defenses of the 1970s.