Ernie Stautner
Inducted:
1969
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
Born:
April 20, 1925
Prienzing near Cham, Bavaria, Germany
Died:
February 16, 2006
Carbondale, Colorado, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Boston College
Ernie Stautner was the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense during the 1950s, known for his unmatched toughness, strength, and relentless motor. Playing his entire 14-year career with the Steelers from 1950 to 1963, Stautner lined up at both defensive tackle and defensive end, excelling despite often facing constant double-teams. His durability was remarkable—he missed only six games in his entire career.
Stautner earned nine Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro four times, becoming one of the most respected defensive players of his era. Although the Steelers were not championship contenders during much of his career, his dominance stood out leaguewide. Pittsburgh later honored him by retiring his No. 70 jersey, the first number the franchise ever retired.
Ernie Stautner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969, recognizing him as one of the toughest and most impactful defenders in NFL history.
Stautner's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1955, 1956, 1958, 1959)
- 5× Second-team All-Pro (1952, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1961)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1952, 1953, 1955–1961)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL Best Lineman Award (1957)
Notable Achievements
- First jersey ever retired by the Steelers
- One of the most durable linemen of his era (missed only six games)
- Key figure in Steelers defensive identity during the 1950s
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (1950–1963)
NFL Draft:
1950: 2nd round, 22nd overall pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
63, 70
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1950-1963)
Games Played:
172
Game Started:
143
Fumble recoveries:
23
Safeties:
3
Interceptions:
2
Super Bowl champion:
2 (VI, XII)
Pro Bowl:
9 (1952, 1953, 1955–1961)