Formerly known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Pittsburgh Steelers existed as the NFL's lovable losers for decades. The franchise posted three winning seasons during its first 20 years of existence. However, the Steelers are now one of the most successful franchises in league history.
The storied organization known for producing impregnable defenses employed many legends over the years. Today, we'll look back at some of the franchise's greatest icons that the larger NFL community might not know.
We've looked at the five greatest Steelers of all time before, so we're taking a different approach. We're instead focusing on five players with strong legacies within Steelers nation. These aren't the greatest Steelers, but they are iconic parts of the team's history.
5. Hines Ward (WR, 1998-2011)
The Steelers used a third-round selection on Ward in the 1998 NFL Draft. At Georgia, Ward played running back and quarterback before eventually settling in at wide receiver. Thankfully, he picked the right position. In 14 seasons with the Steelers, Ward rewrote the team's record books.
In 217 appearances, Ward amassed 1,000 receptions for 12,083 yards and 85 touchdowns. All three totals remain franchise records today.
Ward also went to four Pro Bowls, won two Super Bowls and took home the Super Bowl XL MVP award. The Associated Press also selected the physical wide receiver as a Second-Team All-Pro in 2002, 2003 and 2004.
The king of the crackback block, Ward left his heart on the field for Pittsburgh.
4. Greg Lloyd (OLB, 1987-1997)
A member of the Steelers for 11 seasons, Lloyd made five consecutive Pro Bowls and earned three First-Team All-Pro selections. He became yet another embodiment of a great Pittsburgh linebacker and acted as a central piece to the team's “Blitzburgh” defense.
The Steelers selected Lloyd in the sixth-round of the 1987 NFL Draft, but the small-school product didn't make his pro debut until 1988. The NFL credits him with 53.5 sacks and 34 forced fumbles.
When Pittsburgh made the Super Bowl during the 1995 season, Lloyd led the NFL with six forced fumbles. The man famous for his “I wasn't hired for my disposition” shirt has the seventh-most sacks in Steelers history.
Unfortunately, Lloyd tore the patella tendon in his left knee during Pittsburgh's 1996 season opener. He missed the remainder of the season and never fully recaptured his dominance. If not for the injury, Lloyd might have put together a Hall of Fame résumé.
3. L.C. Greenwood (DE, 1969-1981)
A significant Hall of Fame snub, Greenwood played an overlooked role on Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense during the 1970s. The former 10-round draft pick carved out a spot for himself along a defensive front that featured Joe Greene, Ernie Holmes and Dwight White.
While sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982, Greenwood unofficially recorded 73.5. During his 13 seasons with the black and gold, Greenwood made six Pro Bowls, earned two First-Team All-Pro selections and helped win four Super Bowls.
A member of the vaunted Pro Football Hall of Fame All-1970s Second Team, Greenwood deserves a bust in Canton, Ohio.
2. Ernie Stautner (DT, 1950-1963)
The first player to have his jersey (No. 70) retired by the Steelers, Stautner was one of the franchise's first great players. Many fans consider him the original Steeler.
During his 14-year career, Stautner made nine Pro Bowls and earned a First-Team All-Pro selection. He made the Pro Football Hall of Fame All-1950s Team and went on to coach for several organizations after his retirement. The Hall of Fame inducted Stautner in 1969.
1. “Mean” Joe Greene (DT, 1969-1981)
Any Steelers list that doesn't have Greene at the top feels wrong. Greene lived at the center of Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense, which featured four other Hall of Famers. Greene's No. 75 is one of only two jerseys retired by the Steelers.
Greene received his iconic “Mean” moniker for his disruptive and vicious style of play. While the four-time Super Bowl champion mellowed with age, he never stopped terrorizing offenses.
The greatest Steeler and defensive tackle in league history, Greene won the Defensive Player of the Year award twice. On a unit that also featured Mel Blount, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert and Donnie Shell, Green stood head and shoulders above everyone.
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