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
Steelers - The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a beloved NFL team for many years and are known for their iconic black and gold colors. But did you know that the team's nickname has an interesting origin story?
In 1933, the original owner of the then-named Pittsburgh Pirates (the name was changed to Steelers in 1940) wanted to pay homage to Pittsburgh's strong steel industry. Steel production was booming in Western Pennsylvania at that time as it provided jobs and helped fuel America’s industrial revolution. To honor this vital part of his city’s history, Art Rooney decided on “Steelers” as his football franchise's moniker — thus giving birth to one of the professional sports' most recognizable nicknames.
Pittsburgh Steelers Origin
Since then, the Steelers have become synonymous with success on and off the field; winning six Super Bowl championships since 1974 is proof enough! The team also continues its commitment towards honoring those who work hard every day by recognizing local Steelworkers during home games at Heinz Field each year — something they've done since 1999 when they opened their current stadium there.
Today fans all over can be proud knowing that whenever they cheer on their favorite football squad from Western Pennsylvania or see them take center stage during primetime matchups –– it symbolizes more than just a great game but rather a tribute dedicated toward those who worked tirelessly within our country’s manufacturing sector throughout history!
Championship
Super Bowl 6
2009, 2006, 1980, 1979, 1976, 1975
Stadium
2022 - Present / Acrisure Stadium
2001 - 2022 / 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
- 1943
- 1944
- 1974
- 1975
- 1978
- 1979
- 2005
- 2008
-
New Nickname Steelers
In early 1940, Rooney decided that he had had enough of the copycat Pirates moniker. He worked with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette to run a contest to find a new name for the team. Former coach Joe Bach led the panel which selected the name Steelers from amongst the entries. The new name paid homage to the city’s largest industry of ... -
Meet the Steagles
Although the combined team was officially the Eagles and would have no city designation, it became known familiarly as the Phil-Pitt “Steagles”. The club split its home dates between the two cities with four games played in Philadelphia and two in Pittsburgh. Walt Kiesling shared coaching duties with Eagles coach Greasy Neale and the club adopted the T formation which ... -
Card-Pitt Merge
In 1944 they merged with the Chicago Cardinals and were known as “Card-Pitt” and informally known as the “Car-Pitts” or “Carpets.” They went winless through the season. The Steelers went solo again for the 1945 season and went 2–8. Dudley was back from the war by the 1946 season and became league MVP. The rest of the team did no ... -
Super Bowl IX Winner 1974
Super Bowl IX was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Minnesota Vikings to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1974 season. The game was played on January 12, 1975, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, the last pro game at that venue ... -
Super Bowl X Winner 1975
Super Bowl X was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1975 season. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys by the score of 21–17 to win their second consecutive Super Bowl. They were the third team ... -
Super Bowl XIII Winner 1978
Super Bowl XIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Dallas Cowboys to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1978 season. The Steelers defeated the Cowboys by the score of 35–31. The game was played on January 21, 1979, at the Orange Bowl ... -
Super Bowl XIV Winner 1979
Super Bowl XIV was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Los Angeles Rams and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1979 season. The Steelers defeated the Rams by the score of 31–19, becoming the first team to win four Super Bowls (as well ... -
Super Bowl XL Winner 2005
Super Bowl XL was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Seattle Seahawks and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2005 season. The Steelers defeated the Seahawks by the score of 21–10. The game was played on February 5, 2006, at Ford Field in ... -
Super Bowl XLIII Winner 2008
Super Bowl XLIII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Pittsburgh Steelers and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Arizona Cardinals to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 2008 season. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals by the score of 27–23. The game was played on February 1, 2009, at Raymond James Stadium ...
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 Steelers History
The Pittsburgh Steelers history dates back to 1933, when the team was first established as the Pittsburgh Pirates. As one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, the Steelers built their identity on toughness and resilience. Over time, the football Pittsburgh Steelers became known for strong defenses and a loyal fan base.
The franchise developed a reputation for its hard-nosed defense and smashmouth running game. That style of play, combined with great coaching, pushed the team to success in multiple eras. Leaders like Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin left their mark. Legendary players such as Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Joe Greene, and Lynn Swann added to the Pittsburgh Steelers history of greatness.
Pittsburgh Steelers Achievements
The team’s achievements place them among the NFL’s elite. The football Pittsburgh Steelers have won six Super Bowls, eight AFC Championships, and 24 Division titles. Dozens of players, including Troy Polamalu and Ben Roethlisberger, helped create championship moments that still inspire fans today.
Few franchises can match the consistency of the Steelers. Their ability to rebuild while staying competitive has made the Pittsburgh Steelers history one of sustained excellence. With a tradition of grit and determination, they remain a cornerstone of the NFL, and their story continues to add new chapters of success.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
70 / Ernie Stautner
75 / Joe Greene
*Blue is this team’s history
