Pittsburgh Steelers facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pittsburgh Steelers
Current season
Logo Wordmark Uniforms
Basic info
Established	July 8, 1933; 92 years ago (July 8, 1933)
Stadium	Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Headquartered	UPMC Rooney Sports Complex, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Training camp: Latrobe, Pennsylvania
Colors	Black, gold
Fight song	"Renegade" (third quarter or fourth quarter)
Mascot	Steely McBeam
Personnel
Owner(s)	Rooney family
President	Art Rooney II
General manager	Omar Khan
Head coach	Mike Tomlin
Nicknames
Steel Curtain (defensive line, 1971–1981) The Black and Gold Blitzburgh Rooneymen
Team history
Pittsburgh Pirates (1933–1939) Pittsburgh Steelers (1940–1942, 1945–present) Phil-Pitt "Steagles" (1943) Card-Pitt (1944)
Home fields
Forbes Field (1933–1963) Pitt Stadium (1958–1969) Three Rivers Stadium (1970–2000) Acrisure Stadium (2001–present) Temporary stadiums 1943 due to loss of players during World War II (temporary merger with Philadelphia Eagles): Shibe Park (four games) 1944 due to loss of players during World War II (temporary merger with Chicago Cardinals): Comiskey Park (two games)
League / conference affiliations
National Football League (1933–present) Eastern Division (1933–1943, 1945–1949) Western Division (1944) American Conference (1950–1952) Eastern Conference (1953–1969) Century Division (1967–1969) American Football Conference (1970–present) AFC Central (1970–2001) AFC North (2002–present)
Championships
League championships: 6 Super Bowl championships: 6 1974 (IX), 1975 (X), 1978 (XIII), 1979 (XIV), 2005 (XL), 2008 (XLIII)
Conference championships: 8 AFC: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2010
Division championships: 24 AFC Central: 1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001 AFC North: 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020
Playoff appearances (35)
NFL: 1947, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024
Owner(s)
Rooney family (1933–present)
Team president(s)
Art Rooney (1933–1975) Dan Rooney (1975–2002) Art Rooney II (2003–present)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional American football team from Pittsburgh. They play in the National Football League (NFL) as part of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. The Steelers started in 1933, making them the seventh-oldest team in the NFL. They are also the oldest team in the AFC.

Before the merger in 1970, the Steelers were not very successful. However, after the merger, they became one of the most successful NFL teams. They had a "dynasty" in the 1970s, winning many games. The Steelers are tied with the New England Patriots for the most Super Bowl wins, with six titles. They have also played in and hosted more conference championship games than any other NFL team. The Steelers have won eight AFC championships. They are tied for the second-most Super Bowl appearances with eight.

The Steelers began as the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1933. Art Rooney owned the team, and it was named after the city's baseball team. People sometimes called the football team the Rooneymen. The Rooney family has owned the team since it started. Today, Art Rooney II, Dan Rooney's son, helps run the team.

The Steelers have a huge fanbase called Steeler Nation. They play their home games at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. This stadium opened in 2001 and replaced Three Rivers Stadium. Before that, the Steelers played at Pitt Stadium and Forbes Field.

Team History

Early Years and World War II

The Steelers, then called the Pittsburgh Pirates, played their first game on September 20, 1933. They lost to the New York Giants. In the 1930s, the team never won more games than they lost. In 1938, they signed Byron White, who later became a Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. He had the biggest contract in NFL history at the time. The team changed its name to the Steelers before the 1940 season.

During World War II, many players went to war. The Steelers had to combine with other teams. In 1943, they joined the Philadelphia Eagles to form the "Steagles". This team won 5 games, lost 4, and tied 1. In 1944, they merged with the Chicago Cardinals. This team was called Card-Pitt and lost all 10 of its games. It was the only time the team finished a season without a win.

The Steelers reached the playoffs for the first time in 1947. They tied for first place in their division but lost a playoff game 21–0. This was their only playoff game before the NFL merger.

In 1970, the Steelers moved into Three Rivers Stadium. This was also the year of the AFL–NFL merger. The Steelers joined the new American Football Conference (AFC). They also received $3 million, which helped them build a stronger team.

The Chuck Noll Era (1969–1991)

Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw led the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.

The Steelers' luck changed when they hired coach Chuck Noll in 1969. Noll was great at picking new players in the draft. He chose future Hall of Famers like "Mean" Joe Greene in 1969, Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount in 1970, Jack Ham in 1971, and Franco Harris in 1972. In 1974, he did something amazing: he drafted four future Hall of Famers in one year! These players were Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, and Mike Webster. No other team has ever drafted four Hall of Famers in a single year.

These players created an NFL dynasty. They made the playoffs in eight seasons. They are the only team in NFL history to win four Super Bowls in just six years. They were also the first team to win more than two Super Bowls.

After 1979, many of their star players retired. The team had some losing seasons in the mid-1980s. However, they made the playoffs again in 1989. Chuck Noll's career record with the Steelers was 209 wins, 156 losses, and 1 tie.

The Bill Cowher Era (1992–2006)

In 1992, Bill Cowher became the new head coach. He was from Pittsburgh.

The Steelers' five Super Bowl rings before 2009.

Cowher led the Steelers to the playoffs in his first six seasons. This was a rare achievement. His teams reached the AFC Championship Game three times. In 1995, they played in Super Bowl XXX but lost to the Dallas Cowboys. Ten years later, Cowher led the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XL. They beat the Seattle Seahawks. This made the Steelers the third team to win five Super Bowls. They were also the first sixth-seeded playoff team to win the Super Bowl. Cowher coached for 15 seasons. His teams made the playoffs 10 times, played in six AFC Championship Games, and won one Super Bowl.

Cowher's overall record with Pittsburgh was 161 wins, 99 losses, and 1 tie.

The Mike Tomlin Era (2007–Present)

Roethlisberger in a Steelers' throwback jersey during the team's 500th win in franchise history.

On January 7, 2007, Bill Cowher resigned. Mike Tomlin became the new head coach on January 22, 2007. Tomlin was the first African-American head coach for the Steelers. In his first year, he led the team to a 10–6 record and won the AFC North title.

In his second season, Tomlin led the Steelers to a 12–4 record and another division title. They won their playoff games and reached the Super Bowl. On February 1, 2009, Tomlin led the Steelers to a 27–23 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII. At 36 years old, he was the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl. He was also the second African-American coach to win the Super Bowl.

In the 2010 season, Tomlin led the team to a 12–4 record and an AFC North title. They reached Super Bowl XLV but lost to the Green Bay Packers.

The Steelers have continued to be a strong team under Tomlin. They made the playoffs in 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024. In 2020, they started with a franchise-best 11–0 record. Longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season.

Before the 2022 season, the team drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett. In 2023, the team made the playoffs but lost to the Buffalo Bills. Before the 2024 season, the Steelers traded Pickett and signed Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.

Mike Tomlin is the first Pittsburgh coach to never have a losing season. From 2013 to 2017, the team had amazing performances from the "Killer B's": Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger, and Le'Veon Bell. Kicker Chris Boswell was sometimes included too.

Team Achievements

Since the NFL merger in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a great record. They have won the most regular-season games and the most playoff games (33 wins). They have also won the most division titles (22) and played in the most conference championship games (16). The Steelers have won six of their eight Super Bowl appearances. They are the only NFL team to not have a season with 12 or more losses since 1978.

Team Ownership

Art Rooney II, the current owner of the Steelers.

The Rooney family has owned the Steelers since 1933. In 2008, the Rooney family brought in other investors to follow NFL rules. Dan Rooney and his son, Art Rooney II, wanted to keep control of the team. Other family members wanted to focus on their racetracks, which violated NFL rules about gambling.

Some minority investors in the Steelers later became main owners of other NFL teams. These include Jimmy Haslam (Cleveland Browns), David Tepper (Carolina Panthers), and Josh Harris (Washington Commanders).

Civil Rights Efforts

The Steelers and the Rooney family have always supported equal opportunities for everyone. They were the first NFL team to hire an African-American assistant coach in 1957. They were also the first to start an African-American quarterback in 1973. In 1975, Franco Harris became the first African-American Super Bowl MVP. The Steelers were also the first to hire an African-American coordinator in 1984.

The Rooney family helped create the "Rooney Rule" in the early 2000s. This rule says that NFL teams must interview at least one minority candidate for head coach jobs. In 2002, the Steelers were also the first to hire a woman as a full-time athletic trainer.

Championships

Super Bowl Wins

The Steelers have won six Super Bowls:

AFC Championship Wins

The Steelers have won eight AFC Championships:

Division Championship Wins

The Steelers have won their division 24 times. They were in different divisions over the years. Since 2002, they have been in the AFC North Division.

Team Look and Uniforms

A US Airways A319 featuring the colors and logo of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Steelers have always used black and gold as their team colors. The only time this changed was in 1943 when they merged with the Philadelphia Eagles and wore green and white. Black and gold are also the colors of Pittsburgh's city flag. Other Pittsburgh sports teams, like the Pirates (baseball) and Penguins (hockey), also use black and gold.

The Steelers' logo was created in 1962. It is based on the "Steelmark" logo, which was designed by U.S. Steel. The logo has the word "Steelers" surrounded by three shapes called astroids. These shapes originally meant "Steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure, and widens your world." Later, the colors of the astroids came to represent the materials used to make steel: yellow for coal, red for iron ore, and blue for scrap steel.

The Steelers are the only NFL team that puts its logo on only one side of the helmet (the right side). This started as a test, but it became popular, so they kept it that way. A year after getting the logo, they changed to black helmets to make the logo stand out more.

The Steelers' current uniform design was introduced in 1968. They wear gold pants with either black or white jerseys. In 1997, they updated the numbers on the jerseys to match the font on the helmets. A Steelers logo was also added to the left side of the jersey.

The Steelers have also used special throwback uniforms. In 2007, for their 75th anniversary, they wore black jerseys with gold lettering and gold helmets. These were so popular that they became a third uniform option. In 2012, for their 80th anniversary, they wore yellow jerseys with black stripes, like a bumblebee. These "bumblebee jerseys" were also very popular and were used until 2016. In 2016, they introduced black "Color Rush" uniforms. In 2018, they unveiled a third uniform that looked like the ones from the 1970s "Steel Curtain" era.

Team Rivals

The Pittsburgh Steelers have three main rivals in their division: the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals. They also have rivalries with other teams from past playoff games, like the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans.

Divisional Rivals

Cleveland Browns

The Steelers and Cleveland Browns have been rivals since 1950. The Steelers have a better record against the Browns, especially since the Browns returned to the NFL in 1999. The teams have met three times in the playoffs. The Steelers won the first two, but the Browns won the most recent one in 2021.

Baltimore Ravens

The rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens is very intense. Both teams have strong defenses. The Steelers won the first game played at the Ravens' stadium in 1998. The Ravens later gave the Steelers their first loss at Heinz Field in 2001. The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Ravens. They have met four times in the playoffs, with the Steelers winning three of those games.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Steelers' rivalry with the Cincinnati Bengals started in 1970. A memorable game was the 2005 playoff game, where the Steelers won after the Bengals' quarterback was injured. This made the rivalry even more intense. The Steelers lead the all-time series against the Bengals and have won both of their playoff meetings.

Conference Rivals

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots became a big rival after they beat the Steelers in the 2001 AFC Championship Game. The Patriots have won most of the important games between the two teams, especially in the playoffs. The Patriots have a 4–1 playoff record against the Steelers.

Tennessee Titans

The Steelers also have a rivalry with the Tennessee Titans (formerly the Houston Oilers). They were division rivals for 32 seasons. The Steelers won all three of their playoff games against the Oilers. Since the team moved to Tennessee, the Titans have won more games in the rivalry.

Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos and Steelers have met many times in the playoffs. Their rivalry dates back to 1970. The Broncos lead the all-time series, including a 5–3 record in playoff games.

Oakland Raiders

The Steelers' rivalry with the Raiders was very heated in the 1970s. The Steelers' first playoff win ever was against the Raiders in 1972, famous for the "Immaculate Reception" play. The two teams played in three straight AFC Championship games from 1974 to 1976. The Raiders lead the all-time series.

Interconference Rivals

Dallas Cowboys

The Steelers and Dallas Cowboys have a historic rivalry. They have played each other in the Super Bowl three times, which is a record. The Steelers won the first two Super Bowl meetings in 1976 and 1979. The Cowboys won the third Super Bowl meeting in 1996. The Cowboys currently lead the all-time series.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles and Steelers are both from Pennsylvania and started playing in 1933. They used to be in the same division. Now, they play each other only once every four years. The Eagles lead the all-time series. The Steelers have lost 11 straight road games against the Eagles since 1966.

Team Culture

Mascot

Steely McBeam signing autographs for fans at Steelers training camp on August 2, 2007.

Before the 2007 season, the Steelers introduced their official mascot, Steely McBeam. His name was chosen by fans and represents Pittsburgh's steel history. "Mc" is for the Rooney family's Irish roots, and "Beam" is for steel beams. Steely McBeam attends all home games and helps with the team's charity work.

Fanbase

The Steelers have a very large and loyal fanbase called Steeler Nation. In 2008, ESPN.com called Steelers fans the best in the NFL. The team has sold out every home game since the 1972 season. Many fans live outside Pittsburgh, often because their families moved away when the steel industry declined.

Many Steelers fans gather in unofficial fan clubs in bars and taverns across the country to watch games. These "Steeler bars" are well-known, even in cities with their own NFL teams.

Sailors and Marines aboard the USS Essex react as the Pittsburgh Steelers score against the Arizona Cardinals.

The Terrible Towel is a famous fan symbol. It was created by broadcaster Myron Cope in 1975. The money from Terrible Towel sales goes to the Allegheny Valley School, which helps people with disabilities. This school has received over $2.5 million from the towel sales.

Team Songs

The Steelers do not have an official fight song. However, fans often sing "Here We Go Steelers" and the "Steelers Polka." Since 1994, "Here We Go" by Roger Wood has been popular. Since 2002, the song "Renegade" by Styx is played at home games to get the crowd excited during defensive plays. The song "Black and Yellow" by Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa is also a regular part of the Steelers' home game experience.

Cheerleaders

The Steelers were the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad, called the Steelerettes. They cheered from 1961 to 1969. They are the only cheerleaders the team has ever had.

Charity Basketball Games

During the offseason, Steelers players often play in charity basketball games. These games are held in Western Pennsylvania and nearby areas. Active players play against local community leaders. The players sign autographs for fans during halftime.

Team Facilities

Stadiums

In 2001, the Steelers moved into Heinz Field, which was renamed Acrisure Stadium in 2022. Before that, they played at several other stadiums. From 1933 to 1963, they shared Forbes Field with the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team. They also played some games at Pitt Stadium starting in 1958. From 1964 to 1969, they played only at Pitt Stadium. Then, from 1970 to 2000, they played at Three Rivers Stadium.

Training Camp

Steelers at training camp in Latrobe.

The Steelers hold their training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. This site is known for its beautiful setting. In 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Steelers held their training camp at Heinz Field. They returned to Saint Vincent College in 2022.

The team's main office and practice facilities are at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sportsplex in Pittsburgh. This modern facility opened in 2000 and is also used by the University of Pittsburgh Panthers football team.

Players of Note

Retired Jersey Numbers

The Steelers have retired two jersey numbers:

The Steelers retired Ernie Stautner's #70 in 1964. For 50 years, they did not retire any more numbers. In 2014, they retired Joe Greene's #75. Some other numbers have not been used since the players who wore them retired, like #7 for Ben Roethlisberger and #12 for Terry Bradshaw.

Famous Players in the Hall of Fame

The Steelers have many players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. These are players who spent most of their careers with Pittsburgh. The Steelers have the most Hall of Famers of any team founded after 1933. They are also the only team with three owners in the Hall of Fame.

Some of the most famous Steelers in the Hall of Fame include:

• Terry Bradshaw (Quarterback)
• Mel Blount (Cornerback)
• Joe Greene (Defensive Tackle)
• Jack Ham (Linebacker)
• Franco Harris (Fullback)
• Jack Lambert (Linebacker)
• Troy Polamalu (Safety)
• Lynn Swann (Wide Receiver)
• John Stallworth (Wide Receiver)
• Mike Webster (Center)
• Rod Woodson (Cornerback)

Famous coaches like Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher are also in the Hall of Fame.

Award-Winning Players

Several Steelers players have won major NFL awards:

• NFL MVP: Bill Dudley (1946), Terry Bradshaw (1978)
• Defensive Player of the Year: Joe Greene (1972, 1974), Mel Blount (1975), Jack Lambert (1976), Rod Woodson (1993), James Harrison (2008), Troy Polamalu (2010), T. J. Watt (2021)
• Offensive Rookie of the Year: Franco Harris (1972), Louis Lipps (1984), Ben Roethlisberger (2004)
• Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joe Greene (1969), Jack Lambert (1974), Kendrell Bell (2001)
• Super Bowl MVP: Franco Harris (Super Bowl IX), Lynn Swann (Super Bowl X), Terry Bradshaw (Super Bowl XIII, XIV), Hines Ward (Super Bowl XL), Santonio Holmes (Super Bowl XLIII)

Coaches

The Steelers have had 16 head coaches in their history. They have had fewer coaches than most other NFL teams. Chuck Noll coached the team for 23 years, which is one of the longest terms for a single NFL team. The current head coach is Mike Tomlin, who was hired in 2007.

Team Media

Map of radio affiliates.

The Steelers' games are broadcast on radio stations across Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. For TV, pre-season games are shown on KDKA-TV. Regular season games are shown on CBS, Fox, ESPN, and NBC, depending on the schedule.

The Steelers Digest is the team's official newspaper. It is published weekly during the season and covers all the team's news.

Steelers in Pop Culture

The Steelers' success has been featured in movies and books.

• The 1977 film ... Sunday and the 1978 film Heaven Can Wait feature the Steelers.
• The 2005 film The Longest Yard also includes the team.
• The 2012 movie The Dark Knight Rises was filmed at Heinz Field and featured several Steelers players as fictional football players.
• The main character in John Grisham's novel The Associate is a big Steelers fan.
• In 2019, the Kennywood theme park opened "Steelers Country," a new area with a Steelers-themed roller coaster called the Steel Curtain.

Brain Injury Research

The Steelers helped start the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research in 2016. They donated $1 million to it. This foundation focuses on learning more about brain injuries and concussions in sports. It was started by Steelers president Art Rooney II.

See also

In Spanish: Pittsburgh Steelers para niños

• Active NFL playoff appearance streaks
• Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame