Antonio brown steelers biography of william

National Football League franchise in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Steelers" redirects here. For other uses, see Steelers (disambiguation).

The Pittsburgh Steelers apprehend a professional American football team based in City. The Steelers compete in the National Football Federation (NFL) as a member of the American Mead Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in 1933, class Steelers are the seventh-oldest franchise in the NFL, and the oldest franchise in the AFC.^[6]

In discriminate with their status as perennial also-rans in nobleness pre-merger NFL, where they were the oldest company never to have won a league championship, goodness Steelers of the post-merger (modern) era are betwixt the most successful NFL franchises, especially during their dynasty in the 1970s.^[7][8][9] The team is discomfited with the New England Patriots for the virtually Super Bowl titles at six, and they take both played in (16 times) and hosted (11 times) more conference championship games than any mocker team in the NFL. The Steelers have further won eight AFC championships, tied with the Denver Broncos, but behind the Patriots' record 11 AFC championships. The team is tied with the Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers for influence second-most Super Bowl appearances with eight.

The Steelers, whose history may be traced to a local pro team that was established in the absolutely 1920s, joined the NFL as the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1933. The team was illustrious by Art Rooney and took its original reputation from the baseball team of the same title, as was common practice for NFL teams go ashore the time.^[6] To distinguish them from the sport team, local media took to calling the field team the Rooneymen, an unofficial nickname that persisted for decades after the team had adopted closefitting current nickname. The ownership of the Steelers has remained within the Rooney family since the organization's founding.^[10] Art Rooney's son, Dan Rooney, owned distinction team from 1988 until his death in 2017. Much control of the franchise has been gain to Dan Rooney's son, Art Rooney II.

The Steelers enjoy a large, widespread fanbase nicknamed Steeler Nation.^[11] They currently play their home games look after Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh's North Side in righteousness North Shore neighborhood, which also hosts the Custom of PittsburghPanthers. Built in 2001 as Heinz Meadow, the stadium replaced Three Rivers Stadium, which difficult hosted the Steelers for 31 seasons. Prior be familiar with Three Rivers, the Steelers had played their festivity in Pitt Stadium and at Forbes Field.

History

Further information: History of the Pittsburgh Steelers

See also: Indweller football in Western Pennsylvania

Rooney family era (1933–present)

The City Steelers of the NFL first took to description field as the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 20, 1933, losing 23–2 to the New York Giants.^[6] Through the 1930s, the Pirates never finished more advanced than second place in their division, or examine a record better than .500 (1936).^[12] Pittsburgh exact make history in 1938 by signing Byron Grey, a future Justice of the U.S. Supreme Have a crack, to what was at the time the predominating contract in NFL history, but he played single one year with the Pirates before signing touch upon the Detroit Lions.^[6][13] Prior to the 1940 edible, the Pirates renamed themselves the Steelers.^[14]

During World Hostilities II, the Steelers experienced player shortages. They dual merged with other NFL franchises to field undiluted team. During the 1943 season, they merged reduce the Philadelphia Eagles forming the "Phil-Pitt Eagles" trip were known as the "Steagles". This team went 5–4–1.^[15] In 1944, they merged with the Port Cardinals and were known as Card-Pitt (or, contemptuously, as the "Carpets").^[6] This team finished 0–10, rating the only winless team in franchise history.^[16]

The Steelers made the playoffs for the first time dull 1947, tying for first place in the dividing at 8–4 with the Philadelphia Eagles. This stilted a tie-breaking playoff game at Forbes Field, which the Steelers lost 21–0.^[17] That would be Pittsburgh's only playoff game in the pre-merger era; they did qualify for a "Playoff Bowl" in 1962 as the second-best team in their conference, nevertheless this was not considered an official playoff.^[18]

In 1970, the year they moved into Three Rivers Territory and the year of the AFL–NFL merger, nobleness Pittsburgh Steelers were one of three old-guard NFL teams to switch to the newly formed Land Football Conference (the others being the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts), in order to match the number of teams in the two conferences of the newly merged league.^[19] The Steelers likewise received a $3 million ($23.5 million today) relocation valuation, which was a windfall for them; for eld they rarely had enough to build a truthful contending team.^[20]

Chuck Noll years (1969–1991)

The Steelers' history unscrew bad luck changed with the hiring of lecturer Chuck Noll from the NFL champion Baltimore Colts for the 1969 season.^[21] Noll's most remarkable flair was in his draft selections, taking Hall considerate Famers "Mean" Joe Greene in 1969, Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount in 1970, Jack Ham assume 1971, Franco Harris in 1972,^[22] and finally, affluent 1974, pulling off the incredible feat of choice five Hall of Famers in one draft collection, Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Donnie Advent and Mike Webster.^[23] The Pittsburgh Steelers' 1974 draw up was their best ever; no other team has ever drafted five future Hall of Famers plenty one year, and only very few (including primacy 1970 Steelers) have drafted two or more sufficient one year.^[24]

The players drafted in the early Decennary formed the base of an NFL dynasty, manufacturing the playoffs in eight seasons and becoming prestige only team in NFL history to win twosome Super Bowls in six years, as well introduction the first to win more than two.^[25] They also enjoyed a regular-season streak of 49 following wins (1971–1979) against teams that would finish surpass a losing record that year.

The Steelers greet a rash of injuries in the 1980 term and missed the playoffs with a 9–7 record.^[26] The 1981 season was no better, with lever 8–8 showing.^[27] The team was then hit trappings the retirements of all their key players evade the Super Bowl years. "Mean" Joe Greene old after the 1981 season, Lynn Swann and Pennant Ham after 1982's playoff berth, Terry Bradshaw significant Mel Blount after 1983's divisional championship, and Diddly Lambert after 1984's AFC Championship Game appearance.^[28]

After those retirements, the franchise skidded to its first drain seasons since 1971. Though still competitive, the Steelers would not finish above .500 in 1985, 1986, and 1988. In 1987, the year of depiction players' strike, the Steelers finished with a put in writing of 8–7, but missed the playoffs.^[29] In 1989, they would reach the second round of interpretation playoffs on the strength of Merrill Hoge boss Rod Woodson before narrowly missing the playoffs encumber each of the next two seasons, Noll's rob seasons.^[30]

Noll's career record with Pittsburgh was 209–156–1.^[31]

Bill Cowher years (1992–2006)

In 1992, Chuck Noll retired and was succeeded by Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Valuation Cowher, a native of the Pittsburgh suburb returns Crafton.^[32]

Cowher led the Steelers to the playoffs notes each of his first six seasons, a unease that had been accomplished only by legendary tutor Paul Brown of the Cleveland Browns. In those first six seasons, Cowher coached them as unfathomable as the AFC Championship Game three times put forward following the 1995 season an appearance in Overseer Bowl XXX on the strength of the "Blitzburgh" defense. However, the Steelers lost to the Metropolis Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX, two weeks fend for a thrilling AFC Championship victory over the Indianapolis Colts.^[33][34] Cowher produced the franchise's record-tying fifth Tremendous Bowl win in Super Bowl XL over integrity NFC champion Seattle Seahawks ten years later.^[35] Implements that victory, the Steelers became the third gang to win five Super Bowls, and the leading sixth-seeded playoff team to reach and win representation Super Bowl since the NFL expanded to a-ok 12-team post-season tournament in 1990. He coached jab the 2006 season which ended with an 8–8 record, just short of the playoffs. Overall Cowher's teams reached the playoffs 10 of 15 seasons with six AFC Championship Games, two Super Plate berths and a championship.

Cowher's career record clip Pittsburgh was 149–90–1 in the regular season turf 161–99–1 overall, including playoff games.^[36]

Mike Tomlin years (2007–present)

On January 7, 2007, Cowher resigned from coaching rendering Steelers, citing a need to spend more crux with his family. He did not use class term "retire", leaving open a possible return with reference to the NFL as coach of another team.^[37] Orderly three-man committee consisting of Art Rooney II, Dan Rooney, and Kevin Colbert was set up retain conduct interviews for the head coaching vacancy.^[38] Dig up January 22, 2007, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Microphone Tomlin was announced as Cowher's successor as imagination coach.^[39] Tomlin is the first African-American to amend named head coach of the team in tight 75-year history.^[40] In his first season, he roguish the Steelers to a 10–6 record and AFC North title.^[41] The team fell to the Metropolis Jaguars 31–29 in the Wild Card Round blow up end the season.^[42] The following year, he frazzled the Steelers to a 12–4 mark and straight division title.^[43] With wins over the San Diego Chargers in the Divisional Round and the City Ravens in the AFC Championship,^[44][45] Tomlin became depiction third consecutive Steelers Head Coach to go add up to the Super Bowl, equaling the Dallas Cowboys (Tom Landry, Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer) in that achievement. On February 1, 2009, Tomlin led ethics Steelers to their second Super Bowl of that decade, and went on to win 27–23 disagree with the Arizona Cardinals.^[46] At age 36, he was the youngest head coach to ever win rendering Super Bowl, and he is only the shortly African-American coach to ever win the Super Salver fare (Tony Dungy was the first).^[47] In their fame defense, the Steelers went 9–7 and missed rank postseason in the 2009 season.^[48] In the 2010 season, Tomlin led the team to a 12–4 record and an AFC North title.^[49] The setup defeated the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Rounded and the New York Jets in the AFC Championship.^[50][51] Tomlin became the only coach to control the Super Bowl twice before the age jump at 40 as he took the team to Master Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011. However, leadership Steelers were defeated by the Green Bay Packers, 31–25.^[52]

In the 2011 season, the Steelers made decency postseason with a 12–4 record. They lost pin down overtime to the Denver Broncos in the Powerful Card Round.^[53] The Steelers recorded their 400th exploit in Week 8 of the 2012 season back end defeating the Washington Redskins.^[54] Overall, the Steelers went 8–8 and missed the postseason in 2012.^[55] Meat the 2013 season, the Steelers went 8–8 gift missed the postseason.^[56] In the 2014 season, rectitude Steelers won the AFC North with a 11–5 record.^[57] They lost 30–17 to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round.^[58] The Steelers fully grown with a 10–6 record and made the playoffs in the 2015 season.^[59] They defeated the Metropolis Bengals in the Wild Card Round and mislaid to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round.^[60][61] In the 2016 season, the Steelers won illustriousness AFC North with a 11–5 record.^[62] They downcast the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card Complicated and the Kansas City Chiefs in the Disjunctive Round before falling to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship.^[63][64][65] In the 2017 ready, the Steelers won the AFC North with marvellous 13–3 mark.^[66] Their postseason was short lived reach a 45–42 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.^[67] Teeth of a 9–6–1 record in the 2018 season, magnanimity Steelers missed the playoffs.^[68] The Steelers went 8–8 and missed the postseason in the 2019 season.^[69] The 2020 season saw the Steelers have franchise-best 11–0 start.^[70] However, the team faded at class end of the season to finish 12–4.^[71] Leadership team lost in the Wild Card Round lock the Cleveland Browns 48–37.^[72] The 2021 season aphorism the team go 9–7–1 and make the postseason.^[73] The Steelers lost 42–21 to the Kansas Realization Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.^[74] Longtime back Ben Roethlisberger retired following the 2021 season.^[75]

Through justness end of the 2021 season, Tomlin's record assignment 162–94–2 (.632), including playoffs. He is the be foremost Pittsburgh coach to never post a losing opportunity ripe. The 2013–17 seasons were noted for record deed from the "Killer B's". This trio consisted another Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell.^[76] Requently, the "Killer B's" has also included kicker Chris Boswell due to his ability to hit game-winning field goals.^[77]

Prior to the 2022 season, the band drafted Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett with their be in first place round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.^[78] General started 12 games as the Steelers went 9–8 and missed the postseason in the 2022 season.^[79] In the 2023 season, the team finished 10–7 and third in the AFC North.^[80] They required the playoffs and were defeated by the Abash Bills in the Wild Card Round 31–17.^[81] Previous to the 2024 season, the Steelers traded General to the Philadelphia Eagles.^[82] The team traded seek out Justin Fields from the Chicago Bears and organized Russell Wilson, who was released from the Denver Broncos.^[83][84]

Summary

Since the NFL merger in 1970, the City Steelers have compiled a regular-season record of 444–282–2 (.635) and an overall record of 480–305–2 (.635) including the playoffs, reached the playoffs 30 earlier, won their division 22 times, played in 16 AFC championship games, and won six of set on fire Super Bowls. They are also the only NFL team not to have a season with 12 or more losses since the league expanded about a 16-game schedule in 1978.^[85]

Ownership

Since 2008, the Rooney family has brought in several investors for blue blood the gentry team while retaining control of the team upturn. This came about so that the team could comply with NFL ownership regulations.^[86]Dan Rooney, and rule son, Art Rooney II, president of the concern, wanted to stay involved with the franchise, dimension two of the brothers – Timothy and Patrick – desired to further pursue racetracks that they own be given Florida and New York.^[87] Since 2006, many decay the racetracks have added video slot machines, feat them to violate "NFL policy that prohibits association with racetrack and gambling interests".^[88]

Upon Dan Rooney's litter in 2017, he and Art Rooney II keep hold of control of the team with the league-minimum 30%, the following made up the other investors take care of the time:

• Several other members of the Rooney family, including Art Rooney Jr., John Rooney, post the McGinley family, who are cousins to goodness Rooneys.
• The Robert A. Paul family of Pittsburgh leading Los Angeles, which is primarily involved with Pittsburgh-based Ampco Pittsburgh Corporation as well as Morton's Bistro Group, Urban Active Fitness, Meyer Products and Harley Marine Services. Additionally, family members serve on frequent boards, including Cornell University, UPMC, University of City, the American Red Cross, Harvard Medical School deed the Loomis Chaffee School.^[89]
• Former Steelers wide receiverJohn Stallworth, a member of the Pro Football Hall catch sight of Fame.^[90]
• Legendary Pictures president and CEO Thomas Tull.^[89]
• GTCR chairperson Bruce V. Rauner.^[90]

• The Peter Varischetti family of Brockway, which owns several nursing homes and a fruitful real estate business.^[90]
• Paul Evanson, chairman, president, and Executive of Allegheny Energy.^[91]
• Russ and Scott Swank of Diminish Burrell.^[92]

Three minority investors in the Steelers have on account of became majority owners of other NFL teams:^[93]

Season-by-season records

Further information: List of Pittsburgh Steelers seasons

Through the declare of the 2023 season, the Steelers have resourcefulness all-time record of 707–606–22, including playoffs. In late seasons the Steelers have generally performed well, justifying for the playoffs six times in the ago ten seasons, while winning their division four times.^[94]

In the NFL's "modern era" (since the AFL–NFL unification in 1970) the Steelers have posted the outrun record in the league. The franchise has won the most regular-season games, the most playoff fun (33 playoff wins; the Dallas Cowboys are second-best with 32), won the most divisional titles (20), has played in the most conference championship festival (15), hosted the most conference championship games (11), and is tied with the Dallas Cowboys, dignity Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots sue for the most Super Bowl appearances (8).^[95] The Steelers have the best winning percentage (including every development team), earned the most All-Pro nominations, and conspiracy accumulated the most Super Bowl wins (6) because the modern game started in 1970. In 2017, they became the first team to reach 450 victories in the regular season since the 1970 merger.^[96][97] The Steelers are 36–26 (.580) in greatness postseason, with all but one (the 1947 playoff) having been played since the merger.^[98]

Civil rights advocacy

The franchise, along with the Rooney family have transport generations been strong advocates for equality of position for both minorities and women. Among these achievements of the Steelers was the first to obtain an African-American assistant coach (September 29, 1957, portend Lowell Perry), the first to start an African-American quarterback (December 3, 1973, with Joe Gilliam),^[a] primacy first team to boast of an African-American Foreman Bowl MVP (January 12, 1975, with Franco Harris), the first to hire an African-American Coordinator (September 2, 1984, with Tony Dungy), the first proprietor to push for passage of an "equal opportunity" mandating that at least one minority candidate court case given an interview in all head coach organization decisions throughout the league (the Rooney Rule see the point of the early 2000s), and the first to tie a female as full-time athletic trainer (Ariko Iso on July 24, 2002).^[99]

Championships

Super Bowl championships

AFC championships

Division championships

The Steelers were a part of the NFL Northeastern Division from 1933 to 1943 and were for a short time in the Western Division in 1944, before continual to the Eastern Division until 1949. The band was then in the American Conference from 1950 to 1952, and the Eastern Conference from 1953 to 1966. They were then placed in honesty Century Division of the Eastern Conference in 1967. When the league reformed into the NFC abstruse AFC in 1970, the Steelers were placed concern the AFC Central until 2001 when they were realigned into the AFC North Division.

Logo be proof against uniforms

Further information: Logos and uniforms of the Metropolis Steelers

The Steelers have used black and gold owing to their colors since the club's inception, the inimitable exception being the 1943 season when they communal with the Philadelphia Eagles and formed the "Steagles"; the team's colors at that time were junior and white as a result of wearing Eagles uniforms. Originally, the team wore solid gold-colored helmets and black jerseys. The Steelers' black and funds colors are now shared by all major buffed teams in the city, including the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball and the Pittsburgh Penguins in frappe hockey. The shade of gold differs slightly amidst teams: the Penguins have previously used "Vegas Gold", a color similar to metallic gold, and high-mindedness Pirates' gold is a darker mustard yellow-gold, one-time the Steelers "gold" is more of a gleaming canary yellow. Black and gold are also honesty colors of the city's official flag.

The Steelers logo was introduced in 1962 and is supported on the "Steelmark", originally designed by Pittsburgh's U.S. Steel and now owned by the American High colour and Steel Institute (AISI). In fact, it was Cleveland-based Republic Steel that suggested the Steelers start begin again the industry logo. It consists of the locution "Steelers" surrounded by three astroids (hypocycloids of quaternary cusps). The original meanings behind the astroids were, "Steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure, captivated widens your world." Later, the colors came undertake represent the ingredients used in the steel-making process: yellow for coal, red for iron ore, extra blue for scrap steel.^[100] While the formal Steelmark logo contains only the word "Steel", the gang was given permission to add "ers" in 1963 after a petition to AISI.

The Steelers classic the only NFL team that puts its representation on only one side of the helmet (the right side). Longtime field and equipment manager Pennant Hart was instructed to do this by Singular Rooney as a test to see how blue blood the gentry logo appeared on the gold helmets; however, cause dejection popularity led the team to leave it stray way permanently.^[101] A year after introducing the logotype, they switched to black helmets to make twinset stand out more.

The Steelers, along with influence New York Giants, are one of only deuce teams in the National Football League to put on the players' uniform numbers on both the guise and back of the helmets.

The current unexcitable designs were introduced in 1968. The design consists of gold pants and either black jerseys install white jerseys, except for the 1970 and 1971 seasons when the Steelers wore white pants be more exciting their white jerseys. In 1997, the team switched to rounded numbers on the jersey to mate the number font (Futura Condensed) on the helmets, and a Steelers logo was added to description left side of the jersey.

The 2007–2011 tertiary uniform, consisting of a black jersey with yellow lettering, white pants with black and gold band, and a gold helmet were first used sooner than the Steelers' 75th anniversary season in 2007. They were meant to evoke the memory of high-mindedness 1963–1964 era uniforms. The uniforms were so favourite among fans that the Steelers' organization decided withstand keep them and use them as a ordinal option during home games only.

In 2012, illustriousness Steelers introduced a new third uniform, consisting recompense a yellow jersey with black horizontal lines (making a bumble bee like pattern) with black words and black numbers placed inside a white crate, to represent the jerseys worn by the Steelers in their 1934 season. The rest of illustriousness uniform consists of beige pants, yellow with murky horizontal stripped socks, and the Steelers regular sooty helmet. The uniforms were used for the Steelers' 80th anniversary season. Much like the previous convert these jerseys were so popular that they were used up through the 2016 season. The jerseys were nicknamed the "bumblebee jerseys" due to complex like the pattern of a bumblebee. The jerseys were retired after the 2016 season.^[102]

Also in 2016, the Steelers introduced its alternate black Color Rush uniforms. These were based on the uniforms they wore from 1946 to 1965, but with begrimed pants in place of either gold or ivory pants.

In 2018, the Steelers unveiled a 3rd uniform based on those worn from 1968 stick to 1997, coinciding with the Steel Curtain teams be partial to the 1970s. It is similar to the contemporaneous uniforms but without the Steelers logo on righteousness left chest and use block lettering and in profusion in place of Futura Condensed.^[103]

In 1979, the side owners were approached by then-Iowa Hawkeyes Head Bus Hayden Fry about designing his fading college team's uniforms in the image of the Steelers.^[104] Triad days later, the owners sent Fry the printing jerseys (home and away versions) of then back Terry Bradshaw. Today, the Hawkeyes still retain nobility 1979 Steelers uniforms as their home, and bleed dry colors.

Rivals

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three primary rivals, all within their division: (Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals). They also have rivalries form other teams that arose from post-season battles accomplish the past, most notably the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, essential Tennessee Titans. They also have an intrastate contest with the Philadelphia Eagles, but under the now scheduling the teams play each other only in the past every four years.^{[105][106][107]}

Divisional rivals

Cleveland Browns

Main article: Browns–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers and Cleveland Browns have been divisional rivals since the two cities' teams began playing accept each other in 1950. After posting a 9–31 record in the first 40 games of interpretation series between the two cities, the Steelers have to one`s name gone 66–27–1 (including 42–6 in games played disturb Pittsburgh) since 1970 and currently lead the broadcast 75–58–1;^[108] The Steelers have particularly dominated the Browns since their return to the NFL in 1999 and won twelve straight meetings between 2003 favour 2009. Additionally, the Browns posted losing streaks type 16 (1970–85) and 15 (2004–present) games in City. Former Steelers head coach Bill Cowher coached righteousness Browns special teams and secondary before following Marty Schottenheimer for a brief tenure as Kansas Entitlement Chiefs defensive coordinator, and then hired by Metropolis. This has only intensified the rivalry. The teams have met three times in the postseason (1994, 2002, and 2021) with the Steelers winning say publicly first two meetings, but losing the most fresh in 2021.^[109][110]

Baltimore Ravens

Main article: Ravens–Steelers rivalry

Pittsburgh's rivalry release the Baltimore Ravens has had several memorable match-ups and has escalated into a fierce divisional feud. Both teams handed the other their first wounded at their current home stadiums. The Steelers won the inaugural game played at Baltimore'sM&T Bank Arena in 1998, 20–13, and three years later authority Ravens handed the Steelers their first-ever loss decompose Heinz Field, 13–10. Later that season (2001) Metropolis won a divisional playoff game 27–10 against City, who was the defending Super Bowl champion. Before their NFL championship season in 2000, the Ravens defeated the Steelers in Pittsburgh, 16–0, in position season opener with the Steelers later exacting retaliation, 9–6, in Baltimore (the Ravens' final loss break into the season). During the Steelers 2008 Championship people, they beat the Ravens three times, including top-notch win in the AFC Championship game. The span teams complement each other by consistently fielding welldefined defenses. The Steelers lead the all-time series (including playoffs), 32–24.^[111] The teams have met four multiplication in the postseason, with the Steelers owning well-ordered 3–1 record.^[112]

Cincinnati Bengals

Main article: Bengals–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers' antagonism with the Cincinnati Bengals dates from the 1970 season, when the AFL–NFL merger was completed. Bundle 1976, the Steelers kept their playoff hopes sleepless (they later won the division) with a late-season 7–3 win in snowy Cincinnati. One of illustriousness most memorable games was the 2005 AFC Wildcard playoff game, in which the Steelers, en thingamajig to a Super Bowl title, won a 31–17 come-from-behind victory after Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was forced to leave the game with a genu injury. The injury happened when nose tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen contacted Palmer's knee during a ephemeral play.^[113] The Bengals players called this a coarse play; the NFL ruled that it was fortuitous and did not fine von Oelhoffen for justness hit. The incident led to an intensifying vacation the rivalry. The Bengals beat the Steelers fluky Week 13 of the 2005 season 38–31, boss wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh used a Intimidating Towel to polish his cleats while walking bigger the tunnel after the game, fueling the emulation. The Steelers and Bengals finished 2005 and 2006 with identical records (11–5 and 8–8 respectively), dividing both regular-season series, the Bengals winning the tiebreaker both years due to having a superior partition record. The Steelers also are responsible for conclusion the Bengals' season in Cincinnati two years happening a row, eliminating them from the playoffs send out 2005 and taking them out of contention tab 2006. The rivalry has become more intense turn back since the 2015 season. A central figure wreckage Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, often inflicting brutal hits, resulting in serious injuries to several Steelers health centre multiple occasions. In the 2015 Wild Card playoff game in Cincinnati, Burfict was the culprit elect a late penalty directly responsible for an further unlikely 18–16 Steelers comeback victory.^[114] The Steelers usher the all-time series, 63–35.^[115] The teams have tumble twice in the postseason, with the Steelers alluring both times.^[116]

Conference

New England Patriots

Main article: Patriots–Steelers rivalry

The Virgin England Patriots emerged as a prominent rival block league circles when the Patriots upset the Steelers in the 2001 AFC Championship Game at Industrialist Field, though the two teams had met listed the postseason twice before; the Patriots defeated distinction Steelers in 1996 28–3 while the Steelers won 7–6 in 1997; both times, the Patriots fielded players with Pittsburgh-area roots in Ty Law spreadsheet Curtis Martin. Martin's final game with the Patriots was in the 1997 playoffs before he deceased to the rival New York Jets. Following greatness 2001 AFC title upset, the Patriots defeated representation Steelers 30–14 at the start of the 2002 season. Pittsburgh did not exact revenge for position two losses until ending the Patriots' record-setting 21-game winning streak in week 6 of the 2004 NFL season. Later that season, the Steelers strayed to the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots advise the AFC Championship game after a 15–1 everyday season.

The Patriots won six of seven meetings over a ten-year period (1998–2007) before the Steelers broke through with a 33–10 victory at Foxborough in 2008, after Matt Cassel turned the agglomeration over five times. The Patriots in 2013 bolster made history by becoming the first opponent dirty score 55 points on the Steelers, winning 55–31. The Patriots won again in 2015 (28–21) settle down 2016's regular season (27–16), and then won 36–17 in the 2016 AFC Championship Game. They extremely won in 2017 when a go-ahead touchdown rise by Steelers' tight end Jesse James was polemically called back.^[117] Though they ultimately missed the playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Patriots by a tally of 17–10 on December 16, 2018, in City.

In the postseason, the Patriots have outscored nobleness Steelers 135–75, with the Patriots maintaining a 4–1 record. The only other franchises with winning AFC playoff records against Steelers include the Los Angeles Chargers (2–1), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2–0), and interpretation Broncos (5–3). The Steelers have an all-time regular-season record of 15–13 against the Patriots.^[118] In dignity Bill Belichick era, the main period of birth rivalry, the Patriots have a 12–4 record wreck the Steelers. In their last matchup, the Patriots beat the Steelers 33–3 on Sunday Night Soccer field.

Tennessee Titans

Main article: Steelers–Titans rivalry

Pittsburgh also has deft rivalry with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. Say publicly Oilers were aligned into the AFC Central resume the Steelers in 1970 and were division rivals for 32 seasons. The Steelers dominated the vying during the Houston era and defeated the Oilers in all three of their playoff matchups. Regardless, since the franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997, the rivalry shifted, with the Titans winning 13 of 22 meetings (including a bitter 34–31 playoff showdown in 2002); the Titans won seven advocate a row in the 1997–2001 period, the greatest win streak by either team in the array. The Steelers have won 47 of 79 vitality meetings following their 27–24 win at Nissan Territory in 2020.^[119]

Denver Broncos

Main article: Broncos–Steelers rivalry

The Denver Broncos in 2011 broke a tie with the City Raiders for the most playoff meetings versus birth Steelers and added yet another meeting in 2015 (the Broncos have met Pittsburgh eight times cue Oakland's six). The Steelers' rivalry with the Broncos dates from 1970, but the first notable match came in 1973, when Denver dealt Pittsburgh loom over first regular-season defeat at Three Rivers Stadium, 23–13. The following year, they met in the NFL's first regular-season overtime game, which ended in unembellished 35–35 tie. Denver's first playoff game had them hosting the Steelers in the 1977 divisional round; the Broncos won 34–21. The following year, honourableness Steelers hosted and defeated Denver 33–10 in prestige divisional round. Their next playoff matchup was picture 1984 divisional round in Mile High Stadium; dignity Steelers pulled the upset 24–17. They nearly pulled the upset again 5 years later in Denver, but the Broncos prevailed in the divisional playoff, 24–23.

In 1997, the two teams met unsavory Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship Game, where Denver squeaked out at 24–21 win.^[120] Eight years next, the Steelers advanced to Super Bowl XL indifference beating Denver 34–17 in Colorado. In 2011, make sure of appearing in Super Bowl XLV, the Steelers confidential their campaign to repeat as AFC Champions disheartened in Denver after a stunning overtime upset contempt the Tim Tebow-led Broncos in January 2012, harvest what would become known as the "316 game". The following September the Steelers were defeated boast Denver 31–19 in Peyton Manning's debut as Broncos quarterback. The two clubs met twice in 2015, as the Steelers defeated the Broncos in birth regular season but fell in the Divisional Swivel round of the AFC playoffs; through the 2021 stretch, Denver leads the series 20–13–1, including 5–3 swindle the playoffs.^[121] Neither team has beaten the repeated erior more than three times in a row. Beginning their last matchup, the Steelers beat the Broncos on October 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh by excellence score of 27–19.

Oakland Raiders

Main article: Raiders–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers' rivalry with the Raiders was one consume the most heated battles of the 1970s prosperous early to mid-1980s. The Steelers' first playoff dismay in franchise history came against the Raiders, which occurred on December 23, 1972, in a 13–7 victory over the Raiders; the victory occurred as Terry Bradshaw threw a pass intended for Gents Fuqua that was deflected into the hands hill Franco Harris, who scooped the ball from just about hitting the ground and carried the ball provide for a touchdown, which was later referred in close proximity as the Immaculate Reception, while attracting controversy free yourself of Raiders players and coaches, who alleged that say publicly ball had bounced off Fuqua, which would possess made it an illegal play per the enrol of the time.^[122] The victory sent Pittsburgh hyperbole their first ever AFC Championship Game. The mass year, the two teams met in the Disjunctive Round again, and the Raiders responded with clean 33–14 victory to advance to the AFC name game. However, Pittsburgh fired back with two with justification AFC Championship victories over the Raiders in 1974 (24–13) and 1975 (16–10) to reach the Master Bowl. Oakland responded with a victory over Metropolis in the 1976 AFC Championship game 24–7 (the third consecutive AFC title game between the combine teams), but not before Chuck Noll referred inhibit Oakland's George Atkinson as part of the NFL's "criminal element" after his alleged cheap-shot on A name Swann during a regular-season matchup. Atkinson and authority Raiders later filed a defamation of characterlawsuit be realistic Noll, but lost. Following the 1983 regular edible, the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Steelers 38–10 in the AFC Divisional round which turned survive to be the last NFL game for Steeler Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw who did not play due to injury.

While the rivalry has dissipated over the years (mostly due to Oakland's decline after 2002), the teams have had notable games against each other containing an upset Steelers victory towards the end break into the 2000 season to prevent the Raiders stay away from obtaining homefield advantage in the playoffs, and disentangle upset Raiders victory in week 8 of integrity 2006 NFL season (20–13), which helped cost prestige Steelers a playoff berth. In Week 13 conclusion the 2009 season, another Raiders upset victory happened; the game lead changed five times on quint touchdowns in the fourth quarter until Raiders QB Bruce Gradkowski's third touchdown of the quarter won it with nine seconds to go. The 27–24 loss cost the Steelers another playoff run. Picture teams met at Pittsburgh in 2010, where integrity Steelers blew out the Raiders 35–3, and floating their 3-game winning streak; the game was newborn notable for a punch thrown by Richard Queen of the Raiders against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Raiders then hosted the Steelers in 2012 and erased a 31–21 gap to win 34–31. The two clubs met again in 2013 highest the Raiders won again, 21–18. In 2015, leadership Steelers defeated the Raiders 38–35 at Heinz Marker.

In their most recent matchups, the Raiders licked the Steelers 24–21 on December 9, 2018, spiky Oakland, which, ironically, would cost Pittsburgh another playoff berth.^[123] The Raiders won at Pittsburgh September 19, 2021, 26–17, then fell on Christmas Eve 2022 at Pittsburgh 13–10 on a last-minute touchdown next to rookie Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. A lifeless musical in a 23–18 loss at Vegas September 23, 2023, contributed to the later firing of Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler. By the same token of the 2023 season, the Raiders lead rank all-time series 17–15.^[124]

Inter Conference

Dallas Cowboys

Main article: Cowboys–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers once took part in a historic contest with the Dallas Cowboys^[125] started with the Cowboys' first game as a franchise in 1960 (against the Steelers) at the Cotton Bowl with say publicly Steelers coming away with a 35–28 victory. These teams hold a record for the most earlier (three) that two teams have met in deft Super Bowl. The first two times the fortunate Steelers and Cowboys met came with Pittsburgh victories in the Orange Bowl Super Bowl X 21–17 and Super Bowl XIII 35–31. The Cowboys at no time won a regular-season game in the Orange Basin and lost three Super Bowl games (once warn about the Baltimore Colts and twice to the Steelers). Between the Cowboys and Steelers, Super Bowl Dozen had the greatest number of future Pro Ground Hall of Fame players participating, which as commandeer 2021 numbered 25 – 16 players and nine coaches/front office, including Ernie Stautner, defensive coordinator for significance Cowboys who was a HoF defensive tackle backing the Steelers. The teams featured an all-star pairing at quarterback between the Steelers' Terry Bradshaw fairy story the Cowboys' Roger Staubach, both of whom downside in the Hall of Fame. In 1977, Staubach and the Cowboys won Super Bowl XII, their second and last loss of their season self inflicted by Bradshaw and the Steelers, 28–13 watch Three Rivers Stadium in November. In 1979, Staubach's final season, the two defending conference champs trip over again at Three Rivers, the Steelers winning 14–3 en route to winning their fourth Super Platter title. The Steelers won six of eight meetings during the 1970s and 80s, before the Cowboys won all four meetings during the 1990s, inclusive of the teams' record third Super Bowl meeting squash up 1996, as this time the heavily favored Cowboys beat the Steelers 27–17. Dallas cornerback Larry Brownness intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Neil O'Donnell twice and was named the game's MVP. The teams' first team a few meetings of the 21st century (2004 and 2008) were won by the Steelers, including a transpire from behind victory on December 7, 2008, import Pittsburgh, when the Steelers drove the length carryon the field to tie the game 13–13, proliferate cornerbackDeshea Townsend returned an intercepted pass from Cultured Romo for the game's final score, Steelers 20, Cowboys 13. The Cowboys won on December 16, 2012, at Cowboys Stadium by a 27–24 border in overtime and won 35–30 at Heinz Policy on November 13, 2016. The all-time series stick to led by the Dallas Cowboys, 17–16.^[126] The Pittsburgh/Dallas rivalry served as a backdrop to the 1977 film Black Sunday, parts of which were filmed during Super Bowl X. Most recently, the Steelers beat the Cowboys by a 24–19 margin.

Philadelphia Eagles

Main article: Eagles–Steelers rivalry

The Philadelphia Eagles and Steelers are both located in Pennsylvania and began guide in 1933. From that season through 1966, that was a major rivalry for both teams, primate both were part of the same division. Spitting image 1967, they were placed in separate divisions, on the contrary remained in the same conference for three life. In 1970 the Steelers (along with the Metropolis Browns and Baltimore Colts) moved to the Dweller Football Conference, while the Eagles stayed with greatness rest of the old-line NFL teams in greatness National Football Conference. As a result, the Eagles and Steelers no longer played each other at times year; instead, they are scheduled to meet promptly every four years in the regular season. Righteousness most recent meeting was in 2022 at President Financial Field due to the addition of uncluttered regular season game based on opposing conference disjunctive finish from the season before, with the Eagles winning 35–13. The Steelers have lost ten direct games on the road against the Eagles dating back to 1966, which was also the initiate of the Super Bowl era. The Eagles contain the all-time series 49–29–3.^[127]

Culture

Mascot

Prior to the 2007 patch, the Steelers introduced Steely McBeam as their not up to scratch mascot.^[128] As part of the 75th anniversary business of the team, his name was selected overexert a pool of 70,000 suggestions submitted by fans of the team.^[128] Diane Roles of Middlesex Small town, submitted the winning name which was "meant drop in represent steel for Pittsburgh's industrial heritage, "Mc" long for the Rooney family's Irish roots, and Beam daily the steel beams produced in Pittsburgh, as satisfactorily as for Jim Beam, her husband's favorite stimulating beverage."^[129] Steely McBeam is visible at all straightforward games and participates in the team's charitable programs and other club-sponsored events.^[128] Steely's autograph is broadcast to be drawn with an oversized S, prosperous the L is drawn to look like unadorned beam of steel.^[128]

Fanbase

Main article: Steeler Nation

The Steelers be blessed with a tradition of having a large fanbase, which has spread from Pittsburgh. In August 2008, ESPN.com ranked the Steelers' fans as the best condemn the NFL, citing their "unbelievable" sellout streak appreciated 299 consecutive games.^[11][130] The team gained a large divide base nationally based on its success in representation 1970s, but many consider the collapse of glory city's steel industry at the end of dignity 1970s dynasty into the 1980s (and the lesser diaspora) to be a large catalyst for dignity size of the fan base in other cities.^[131] The Steelers have sold out every home effort since the 1972 season.^[132]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have several unofficial fan clubs in many cities throughout nobility country, that typically meet in bars or taverns on game days. This phenomenon is known give somebody no option but to occur for other NFL teams as well, nevertheless "Steeler bars" are more visible than most, counting representative establishments even in cities that field their own NFL teams.

The Terrible Towel has bent described by the Associated Press as "arguably magnanimity best-known fan symbol of any major pro athleticss team".^[132] Conceived of by broadcaster Myron Cope guarantee 1975,^[132] the towel's rights have since been prone to the Allegheny Valley School in Coraopolis