Pittsburgh Steelers: 7 Infamous Uniform Numbers That Should Be Retired

[polamalubeast]

The Pittsburgh Steelers don't normally retire numbers. The only player to receive that honor is Ernie Stautner, who wore No. 70.

Stautner, a Steelers defensive lineman from 1950 to 1963, was a nine-time Pro Bowler, according to Pro Football Reference. He even made the Pro Bowl one year as an offensive guard.

Several players from the Steel Curtain Era could have had their number retired, but if they did, there might not be enough numbers available for the current Steelers, especially during the preseason.

Even though these numbers aren't officially retired, no one wears No. 12 (Terry Bradshaw), No. 32 (Franco Harris), No. 36 (Jerome Bettis), No. 52 (Mike Webster), No. 58 (Jack Lambert), No. 63 (Dermontti Dawson) or No. 75 (Joe Greene).

It's quite likely, too, that Ben Roethlisberger will be the last Steeler to wear No. 7; Troy Polamalu will be the last Steeler to wear No. 43 and Hines Ward will be the last Steeler to wear No. 86.

The Steelers should retire some numbers not because of the greatness of the players who wore them, but rather the infamy, ineptitude or ill fate of those players.

Let's take a light-hearted look at the Pittsburgh Steelers' Ring of Dishonor.

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http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1350103-pittsburgh-steelers-7-infamous-uniform-numbers-that-should-be-retired#/articles/1350103-pittsburgh-steelers-7-infamous-uniform-numbers-that-should-be-retired

[GodfatherofSoul]

I'm against official retiring since eventually you're going to run out of numbers. But, I'm all for the in-house unofficial retirements. Let a walk-on wear 86 if you just happen to need that number one year in camp since he'll likely not make it.

[steelerdude15]

I actually thought that this article was going to be a legit one that was going to argue why certain players (Jerome, Hines) deserve to have their numbers retired... Then I saw the word infamous in the title. :dizzy:

[bayz101]

With all the talent we keep generating we'll run out of numbers!

[Steeldude]

IMO, they should retire 12, 58, 59 and 75.

[zulater]

IMO, they should retire 12, 58, 59 and 75.

Those. And I would add 32 and 52 to that list.

[GBMelBlount]

47

[86WARD]

36 86 7 of the modern era...

12 32 52 58 59 75 of the 70's

That's only 9 numbers. There's a total of 99. You can afford to retire some and "walk ons" can double up numbers. There won't be a shortage of numbers...

[ALLD]

They should never draft anybody named Sweed again.

[Butch]

Call me a traditionalist I love that we only have one number retired, it's the Steeler way!!! Why isn't it enough that we have a "Great Hall" to honor our best players??? I also love that we have the logo on one side of the helmet again it's the Steeler way!!! It's what makes us unique and I love that uniqueness and it's part of what endears me to the Steelers.

[Mean Joe]

Not every team has this problem... with only one HOF player the Bungals have no shortage of available numbers. The Steelers on the other hand may need to consider adding 3 digit jersey numbers soon. :wink02:

[stillers4me]

Not every team has this problem... with only one HOF player the Bungals have no shortage of available numbers. The Steelers on the other hand may need to consider adding 3 digit jersey numbers soon. :wink02:

Good point! :lol:

[Devilsdancefloor]

47

this number evertime i see this number i know the guy isnt gonna live up to it ! scott shields immediately jumps into my head

[SteelGhost]

Call me a traditionalist I love that we only have one number retired, it's the Steeler way!!! Why isn't it enough that we have a "Great Hall" to honor our best players??? I also love that we have the logo on one side of the helmet again it's the Steeler way!!! It's what makes us unique and I love that uniqueness and it's part of what endears me to the Steelers.

I agree, but it would be nice to see one more number retired, 75.

[86WARD]

If you could only do one number, 75 would be it...

[CPanther95]

We should retire 5, 8, 74, 75, 78 and 79

[polamalubeast]

I do not think that a another player will wear the number 7.....

[Butch]

I agree, but it would be nice to see one more number retired, 75.

I wouldn't have a problem with that one, but I'm afraid that if you make an exception for him it will open up the floodgates for all the other Greats. Lord knows we have a ton of superstars all of whom would be deserving of the honor...including some without rings. I hope the Steelers keep it to just the one we currently have, and give the rest a locker in the "Great Hall".

[suitanim]

#10 Kordell Stewart
#14 Limas Sweed
#95 Alonzo Jackson
#16 Danny Farmer
#53 Bruce Davis
#67 Jermaine Stephens
#90 Huey Richardson
#38 Tim Worley
#94 Jeremy Staat

Honorable mention: #22 Duce Staley...although I wouldn't retire a jersey, just a gray sweatsuit.

[HollywoodSteel]

Call me a traditionalist I love that we only have one number retired, it's the Steeler way!!! Why isn't it enough that we have a "Great Hall" to honor our best players??? I also love that we have the logo on one side of the helmet again it's the Steeler way!!! It's what makes us unique and I love that uniqueness and it's part of what endears me to the Steelers.

The Raiders are the same way only they have retired NO numbers. It was a thing for Al. Something about no player being greater than the team.

[steelerdude15]

The Raiders are the same way only they have retired NO numbers. It was a thing for Al. Something about no player being greater than the team.

At least he got something right.

[SteelGhost]

I wouldn't have a problem with that one, but I'm afraid that if you make an exception for him it will open up the floodgates for all the other Greats. Lord knows we have a ton of superstars all of whom would be deserving of the honor...including some without rings. I hope the Steelers keep it to just the one we currently have, and give the rest a locker in the "Great Hall".

"Great Hall" sounds nice