Pittsburgh Steelers ‘Digit-Dynasty’: Who wore the number best? (Part Two)

In the conclusion of the two-part "Digit Dynasty" series, we recognize the best Steeler players to wear number's 50 to 99 in franchise history.

Part Two (Numbers 50-99)

50-David Little-LB - 1981-1992

In 12 years on the Steelers roster, David Little was a starter for nine of them. In his 179 games, the inside linebacker from the University of Florida had 10 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries. Little was selected to the Pro Bowl after the 1990 season. Sadly, a weightlifting accident contributed to his death at age 46.

Honorable Mention: LB John Reger 1955-1963, LB Earl Holmes 1996-2001, Larry Foote 2002-2008 2010-2014

51-James Farrior-LB - 2002-2011

The Steelers 2004 MVP remains one of the best free-agent signings in team history. The man known as "Potsie" was a key contributor in the success of the defense in the 2000s. Farrior had 730 tackles, 30 sacks, 8 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries at his inside linebacker position during his time in the Steel City. James was honored by twice being selected to the Pro Bowl.

Honorable Mention: LB Loren Toews 1973-1983

52-Mike Webster-C - 1974-1988

Webster was the iron man of the Steelers for so many years. At 15 years in the black and gold, Mike is the longest-tenured Steeler player ever. A part of the legendary 1974 class, Webster anchored down the line that protected Steeler passers and ball-carriers through four Super Bowl titles. "Iron Mike" was named All-Pro and to the Pro Bowl nine times. He achieved the rare feat of being named to The NFL All-Decade team for both the 70s and the 80s. Along with being enshrined in Canton, both the league and the franchise named him to their 75th Aniversary All-Time teams. Unfortunately, Webster was the first NFL player diagnosed with CTE. Steeler Nation mourned his passing in 2002 at age 50.

53-Brian Hinkle-LB - 1982-1993

Hinkle was a standout and team leader in the 1980s. The outside linebacker's star shined bright for 12 seasons, all with the Steelers. Hinkle collected 22.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries. One of Brian's most memorable plays came on October 14, 1984 when he intercepted a Joe Montana pass late in a tie-game against San Francisco. Hinkle returned it for 43-yards deep into 49er territory, where Gary Anderson kicked the go-ahead field goal. The loss prevented a perfect season by the bay and the Steeler win helped propel Pittsburgh to better fortune and a trip to the AFC Title Game in Miami. Hinkle was voted by his peers as the 1986 team MVP.

Honorable Mention: LB Dennis "Dirt" Winston 1977-1981, LB Clark Haggans 2000-2007, Maurkice Pouncey 2010-Present

54-Hardy Nickerson-LB - 1987-1992

Currently the Defensive Coordinator at the University of Illinois, Nickerson spent six productive years in Pittsburgh before joining the Bucs. During his Steeltown days, Nickerson recorded 9.5 quarterback sacks. After leaving the Steelers, Nickerson was a five-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro in Tampa. He is also a member of the NFL’s All-90s team.

Honorable Mention: WR/DE Val Jasante 1945-1951, LS Mike Schneck 1999-2004

55-Joey Porter-LB - 1999-2006

Nick-named "Peasey", The linebacker was a whirling dervish of a pass-rusher for eight years at Heinz Field. Porter was named a Pro-Bowler and All-Pro on three occasions. The 2002 Steelers Co-MVP was the first player in NFL history to record 70 sacks and 10 interceptions. A member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team and the Steelers All-Time Team, Porter was the vocal leader of the Super Bowl XL champions. He finished his Steeler career fifth all-time with 60 sacks, 10 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries. Porter, who was shot below the buttocks outside of a club in Denver in 2003, only missed two games due to the incident. Joey is now the outside linebackers coach for the Steelers. The playoff game from January against Cincy is proof (whether right or wrong) that Porter can still make a huge impact.

Honorable Mention: OT Jon Kolb 1969-1981, LB Jerry Olsavsky 1989-1997

56-Ray Mansfield-C - 1964-1976

The man known as "Ranger" during his playing days started his career with the Steelers as a defensive tackle. Mansfield, who could place-kick also, was best known as a center during his thirteen-year Steeler tenure. The two-time All-Pro was a Super Bowl IX and X champion. A heart attack while hiking in 1996 at the age of 55 was the cause of his death.

Honorable Mention: LB Robin Cole 1977-1987, LB LaMarr Woodley 2007-2013, LB Mike Vrabel 1998-2000

57-Sam Davis-G - 1967-1979

Davis was a solid protector in his 13-year career as a Steeler. The offensive lineman is a veteran of Super Bowl's IX,X,XIII and XIV.

Honorable Mention: LB Mike Merriweather 1982-1987

58-Jack Lambert-LB - 1974-1984

Lambert could possibly be considered as the most intimidating player to ever play the game. The face of the Steel Curtain defense, Lambert was elected All-Pro eight times and to the Pro Bowl nine times. Twice a Steeler team MVP, Jack had 1,479 tackles, 28 interceptions and 23.5 sacks. The 1974 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and 1976 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a member of the Steelers All-Time team and the NFL's 70s and 80s All-Decade Team. Though his number has never been retired, it has never been issue to another Steeler player. Jack Lambert is a 1990 inductee in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

59-Jack Ham-LB - 1971-1982

Hailing from the Pennsylvania city of Johnstown, Jack Ham is ranked as one of the best ever to suit up. Both an eight-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro, Ham played 12 years as a Steeler and holds the record for most forced turnovers as a linebacker with 53. His 32 career interceptions and 21 fumble recoveries rank him seventh and second respectively among all-time Steelers. He is a member of the Steelers All-Time team and the NFL's 70s All-Decade Team. The Penn State grad is their long-time color analyst and he is a minority owner of the minor league hockey team, the Johnstown Tomahawks.

60-Dale Dodrill-DT - 1951-1952 1954-1959

Dodrill spent eight years in Pittsburgh Steeler gear. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and an All-Pro. Dale is a member of Pittsburgh's 75th Aniversary team. He recoded 11 fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions wearing the black and gold.

Honorable Mention: DE Ben McGee 1964-1972, LS Greg Warren 2005-Present

61-Tyrone McGriff-G - 1980-1982

The only "Mr. Irrelevant" to make the list, Tyrone McGriff was the final pick in the 1980 draft, when it still went 12 rounds. Tyrone played three years in Pittsburgh at guard. In 1983, McGriff joined the Michigan Panthers of the USFL and was a starter on their championship squad. Sadly, McGriff passed away at age 42 of a heart ailment.

62-Tunch Ilkin-OT - 1980-1992

The Turkish-American tackle played 13 years as a member of the Men of Steel. Ilkin went to two Pro Bowls as a Steeler and was considered a locker room leader. Ilkin Served as Vice-President of the NFL's Player Assosciaton from 1989 to 1994. Tunch is still a very valuable member of the football family as the team's color commentator on radio broadcasts since 1998.

63-Dermontti Dawson-C - 1988-2000

The Hall of Fame snapper was originally drafted as a guard. Dawson was a dominating center, anchoring the line in the 90's, making seven straight Pro Bowls and being named to the 90s All-Decade team. Nicknamed "Dirt" for his propensity to grind opposing players into the ground, Dermontti was inducted as an immortal in Canton in 2012 and is a member of the Steelers All-Time Team.

Honorable Mention: Ernie Holmes DT 1972-1977

64-Jeff Hartings-C - 2001-2006

Also drafted as a guard, the free agent center fron Detroit extended the stretch of excellence at the position for the Steelers for six seasons. Hartings played in Super Bowl XL and was selected All-Pro twice in Pittsburgh.

Honorable Mention: DT Chuck Hinton 1964-1970, DT Steve Furness 1972-1980, C/G Doug Legursky 2009-2012, 2015

65-John Jackson-OT - 1988-1997

John Jackson served the first ten years of his career in Pittsburgh. Playing at left tackle, Jackson was a valuable bodyguard for Steel City quarterbacks. Jackson prevented turnovers by recovering five fumbles on offense in his career. He started against the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX.

Honorable Mention: DL Tom Beasley 1978-1983

66-Alan Faneca-G - 1998-2007

Faneca is one of the best offensive lineman in team history. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, Faneca was a seven-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro. Alan also was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s and the Steelers 75th Aniversary team. One of the defining plays of Faneca's career was the pulling-block to spring Willie Parker for his 75-yard touchdown in the 21-10 victory over Seattle in Super Bowl XL. Down over 100 pounds since his playing days, Faneca served the Steelers by helping to coach the offensive line during OTAs and the team’s mini-camp.

Honorable Mention: OL Bruce Van Dyke 1967-1973, DE Donald Evans 1990-1993

67-Gary Dunn-DT - 1976-1987

The two-time Super Bowl champion in XIII and XIV was a mainstay on the Steeler defense for 12 seasons. Dunn, who was named an All-Pro in 1984, had 18 sacks and nine fumble recoveries during his Steeler days.

Honorable Mention: T Duval Love 1992-1994, DE Kimo von Oelhoffen 2000-2005

68-L.C. Greenwood-DE - 1969-1981

The man with the golden shoes wore them to prevent mistaken identity. PA announcers would credit Joe Greene for some of Greenwood's tackles, so to correct that, he would lift his legs in the air every time he made a play in order to get his proper due. The man known as "Hollywood Bags" is not in the Hall of Fame, but deserves to be. In 13 seasons as a Steeler, the 6'6" Greenwood was a dominant member of the Steel Curtain. He was named to six Pro Bowls and was honored twice as an All-Pro. His 73.5 sacks ranks him second on the Steeler's career list, 4.5 of them came in one 1979 game against the Browns. L.C. Is a member of the Steeler's All-Time Team and the NFL's 1970s All-Decade Team. He passed away at age 67.

Honorable Mention: G Brenden Stai 1995-1999, G Chris Kemoeatu 2005-2011, LT Kelvin Beachum 2012-2015

69-Ariel Solomon-G/T - 1991-1995

A tenth-round draft pick in 1991 out of Colorado, Solomon was mostly a backup in Pittsburgh. He spent five years as a Steeler.

70-Ernie Stautner-DT - 1950-1963

Stautner was the first person to have his number retired by the franchise. The Hall of Fame D-lineman played in the trenches for 14 years, earning 10 All-Pro honors and was named to the NFL's 50th Aniversary all-time team. After his retirement as a player, Ernie spent 34 years in coaching.

71-Charlie Bradshaw-OT - 1961-1966

Left tackle Charlie Bradshaw went to two Pro Bowls as a Steeler in 1963 and 1964. Not related to Terry Bradshaw, Charlie served as the head of the NFLPA. Legend has it that Bradshaw was booed so much by Pitt Stadium fans dissatisfied by team play, that Art Rooney suspended player introductions.

72-Gerry Mullins-G - 1971-1979

"Moon" spent his entire NFL careers as a Steeler. A fourth-round pick in 1971, Mullins helped protect Terry Bradshaw and open holes for Franco Harris in all four Super Bowls of the 1970's. Mullins pull on a sweep helped Harris score in Super Bowl IX. "Moon" also recovered and onside kick in Super Bowl X.

Honorable Mention: T Leon Searcy 1992-1995, T Wayne Gandy 1999-2002, OL Darnell Stapleton 2007-2009

73-Craig Wolfley-OL - 1980-1989

"Wolf" played ten years in Pittsburgh, mostly at left guard. Arriving after the Super Bowl years of the 70s, Craig was a key factor on a team that played in the playoffs four times in the decade. In 1981, Wolfley competed and placed fifth in the World's Strongest Man competition for the United States. He is currently a sideline reporter for Steeler broadcasts.

Honorable Mention: OT Justin Strzelczyk 1990-1998

74-Frank Varrichione-OT - 1955-1960

Varrichione was a crushing blocker for the Steelers in the 50s. Playing at right tackle, Frank went to four of his five Pro Bowls as a Steeler.

Honorable Mention: OL Ray Pinney 1976-1982, OL Terry Long 1984-1991, OT Willie Colon 2006-2012

75-Joe Greene-DL - 1969-1981

The selection of Joe Greene in 1969 marked the beginning of the Steeler's Renaissance. The first draft pick of the Chuck Noll era, Greene wore #72 as a rookie. The following year, he switched to #75 and only fans wearing replicas have worn it since. Greene is considered the poster child of the 70s and was featured on the "One for the Thumb" campaign. "Mean Joe", the cornerstone of the Steel Curtain defense, was named First-Team AFC 11 times, to the Pro-Bowl ten times and All-Pro eight times. The four-time Super Bowl champ was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969 and twice was named AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He's a member of the NFL's 75th Aniversary Team and the Steelers All-Time Team. Joe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2014, Greene became only the second Steeler to have his number retired. His iconic Coke commercial is considered one of the best Super Bowl ads of all time. Today, Joe Greene remains with the Steelers in an advisory position.

76-John Banaszak-DE - 1975-1981

The current head football coach at Robert Morris and former Washington and Jefferson head-man is a three-time Super Bowl champ in Steeltown. Hailing from Cleveland, the Banaszak family were Browns fans and needed to adjust to John suiting up for their hated rivals. Banaszak started at defensive end in Super Bowl's XIII and XIV. After seven years as a Steeler, John won a USFL title for the Michigan Panthers in 1983.

Honorable Mention: DE Kevin Henry 1993-2000, DT Chris Hoke 2001-2011

77-Marvel Smith-OT - 2000-2009

Smith started 108 games at the tackle position in Pittsburgh. The second-round pick out of Arizona State was valuable as Ben Roethlisberger's blind side protector during both Super Bowl victories. Marvel spent his entire nine-year career in black and gold and went to the Pro Bowl in 2004.

Honorable Mention: G Steve Courson 1978-1983, OT Carlton Haselrig 1989-1993, OT Will Wolford 1996-1998

78-Dwight White-DE - 1971-1980

A member of the fabled Steel Curtain, the intense "Mad Dog" was a four-time Super Bowl champ and is the first player to score points for the Steelers in a Super Bowl. Even though he was projected not to play in the game due to being hooked up to an IV in the hospital and losing 20 pounds because of pneumonia, White recorded a safety sacking Fran Tarkenton in the end zone in Super Bowl IX. The two-time Pro Bowler spent all of his 10 years in Pittsburgh and recorded 46 sacks. Unfortunately, Dwight passed away in 2010.

Honorable Mention: DT Tim Johnson 1987-1989, OT Max Starks 2004-2012

79-Larry Brown-OT - 1971-1984

Brown started his career wearing #87 and playing tight end. He caught a touchdown pass from Terry Bradshaw in Super Bowl IX. In 1977, Brown changed his position to OT and number to #79. Brown was a solid presence on the line, earning a Pro Bowl nod late in his career in 1982. Brown is one of 22 players to play in all four Super Bowls in the 1970s. He spent 14 seasons as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Honorable Mention: DE Lou Michaels 1961-1963, OT John Rienstra 1986-1990, OT Trai Essex 2005-2011

80-Jack Butler-CB - 1951-1959

For nine seasons in Pittsburgh, the Butler did it. The cornerback picked off 52 passes, which was good for second in team history. A member of the league's 50th Aniversary team and a four-time Pro Bowl selection, Butler was enshrined in Canton in 2012, a year before his passing.

Honorable Mention: WR Plaxico Burress 2000-2004 2012-2013, WR Cedrick Wilson 2005-2007

81-Elbie Nickel-TE - 1947-1957

Regarded as one of the best tight ends ever to play the game in Pittsburgh, Nickel caught 329 balls for 5,131 yards and 37 touchdowns. Nickel was a three-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Steelers All-Time team.

Honorable Mention: WR Jeff Graham 1991-1993, WR Charles Johnson 1994-1997, WR/ST Sean Morey 2004-2006

82-John Stallworth-WR - 1974-1987

From that epic draft class of '74, Stallworth became Bradshaw's most reliable go-to-guy in later years. The Hall of Famer was productive later in his career, having his best season with career highs of 80 catches, 1395 yards and 11 touchdowns in 1984. He ended with 537 receptions and 63 scores. Stallworth, who now owns a portion of the team, was selected to 3 Pro Bowls and is a member of the Steelers All-Time team.

Honorable Mention: WR Yancey Thigpen 1992-1997, WR Bobby Shaw 1999-2001, WR/KR Antwaan Randle-El 2002-2005 2010

83-Heath Miller-TE - 2005-2015

This was a three-way battle between Miller, Buddy Dial and Louis Lipps. Miller got the nod for defining the tight end position in Pittsburgh. The first rounder in 2005 served as Ben Roethlisberger's safety valve In the passing game. Twice a Pro-Bowler, his 592 career receptions ranks him second in franchise history. Heath, who announced his retirement earlier this year, finished his career ranked fourth in team history with both his 45 touchdown receptions and 6,569 receiving yards.

Honorable Mention: WR Buddy Dial 1959-1963, WR Theo Bell 1976-1980, WR Louis Lipps 1984-1991

84-Antonio Brown-WR - 2010-Present

His story is only half-written in Pittsburgh, but already it reads epic. Brown led the NFL last season with the second-most receptions in a single season in league history. The flashy Brown boasts the single-season mark for yards and receptions in club history with 1,834 and 136 respectively. Despite only going into his seventh season, AB ranks fourth on the team’s all-time receptions and third all-time in receiving yardage. His 17 receptions for 284 yards last November against Oakland are both team records for a single game. The four-time Pro-Bowler and three-time All-Pro is the only player in NFL history to surpass 1,000 yards in receiving and returns in a single season.

Honorable Mention: TE Randy Grossman 1974-1980, TE Mike Mularkey 1989-1991, TE Jerame Tuman 1999-2007

85-Calvin Sweeney-WR - 1980-1987

In eight seasons with the Steelers, The 6'2" Sweeney caught 113 balls for 1,775 yards and seven touchdowns. He has the distinction of being the last player to catch a pass from Terry Bradshaw.

Honorable Mention: TE Jonathan Hayes 1994-1996, WR Nate Washington 2005-2008

86-Hines Ward-WR - 1998-2011

1,000 career receptions makes Ward tops all-time when listing the best Steeler receivers. Ward's 12,083 receiving yards ranks him 23rd in NFL history. One of the most popular players to wear the black and gold, Hines was a devastating blocker when he didn't have the ball. The 14-year veteran was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time All-Pro, a two-time Super Bowl champ and the Super Bowl XL MVP. A member of the Steelers All-Time Team, the Dancing With The Stars-Mirror Bowl winer also wore #86 and scored a touchdown for the Gotham Rogues in the Dark Knight Rises.

Honorable Mention: WR Jim Smith 1977-1982, TE Eric Green 1990-1994

87-Mark Bruener-TE - 1995-2003

The Steelers first-round selection in 1995 stayed for nine seasons. Known primarily for his blocking skills, Breuner caught 137 passes and scored 16 times in Pittsburgh.

Honorable Mention: WR Roy Jefferson 1965-1969, WR Weegie Thompson 1984-1989, TE Adrian Cooper 1991-1993

88-Lynn Swann - 1974-1982

Swann was the Steelers first selection of the phenomenal 1974 draft. Over nine seasons, The Hall of Famer collected 336 receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 scores. Swann, who was knocked out with a concussion in the 1975 AFC championship, unbelievably returned to the lineup in Super Bowl X and garnered MVP honors with 161 yards receiving and two highlight reel catches. Swann, who now is the Athletic Director at his alma mater USC, was selected to the Pro Bowl thrice and named All-Pro three times. He is a member of the Steelers All-Time team and the NFL's 70s All-Decade Team.

Honorable Mention: WR Andre Hastings 1993-1996, WR Courtney Hawkins 1997-2000, WR Emmanuel Sanders 2010-2013

89-Bennie Cunningham-TE - 1976-1985

The Steelers top choice in the 1976 draft was the tight end from Clemson. Cunningham lasted 10 seasons with the Steelers and was a contributor on the Super Bowl XIII and XIV teams. Bennie snagged-in 202 for 2,879 yards and made 20 trips to the end zone.

Honorable Mention: WR Ernie Mills 1991-1996, Jerricho Cotchery 2011-2013

90-Steve McLendon-NT - 2010-2015

McLendon was a reliable at the nose for Pittsburgh. In six seasons, the UFA from Troy had five sacks and 90 tackles for the Steelers. Steve left via free agency for the Jets in 2016.

Honorable Mention: DB/LB Bob Kohrs 1981-1985, DL Travis Kirschke 2004-2009

91-Aaron Smith-DE - 1999-2011

This is going to spark huge debate, but here goes.

Smith, named to the Sports Illustrated's 2000s All-Decade Team, spent 13 seasons in the trenches for the Steelers. The Pro Bowler had 453 tackles and 44 quarterback sacks during his career. The blue-collar Smith is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and had appeared in five AFC Title Games. This is an arguable choice over a player that is being enshrined in Canton, but in a list of team contributions, Smith's 13 years with the franchise wins out over Greene's three, in this case.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Greene 1993-1995

92-James Harrison-LB - 2002-2012 2014-Present

James Harrison is the choice. Harrison ranks second to and is closing in on Jason Gildon for the franchise sack lead. But the 2008 Devensive Player of the Year award and the Super Bowl XLIII interception return seals it for the man they call "Deebo". Harrison is a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time All-Pro and two-time Steeler MVP.

Honorable Mention: DT Keith Gary 1983-1988, LB Jason Gildon 1994-2003

93-Joel Steed-NT - 1992-1999

For eight years, Joel Steed clogged up the middle of the defensive line at the nose. Drafted in Round 3 in 1992, the Colorado Buffalo registered 9.5 sacks and was a starter in Super Bowl XXX opposite the Cowboys.

Honorable Mention: DE Keith Willis 1981-1987 1989-1991, LB Jason Worilds 2011-2014

94-Lawrence Timmons-LB - 2007-Present

Timmons has been a steady performer since being Mike Tomlin's first ever selection in 2007. The hulking linebacker played in 16 games as a rookie and his playing time increase during the Super Bowl XLIII season. Timmons recorded 5 tackles in the big game win over Arizona in Tampa. A leader on the current defense, the "Law Dog" was named All-Pro and went to his first Pro Bowl in 2014. Timmons, so far, has 602 tackles, 33 sacks, 12 forced fumbles and ten interceptions.

Honorable Mention: LB Chad Brown 1993-1996

95-Greg Lloyd-LB - 1988-1997

The man who once wore a t-shirt that read "I wasn't hired for my disposition" was a difference-maker on defense. The dominance of Greg Lloyd was first apparent when he three-counted out a Jets quarterback in 1989. Lloyd, the leader of the famed "Blitzburgh" defense of the 1990s, ranks eighth among all-time team leaders with 53.5 sacks and second with 15 fumble recoveries. The five-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro and two-time Steeler MVP is a member of Pittsburgh's All-Time Team.

96-Brentson Buckner-DT - 1994-1996

Buckner, a second-round pick from Clemson in 1994, suited-up for three seasons as a Steeler. After missing the first three games of his rookie year, Brentson played the remainder of the season and both playoff games, appearing on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Buckner started in Super Bowl XXX. Before being traded to Kansas City, the big defensive lineman tallied eight sacks for the Steelers.

97-Cameron Heyward-DE - 2011-Present

It took Heyward til his third season to break out. He has emerged as a locker room leader and his solid play earned him a huge deal to keep him in Pittsburgh for a long time. Hopefully Cam will soon join and possibly eclipse his father, Ironhead, as a city football legend. So far, Heyward has amassed 22 sacks, 132 tackles and two forced fumbles.

Honorable Mention: DE Ray Seals 1994-1996, LB Kendrell Bell 2001-2003

98-Casey Hampton-NT - 2000-2012

"The Big Snack" was a beast that clogged up the middle for over a decade. Hampton came up big with a sack in Super Bowl XL and is regarded as the best nose tackle to ever squeeze-on the black and gold. Casey was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and was named to The Steeler's All-Time Team.

Honorable Mention: DT Gerald Williams 1986-1994

99-(Tie) Levon Kirkland-LB - 1992-2000 / Brett Keisel-DE - 2002-2014

A team MVP in 1998 and 1999, Kirkland was a long-time stalwart and leader on D. The two-time All-Pro cranked out 808 tackles and 11 picks in his Steeler days. Kirkland was named to the All-Decade team for the 90s.

"Da Beard" spent 13 years I n Pittsburgh. Keisel was a team leader that brought grit and stability to the defense, tackling opposing players 409 times and recording 30 sacks in his career. Brett won rings in Super Bowl's XL and XLIII and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2010.