Established
1933
City
Pittsburgh
League History
1933 - Present / National Football League
Team History
1945 - Present / Pittsburgh Steelers
1944 / Card - Pitt
1943 / Philadelphia - Pittsburgh "Steagles"
1940 - 1942 / Pittsburgh Steelers
1933 - 1939 / Pittsburgh Pirates
Nickname
Pirates – The Pittsburgh Pirates have been a part of the National Football League (NFL) since 1933 and are one of the oldest franchises in professional football. Throughout history, they have had several nicknames, some more popular than others. The nickname that has become most associated with the team is "Steelers," which was adopted in 1940 after owner Art Rooney Sr. changed it from its original name, "Pirates." But what about before then? What were some of the other nicknames used by fans to refer to this beloved franchise during its first seven years?
Pittsburgh Pirates Origin
One nickname commonly used for Pittsburgh's NFL teams between 1933-1939 was “the Pros” or “Pro Footballers” because college football was part of a professional league when college football reigned supreme across much of America. This moniker stuck with many fans even after Rooney renamed his team as it captured their status as professionals and alluded back to their origins as pirates on the high seas!
Another common nickname for these early Steelers teams came from an unlikely source – baseball! Due mainly to how similar uniforms looked between pro football players and major leaguers at this period, many Pittsburghers began referring jokingly calling them ‘the Bucs' - short for Buccaneers - just like how they referred affectionately called baseball's own Pirates squad who dominated local sports headlines around town during those same years (1933-39). As such, you can still find references today amongst long-standing Steeler Nation members where they may refer fondly remember these earlier versions using either term interchangeably depending on context or personal preference; however, neither ever really caught on outside city limits so don't be surprised if someone looks confused if you use either one away from Western Pennsylvania.
Championship
Super Bowl 0
2008, 2005, 1979, 1978, 1975, 1974
Stadium
2001 - Present / Heinz Field
1970 - 2000 / Three Rivers Stadium
1958 - 1969 / Pitt Stadium
1944 / Comiskey Park
1943 / Shibe Park
1933 - 1963 / Forbes Field
Owner
2017 - Present / Art Rooney II
1988 - 2017 / Dan Rooney
1933 - 1988 / Art Rooney
- 1933
- 1934
- 1935
- 1937
- 1939
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Pittsburgh Pirates Football Team Formation
In May 1933, in anticipation of the repeal of some of Pennsylvania’s restrictive laws in the fall of that year, Rooney applied for a franchise with the NFL. His request was granted on May 19, 1933, and the Pittsburgh Professional Football Club, Inc. joined the NFL in exchange for a US$2,500 franchise fee (roughly $45,000 in today’s dollars). The new ... -
Pirates rank third in the NFL Eastern Division
In 1934: The Pirates improve their NFL record to 2–10 and rank third in the Eastern Division. They also finished fourth in the National League with a 74–76 record. -
The Pirates have their worst NFL season
In 1935: The Pirates have their worst NFL season, going 4–8 and ranking last in the Eastern Division. They also drop to sixth place in the National League with a 86–67 record. -
The Pirates have their best NFL season, winning the Eastern Division title
In 1937: The Pirates have their best NFL season, winning the Eastern Division title with a 8–3 record and advancing to the NFL Championship Game, where they lose to the Green Bay Packers 27–01. They also finish second in the National League with a 86–64 record, behind the Chicago Cubs. -
Forrest Douds – Head Coach of Pirates
The coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates football team from 1933 to 1939 was Forrest Douds. He was a former All-American player at Washington and Jefferson College and a professional player for the Portsmouth Spartans, Providence Steam Roller, Chicago Cardinals, and the Pirates2. He was also the first coach of the franchise that later became the Pittsburgh Steelers2. Douds coached the ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Pittsburgh Pirates History
The Pittsburgh Pirates history is a fascinating story in American football. Founded in 1933, the team first played under the name “Pirates” before later becoming the Pittsburgh Steelers. This early identity is an important part of the franchise’s roots and shaped what would become one of the most successful organizations in the NFL.
During the early years, the Pittsburgh Pirates NFL team struggled to find consistent success. Financial challenges, player shortages during World War II, and frequent coaching changes made the franchise’s beginnings difficult. Yet, these struggles built the foundation for resilience, which would later define the Steelers era.
Over the years, the transformation from the Pittsburgh Pirates history to the Steelers became legendary. Guided by strong ownership and dedicated fans in Pittsburgh, the franchise built its reputation on toughness, discipline, and loyalty. These values turned the team into one of the most respected organizations in football.
Pittsburgh Pirates Achievements
Achievements came in abundance once the name changed. The Steelers, born out of the Pittsburgh Pirates NFL roots, went on to win six Super Bowl championships. They also earned four conference titles and more than twenty division titles, while producing Hall of Fame legends like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, and Jerome Bettis.
The impact of the Pittsburgh Pirates history remains significant even today. What began as a struggling franchise grew into a dynasty recognized worldwide. The team’s record, including multiple MVP winners and a passionate fan base, secures its place as one of the greatest success stories in football history.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
70 / Ernie Stautner
75 / Joe Greene
*Blue is this team’s history