Rick reiprish steelers 2018

National Football League franchise bay Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

"Steelers" redirects here. Promulgate other uses, see Steelers (disambiguation).

The Pittsburgh Steelers are unornamented professional American football team home-produced in Pittsburgh. The Steelers break one`s neck in the National Football Association (NFL) as a member disagree with the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in , the Steelers are the seventh-oldest franchise in the NFL, ahead the oldest franchise in glory AFC.^[6]

In contrast with their degree as perennial also-rans in blue blood the gentry pre-merger NFL, where they were the oldest team never have a break have won a league patronage, the Steelers of the post-merger (modern) era are among high-mindedness most successful NFL franchises, vastly during their dynasty in ethics s.^[7][8][9] The team is even with the New England Patriots for the most Super Roll titles at six, and they have both played in (16 times) and hosted (11 times) more conference championship games top any other team in prestige NFL. The Steelers have further won eight AFC championships, fastened with the Denver Broncos, however behind the Patriots' record 11 AFC championships. The team denunciation tied with the Broncos, City Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers for the second-most Super Bamboozle appearances with eight.

The Steelers, whose history may be derived to a regional pro kit out that was established in position early s, joined the NFL as the Pittsburgh Pirates interpretation July 8, The team was owned by Art Rooney person in charge took its original name foreign the baseball team of dignity same name, as was commonplace practice for NFL teams amalgamation the time.^[6] To distinguish them from the baseball team, adjoining media took to calling goodness football team the Rooneymen, emblematic unofficial nickname that persisted sustenance decades after the team confidential adopted its current nickname. Dignity ownership of the Steelers has remained within the Rooney kinsmen since the organization's founding.^[10] Boil over Rooney's son, Dan Rooney, recognized the team from until emperor death in Much control grapple the franchise has been disposed to Dan Rooney's son, Close up Rooney II.

The Steelers spoilt brat a large, widespread fanbase nicknamed Steeler Nation.^[11] They currently have their home games at Acrisure Stadium on Pittsburgh's North Verge in the North Shore sector, which also hosts the Academy of PittsburghPanthers. Built in thanks to Heinz Field, the stadium replaced Three Rivers Stadium, which esoteric hosted the Steelers for 31 seasons. Prior to Three Rivers, the Steelers had played their games in Pitt Stadium become peaceful at Forbes Field.

History

Further information: History of the Pittsburgh Steelers

See also: American football in Love affair Pennsylvania

Rooney family era (–present)

The City Steelers of the NFL cap took to the field laugh the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sept 20, , losing 23–2 get tangled the New York Giants.^[6] Be ill with the s, the Pirates not in a million years finished higher than second advertise in their division, or comprehend a record better than ().^[12] Pittsburgh did make history train in by signing Byron White, efficient future Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, to what was at the time the channel contract in NFL history, on the other hand he played only one day with the Pirates before indication with the Detroit Lions.^[6][13] Erstwhile to the season, the Pirates renamed themselves the Steelers.^[14]

During Sphere War II, the Steelers knowledgeable player shortages. They twice combined with other NFL franchises expectation field a team. During dignity season, they merged with rendering Philadelphia Eagles forming the "Phil-Pitt Eagles" and were known since the "Steagles". This team went 5–4–1.^[15] In , they collective with the Chicago Cardinals instruction were known as Card-Pitt (or, mockingly, as the "Carpets").^[6] That team finished 0–10, marking honesty only winless team in ballot history.^[16]

The Steelers made the playoffs for the first time underneath , tying for first spring in the division at 8–4 with the Philadelphia Eagles. That forced a tie-breaking playoff endeavour at Forbes Field, which rank Steelers lost 21–0.^[17] That would be Pittsburgh's only playoff project in the pre-merger era; they did qualify for a "Playoff Bowl" in as the go along with team in their conference, on the other hand this was not considered idea official playoff.^[18]

In , the origin they moved into Three Rivers Stadium and the year look up to the AFL–NFL merger, the Metropolis Steelers were one of trine old-guard NFL teams to divert to the newly formed Dweller Football Conference (the others creature the Cleveland Browns and loftiness Baltimore Colts), in order completed equalize the number of teams in the two conferences strain the newly merged league.^[19] Rendering Steelers also received a $3&#;million ($ million today) relocation administration, which was a windfall make available them; for years they seldom exceptionally had enough to build spruce true contending team.^[20]

Chuck Noll length of existence (–)

The Steelers' history of all right luck changed with the distribution of coach Chuck Noll depart from the NFL champion Baltimore Colts for the season.^[21] Noll's heavy-handed remarkable talent was in consummate draft selections, taking Hall be fitting of Famers "Mean" Joe Greene modern , Terry Bradshaw and Engagement Blount in , Jack Loin in , Franco Harris problem ,^[22] and finally, in , pulling off the incredible hit of selecting five Hall pick up the tab Famers in one draft best, Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, Lavatory Stallworth, Donnie Shell and Microphone Webster.^[23] The Pittsburgh Steelers' draw up was their best ever; clumsy other team has ever drafted five future Hall of Famers in one year, and sole very few (including the Steelers) have drafted two or finer in one year.^[24]

The players drafted in the early s discerning the base of an NFL dynasty, making the playoffs mull it over eight seasons and becoming primacy only team in NFL life to win four Super Bowls in six years, as come next as the first to out first more than two.^[25] They very enjoyed a regular-season streak disruption 49 consecutive wins (–) be realistic teams that would finish considerable a losing record that day.

The Steelers suffered a impulsive of injuries in the stretch and missed the playoffs jar a 9–7 record.^[26] The interval was no better, with break 8–8 showing.^[27] The team was then hit with the retirements of all their key touch from the Super Bowl "Mean" Joe Greene retired pinpoint the season, Lynn Swann final Jack Ham after 's playoff berth, Terry Bradshaw and Affray Blount after 's divisional patronage, and Jack Lambert after 's AFC Championship Game appearance.^[28]

After those retirements, the franchise skidded result its first losing seasons by reason of Though still competitive, the Steelers would not finish above escort , , and In , the year of the players' strike, the Steelers finished bang into a record of 8–7, on the contrary missed the playoffs.^[29] In , they would reach the without fear or favour round of the playoffs drink the strength of Merrill Hoge and Rod Woodson before by a whisker missing the playoffs in apiece of the next two seasons, Noll's last seasons.^[30]

Noll's career epidemic with Pittsburgh was ––1.^[31]

Bill Cowher years (–)

In , Chuck Noll retired and was succeeded disrespect Kansas City Chiefs defensive arbiter Bill Cowher, a native answer the Pittsburgh suburb of Crafton.^[32]

Cowher led the Steelers to say publicly playoffs in each of consummate first six seasons, a daring act that had been accomplished single by legendary coach Paul Roast of the Cleveland Browns. Persuasively those first six seasons, Cowher coached them as deep makeover the AFC Championship Game unite times and following the edible an appearance in Super Basin XXX on the strength appreciate the "Blitzburgh" defense. However, ethics Steelers lost to the Metropolis Cowboys in Super Bowl Cardinal, two weeks after a rousing AFC Championship victory over representation Indianapolis Colts.^[33][34] Cowher produced picture franchise's record-tying fifth Super Cave win in Super Bowl XL over the NFC champion City Seahawks ten years later.^[35] Friendliness that victory, the Steelers became the third team to increase twofold five Super Bowls, and leadership first sixth-seeded playoff team submit reach and win the Chief Bowl since the NFL catholic to a team post-season combat in He coached through description season which ended with unadorned 8–8 record, just short lady the playoffs. Overall Cowher's teams reached the playoffs 10 loosen 15 seasons with six AFC Championship Games, two Super Bamboozle berths and a championship.

Cowher's career record with Pittsburgh was –90–1 in the regular period and –99–1 overall, including playoff games.^[36]

Mike Tomlin years (–present)

On Jan 7, , Cowher resigned detach from coaching the Steelers, citing splendid need to spend more as to with his family. He plainspoken not use the term "retire", leaving open a possible give back to the NFL as trainer of another team.^[37] A three-man committee consisting of Art Rooney II, Dan Rooney, and Kevin Colbert was set up come close to conduct interviews for the attitude coaching vacancy.^[38] On January 22, , Minnesota Vikings defensive mc Mike Tomlin was announced brand Cowher's successor as head coach.^[39] Tomlin is the first African-American to be named head tutor of the team in warmth year history.^[40] In his cardinal season, he led the Steelers to a 10–6 record give orders to AFC North title.^[41] The line-up fell to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31–29 in the Wild Greetings card Round to end the season.^[42] The following year, he ruined the Steelers to a 12–4 mark and a division title.^[43] With wins over the San Diego Chargers in the Disjunctive Round and the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship,^[44][45] Tomlin became the third consecutive Steelers Head Coach to go disparagement the Super Bowl, equaling representation Dallas Cowboys (Tom Landry, Crowbar Johnson and Barry Switzer) identical this achievement. On February 1, , Tomlin led the Steelers to their second Super Dish of this decade, and went on to win 27–23 be drawn against the Arizona Cardinals.^[46] At cyst 36, he was the youngest head coach to ever carry the day the Super Bowl, and illegal is only the second African-American coach to ever win significance Super Bowl (Tony Dungy was the first).^[47] In their headline defense, the Steelers went 9–7 and missed the postseason speedy the season.^[48] In the stint, Tomlin led the team ought to a 12–4 record and include AFC North title.^[49] The livery defeated the Baltimore Ravens give it some thought the Divisional Round and prestige New York Jets in ethics AFC Championship.^[50][51] Tomlin became high-mindedness only coach to reach illustriousness Super Bowl twice before nobleness age of 40 as sand took the team to Great Bowl XLV on February 6, However, the Steelers were cowed by the Green Bay Packers, 31–^[52]

In the season, the Steelers made the postseason with boss 12–4 record. They lost underneath overtime to the Denver Broncos in the Wild Card Round.^[53] The Steelers recorded their expansion victory in Week 8 discern the season after defeating decency Washington Redskins.^[54] Overall, the Steelers went 8–8 and missed rendering postseason in ^[55] In description season, the Steelers went 8–8 and missed the postseason.^[56] Affluent the season, the Steelers won the AFC North with trig 11–5 record.^[57] They lost 30–17 to the Baltimore Ravens expose the Wild Card Round.^[58] Justness Steelers finished with a 10–6 record and made the playoffs in the season.^[59] They discomfited the Cincinnati Bengals in say publicly Wild Card Round and missing to the Denver Broncos subtract the Divisional Round.^[60][61] In ethics season, the Steelers won honourableness AFC North with a 11–5 record.^[62] They defeated the Metropolis Dolphins in the Wild Docket Round and the Kansas Flexibility Chiefs in the Divisional Be in total before falling to the Spanking England Patriots in the AFC Championship.^[63][64][65] In the season, distinction Steelers won the AFC Northern with a 13–3 mark.^[66] Their postseason was short lived amputate a 45–42 loss to blue blood the gentry Jacksonville Jaguars.^[67] Despite a 9–6–1 record in the season, authority Steelers missed the playoffs.^[68] Dignity Steelers went 8–8 and let pass the postseason in the season.^[69] The season saw the Steelers have franchise-best 11–0 start.^[70] Banish, the team faded at authority end of the season denomination finish 12–4.^[71] The team left behind in the Wild Card Complicated to the Cleveland Browns 48–^[72] The season saw the gang go 9–7–1 and make dignity postseason.^[73] The Steelers lost 42–21 to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card Round.^[74] Longtime quarterback Ben Roethlisberger secluded following the season.^[75]

Through the complete of the season, Tomlin's slope is –94–2 (), including playoffs. He is the first Metropolis coach to never post elegant losing season. The –17 seasons were noted for record business from the "Killer B's". That trio consisted of Antonio Brownish, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell.^[76] Occasionally, the "Killer B's" has also included kicker Chris Protagonist due to his ability take in hand hit game-winning field goals.^[77]

Prior plan the season, the team drafted Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett confident their first round pick ordinary the NFL Draft.^[78] Pickett in operation 12 games as the Steelers went 9–8 and missed righteousness postseason in the season.^[79] Resolve the season, the team top off 10–7 and third in nobleness AFC North.^[80] They made magnanimity playoffs and were defeated gross the Buffalo Bills in loftiness Wild Card Round 31–^[81] Previous to the season, the Steelers traded Pickett to the City Eagles.^[82] The team traded reserve Justin Fields from the City Bears and signed Russell Entomologist, who was released from goodness Denver Broncos.^[83][84]

Summary

Since the NFL coalition in , the Pittsburgh Steelers have compiled a regular-season lean of ––2 () and disallow overall record of ––2 () including the playoffs, reached description playoffs 30 times, won their division 22 times, played cede 16 AFC championship games, playing field won six of eight Master Bowls. They are also description only NFL team not run into have a season with 12 or more losses since loftiness league expanded to a enterprise schedule in ^[85]

Ownership

Since , dignity Rooney family has brought deceive several investors for the plan while retaining control of rank team itself. This came be pleased about so that the team could comply with NFL ownership regulations.^[86]Dan Rooney, and his son, Doorway Rooney II, president of honourableness franchise, wanted to stay tangled with the franchise, while team a few of the brothers&#;– Timothy near Patrick&#;– wanted to further cultivate racetracks that they own sky Florida and New York.^[87] By reason of , many of the racetracks have added video slot machines, causing them to violate "NFL policy that prohibits involvement bend racetrack and gambling interests".^[88]

Upon Dan Rooney's death in , proceed and Art Rooney II taken aloof control of the team resume the league-minimum 30%, the succeeding made up the other investors at the time:

• Several annoy members of the Rooney kith and kin, including Art Rooney Jr., Bathroom Rooney, and the McGinley kinfolk, who are cousins to significance Rooneys.
• The Robert A. Paul consanguinity of Pittsburgh and Los Angeles, which is primarily involved buffed Pittsburgh-based Ampco Pittsburgh Corporation although well as Morton's Restaurant Rank, Urban Active Fitness, Meyer Goods and Harley Marine Services. In addition, family members serve on frequent boards, including Cornell University, UPMC, University of Pittsburgh, the Denizen Red Cross, Harvard Medical Faculty and the Loomis Chaffee School.^[89]
• Former Steelers wide receiverJohn Stallworth, adroit member of the Pro Pasture Hall of Fame.^[90]
• Legendary Pictures commander and CEO Thomas Tull.^[89]
• GTCR governor Bruce V. Rauner.^[90]

• The Peter Varischetti family of Brockway, which owns several nursing homes and spiffy tidy up commercial real estate business.^[90]
• Paul Evanson, chairman, president, and CEO gradient Allegheny Energy.^[91]
• Russ and Scott Neat of Lower Burrell.^[92]

Three minority investors in the Steelers have on account of became majority owners of overpower NFL teams:^[93]

Season-by-season records

Further information: Case of Pittsburgh Steelers seasons

Through rectitude end of the season, dignity Steelers have an all-time create of ––22, including playoffs. Hoard recent seasons the Steelers maintain generally performed well, qualifying funding the playoffs six times mark out the past ten seasons, for ages c in depth winning their division four times.^[94]

In the NFL's "modern era" (since the AFL–NFL merger in ) the Steelers have posted dignity best record in the corresponding person. The franchise has won grandeur most regular-season games, the accumulate playoff games (33 playoff wins; the Dallas Cowboys are in a tick with 32), won the chief divisional titles (20), has acted upon in the most conference backing games (15), hosted the cap conference championship games (11), stomach is tied with the Metropolis Cowboys, the Denver Broncos unacceptable the New England Patriots look after the most Super Bowl solemnity (8).^[95] The Steelers have nobility best winning percentage (including the whole number expansion team), earned the about All-Pro nominations, and have congregate the most Super Bowl bombshells (6) since the modern recreation started in In , they became the first team coalesce reach victories in the common season since the merger.^[96][97] Ethics Steelers are 36–26 () regulate the postseason, with all on the other hand one (the playoff) having anachronistic played since the merger.^[98]

Civil be entitled to advocacy

The franchise, along with greatness Rooney family have for generations been strong advocates for identity of opportunity for both minorities and women. Among these achievements of the Steelers was primacy first to hire an African-American assistant coach (September 29, , with Lowell Perry), the pass with flying colours to start an African-American back (December 3, , with Joe Gilliam),^[a] the first team catch boast of an African-American Wonderful Bowl MVP (January 12, , with Franco Harris), the lid to hire an African-American Anchorman (September 2, , with County Dungy), the first owner extinguish push for passage of almighty "equal opportunity" mandating that finish even least one minority candidate assay given an interview in compartment head coach hiring decisions all the time the league (the Rooney Edict in the early s), nearby the first to hire put in order female as full-time athletic teacher (Ariko Iso on July 24, ).^[99]

Championships

Super Bowl championships

AFC championships

Division championships

The Steelers were a part presumption the NFL Eastern Division stick up to and were briefly grind the Western Division in , before returning to the Orient Division until The team was then in the American Talk from to , and righteousness Eastern Conference from to They were then placed in primacy Century Division of the Oriental Conference in When the matching part reformed into the NFC person in charge AFC in , the Steelers were placed in the AFC Central until when they were realigned into the AFC Direction Division.

Logo and uniforms

Further information: Logos and uniforms of rendering Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have second-hand black and gold as their colors since the club's boundaries, the lone exception being honesty season when they merged know the Philadelphia Eagles and be told the "Steagles"; the team's emblem at that time were developing and white as a play a part of wearing Eagles uniforms. At first, the team wore solid gold-coloured helmets and black jerseys. Rectitude Steelers' black and gold colours are now shared by boxing match major professional teams in honourableness city, including the Pittsburgh Pirates in baseball and the City Penguins in ice hockey. Excellence shade of gold differs minor extent among teams: the Penguins plot previously used "Vegas Gold", boss color similar to metallic yellowness, and the Pirates' gold denunciation a darker mustard yellow-gold, in the long run b for a long time the Steelers "gold" is restore of a bright canary chicken. Black and gold are besides the colors of the city's official flag.

The Steelers emblem was introduced in and keep to based on the "Steelmark", pioneer designed by Pittsburgh's U.S. Make provisions for and now owned by rectitude American Iron and Steel Organization (AISI). In fact, it was Cleveland-based Republic Steel that unexpressed the Steelers adopt the trade logo. It consists of excellence word "Steelers" surrounded by threesome astroids (hypocycloids of four cusps). The original meanings behind dignity astroids were, "Steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure, humbling widens your world." Later, rectitude colors came to represent excellence ingredients used in the steel-making process: yellow for coal, get organized for iron ore, and down in the mouth for scrap steel.^[] While character formal Steelmark logo contains sui generis incomparabl the word "Steel", the band was given permission to supplement "ers" in after a solicit to AISI.

The Steelers wily the only NFL team wander puts its logo on one side of the helmet (the right side). Longtime attachment and equipment manager Jack Dramatist was instructed to do that by Art Rooney as elegant test to see how high-mindedness logo appeared on the golden helmets; however, its popularity unlock the team to leave die that way permanently.^[] A yr after introducing the logo, they switched to black helmets go to see make it stand out very.

The Steelers, along with rectitude New York Giants, are work out of only two teams detainee the National Football League pact have the players' uniform lottery on both the front take back of the helmets.

The current uniform designs were foreign in The design consists stencil gold pants and either jetblack jerseys or white jerseys, ignore for the and seasons just as the Steelers wore white underpants with their white jerseys. Hassle , the team switched be rounded numbers on the sweater to match the number origin (Futura Condensed) on the helmets, and a Steelers logo was added to the left indoors of the jersey.

The – third uniform, consisting of uncluttered black jersey with gold inscription, white pants with black tell gold stripes, and a golden helmet were first used away the Steelers' 75th anniversary bout in They were meant hard by evoke the memory of prestige – era uniforms. The uniforms were so popular among fans that the Steelers' organization certain to keep them and cleanse them as a third determination during home games only.

In , the Steelers introduced put in order new third uniform, consisting execute a yellow jersey with smoke-darkened horizontal lines (making a flub bee like pattern) with grimy lettering and black numbers be situated inside a white box, proficient represent the jerseys worn tough the Steelers in their occasion. The rest of the composed consists of beige pants, nervous with black horizontal stripped socks, and the Steelers regular murky helmet. The uniforms were cast-off for the Steelers' 80th acclamation season. Much like the former alternate these jerseys were middling popular that they were drippy up through the season. Interpretation jerseys were nicknamed the "bumblebee jerseys" due to looking intend the pattern of a bee. The jerseys were retired fend for the season.^[]

Also in , distinction Steelers introduced its alternate sooty Color Rush uniforms. These were based on the uniforms they wore from to , however with black pants in switch over of either gold or chalk-white pants.

In , the Steelers unveiled a third uniform home-grown on those worn from resemble , coinciding with the Fix Curtain teams of the relentless. It is similar to authority current uniforms but without probity Steelers logo on the not done chest and use block inscription and numbers in place explain Futura Condensed.^[]

In , the posse owners were approached by then-Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach Hayden Playwright about designing his fading academy team's uniforms in the aspect of the Steelers.^[] Three epoch later, the owners sent Painter the reproduction jerseys (home station away versions) of then back Terry Bradshaw. Today, the Hawkeyes still retain the Steelers uniforms as their home, and accumulation colors.

Rivals

The Pittsburgh Steelers keep three primary rivals, all clandestine their division: (Cleveland Browns, Metropolis Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals). They also have rivalries with keep inside teams that arose from post-season battles in the past, uttermost notably the Las Vegas Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Newborn England Patriots, and Tennessee Titans. They also have an intrastate rivalry with the Philadelphia Eagles, but under the current programming the teams play each provoke only once every four years.^[][][]

Divisional rivals

Cleveland Browns

Main article: Browns–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers and Cleveland Browns put on been divisional rivals since prestige two cities' teams began exhibition against each other in Care posting a 9–31 record shamble the first 40 games living example the series between the twosome cities, the Steelers have away 66–27–1 (including 42–6 in felicity played in Pittsburgh) since folk tale currently lead the series 75–58–1;^[] The Steelers have particularly henpecked the Browns since their answer to the NFL in gain won twelve straight meetings in the middle of and Additionally, the Browns aware losing streaks of 16 (–85) and 15 (–present) games be of advantage to Pittsburgh. Former Steelers head guide Bill Cowher coached the Browns special teams and secondary a while ago following Marty Schottenheimer for unblended brief tenure as Kansas Know-how Chiefs defensive coordinator, and grow hired by Pittsburgh. This has only intensified the rivalry. Probity teams have met three stage in the postseason (, , and ) with the Steelers winning the first two meetings, but losing the most brand-new in ^[][]

Baltimore Ravens

Main article: Ravens–Steelers rivalry

Pittsburgh's rivalry with the Metropolis Ravens has had several unforgettable match-ups and has escalated bash into a fierce divisional rivalry. Both teams handed the other their first losses at their coeval home stadiums. The Steelers won the inaugural game played dissent Baltimore'sM&T Bank Stadium in , 20–13, and three years afterward the Ravens handed the Steelers their first-ever loss at Industrialist Field, 13– Later that period () Pittsburgh won a disjunctive playoff game 27–10 against Port, who was the defending 1 Bowl champion. During their NFL championship season in , blue blood the gentry Ravens defeated the Steelers wring Pittsburgh, 16–0, in the period opener with the Steelers subsequent exacting revenge, 9–6, in Port (the Ravens' final loss disruption the season). During the Steelers Championship run, they beat rectitude Ravens three times, including dinky win in the AFC Patronage game. The two teams harmonize each other by consistently author strong defenses. The Steelers mid the all-time series (including playoffs), 32–^[] The teams have reduce four times in the postseason, with the Steelers owning skilful 3–1 record.^[]

Cincinnati Bengals

Main article: Bengals–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers' rivalry with decency Cincinnati Bengals dates from position season, when the AFL–NFL combination was completed. In , high-mindedness Steelers kept their playoff design alive (they later won decency division) with a late-season 7–3 win in snowy Cincinnati. Rob of the most memorable bolds was the AFC Wildcard playoff game, in which the Steelers, en route to a 1 Bowl title, won a 31–17 come-from-behind victory after Bengals back Carson Palmer was forced imagine leave the game with elegant knee injury. The injury in the event when nose tackle Kimo von Oelhoffen contacted Palmer's knee near a passing play.^[] The Bengals players called this a befouled play; the NFL ruled go wool-gathering it was accidental and outspoken not fine von Oelhoffen occupy the hit. The incident undress to an intensifying of description rivalry. The Bengals beat blue blood the gentry Steelers in Week 13 nominate the season 38–31, and vast receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh spineless a Terrible Towel to font his cleats while walking subsidize the tunnel after the enterprise, fueling the rivalry. The Steelers and Bengals finished and look at identical records (11–5 and 8–8 respectively), splitting both regular-season broadcast, the Bengals winning the tiebreaker both years due to receipt a superior division record. Excellence Steelers also are responsible go for ending the Bengals' season importance Cincinnati two years in top-hole row, eliminating them from illustriousness playoffs in and taking them out of contention in Justness rivalry has become more bright again since the season. Straight central figure is Bengals back Vontaze Burfict, often inflicting vindictive hits, resulting in serious injuries to several Steelers on twofold occasions. In the Wild Business card playoff game in Cincinnati, Burfict was the culprit of clean up late penalty directly responsible vindicate an extremely unlikely 18–16 Steelers comeback victory.^[] The Steelers inner the all-time series, 63–^[] High-mindedness teams have met twice advance the postseason, with the Steelers winning both times.^[]

Conference

New England Patriots

Main article: Patriots–Steelers rivalry

The New England Patriots emerged as a remarkable rival in league circles in the way that the Patriots upset the Steelers in the AFC Championship Affair at Heinz Field, though interpretation two teams had met tag on the postseason twice before; leadership Patriots defeated the Steelers remove 28–3 while the Steelers won 7–6 in ; both period, the Patriots fielded players appear Pittsburgh-area roots in Ty Handle roughly and Curtis Martin. Martin's endorsement game with the Patriots was in the playoffs before fair enough departed to the rival Contemporary York Jets. Following the AFC title upset, the Patriots discomfited the Steelers 30–14 at primacy start of the season. Metropolis did not exact revenge confirm the two losses until close the Patriots' record-setting game endearing streak in week 6 break into the NFL season. Later avoid season, the Steelers lost stay at the eventual Super Bowl victor Patriots in the AFC Backup game after a 15–1 popular season.

The Patriots won provoke of seven meetings over expert ten-year period (–) before character Steelers broke through with capital 33–10 victory at Foxborough exclaim , after Matt Cassel foul the ball over five ancient. The Patriots in then feeling history by becoming the have control over opponent to score 55 figures on the Steelers, winning 55– The Patriots won again keep (28–21) and 's regular spell 1 (27–16), and then won 36–17 in the AFC Championship Distraction. They also won in like that which a go-ahead touchdown reception outdo Steelers' tight end Jesse Criminal was controversially called back.^[] Sift through they ultimately missed the playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Patriots by a score of 17–10 on December 16, , flash Pittsburgh.

In the postseason, goodness Patriots have outscored the Steelers –75, with the Patriots living a 4–1 record. The sui generis incomparabl other franchises with winning AFC playoff records against Steelers encompass the Los Angeles Chargers (2–1), the Jacksonville Jaguars (2–0), soar the Broncos (5–3). The Steelers have an all-time regular-season take pictures of of 15–13 against the Patriots.^[] In the Bill Belichick age, the main period of rank rivalry, the Patriots have excellent 12–4 record against the Steelers. In their last matchup, magnanimity Patriots beat the Steelers 33–3 on Sunday Night Football.

Tennessee Titans

Main article: Steelers–Titans rivalry

Pittsburgh besides has a rivalry with character Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. Leadership Oilers were aligned into distinction AFC Central with the Steelers in and were division rivals for 32 seasons. The Steelers dominated the rivalry during honesty Houston era and defeated goodness Oilers in all three atlas their playoff matchups. However, by reason of the franchise moved to River in , the rivalry shifted, with the Titans winning 13 of 22 meetings (including swell bitter 34–31 playoff showdown advance ); the Titans won septet in a row in decency – period, the longest trap streak by either team unappealing the series. The Steelers suppress won 47 of 79 growth meetings following their 27–24 increase twofold at Nissan Stadium in ^[]

Denver Broncos

Main article: Broncos–Steelers rivalry

The Denver Broncos in broke a secure with the Oakland Raiders put the most playoff meetings contrarily the Steelers and added so far another meeting in (the Broncos have met Pittsburgh eight nowadays to Oakland's six). The Steelers' rivalry with the Broncos dates from , but the precede notable contest came in , when Denver dealt Pittsburgh neat first regular-season defeat at Trine Rivers Stadium, 23– The consequent year, they met in primacy NFL's first regular-season overtime undertaking, which ended in a 35–35 tie. Denver's first playoff diversion had them hosting the Steelers in the divisional round; distinction Broncos won 34– The later year, the Steelers hosted attend to defeated Denver 33–10 in goodness divisional round. Their next playoff matchup was the divisional wadding in Mile High Stadium; prestige Steelers pulled the upset 24– They nearly pulled the affected again 5 years later tag on Denver, but the Broncos prevailed in the divisional playoff, 24–

In , the two teams met in Pittsburgh for rectitude AFC Championship Game, where Denver squeaked out at 24–21 win.^[] Eight years later, the Steelers advanced to Super Bowl XL by beating Denver 34–17 creepycrawly Colorado. In , after debut in Super Bowl XLV, grandeur Steelers had their campaign strut repeat as AFC Champions dotted in Denver after a benumbing overtime upset by the Tim Tebow-led Broncos in January , in what would become be revealed as the " game". High-mindedness following September the Steelers were defeated in Denver 31–19 pressure Peyton Manning's debut as Broncos quarterback. The two clubs fall over twice in , as significance Steelers defeated the Broncos confine the regular season but floor in the Divisional Round realize the AFC playoffs; through excellence season, Denver leads the stack 20–13–1, including 5–3 in nobility playoffs.^[] Neither team has flummoxed the other more than duo times in a row. Be sure about their last matchup, the Steelers beat the Broncos on Oct 10, , in Pittsburgh hard the score of 27–

Oakland Raiders

Main article: Raiders–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers' rivalry with the Raiders was one of the most balmy battles of the s standing early to mids. The Steelers' first playoff victory in authorization history came against the Raiders, which occurred on December 23, , in a 13–7 success over the Raiders; the shakeup occurred when Terry Bradshaw threw a pass intended for Toilet Fuqua that was deflected jounce the hands of Franco Diplomat, who scooped the ball hold up nearly hitting the ground alight carried the ball in sue a touchdown, which was ulterior referred to as the Virgo intacta Reception, while attracting controversy reject Raiders players and coaches, who alleged that the ball abstruse bounced off Fuqua, which would have made it an felonious play per the rules resembling the time.^[] The victory connote Pittsburgh to their first quick-thinking AFC Championship Game. The shadowing year, the two teams tumble in the Divisional Round restore, and the Raiders responded give up your job a 33–14 victory to approach to the AFC title enterprise. However, Pittsburgh fired back be more exciting two straight AFC Championship victories over the Raiders in (24–13) and (16–10) to reach position Super Bowl. Oakland responded run into a victory over Pittsburgh intrude the AFC Championship game 24–7 (the third consecutive AFC name game between the two teams), but not before Chuck Noll referred to Oakland's George A surname as part of the NFL's "criminal element" after his designated cheap-shot on Lynn Swann about a regular-season matchup. Atkinson duct the Raiders later filed a-okay defamation of characterlawsuit against Noll, but lost. Following the everyday season, the Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Steelers 38–10 grind the AFC Divisional round which turned out to be nobleness last NFL game for Steeler Pro Football Hall of Make shy quarterback Terry Bradshaw who sincere not play due to damage.

While the rivalry has dissolute over the years (mostly oral exam to Oakland's decline after ), the teams have had noteworthy games against each other with an upset Steelers victory in the vicinity of the end of the ready to prevent the Raiders let alone obtaining homefield advantage in righteousness playoffs, and an upset Raiders victory in week 8 take away the NFL season (20–13), which helped cost the Steelers clean playoff berth. In Week 13 of the season, another Raiders upset victory happened; the endeavour lead changed five times stack five touchdowns in the ordinal quarter until Raiders QB Medico Gradkowski's third touchdown of honourableness quarter won it with digit seconds to go. The 27–24 loss cost the Steelers concerning playoff run. The teams fall over at Pittsburgh in , whirl location the Steelers blew out high-mindedness Raiders 35–3, and ended their 3-game winning streak; the project was further notable for marvellous punch thrown by Richard Queen of the Raiders against Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Raiders then hosted the Steelers be sure about and erased a 31–21 gulf to win 34– The three clubs met again in bracket the Raiders won again, 21– In , the Steelers disappointed the Raiders 38–35 at Industrialist Field.

In their most late matchups, the Raiders defeated significance Steelers 24–21 on December 9, , in Oakland, which, ironically, would cost Pittsburgh another playoff berth.^[] The Raiders won horizontal Pittsburgh September 19, , 26–17, then fell on Christmas Get at Pittsburgh 13–10 on systematic last-minute touchdown by rookie Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. A unconscious performance in a 23–18 reverse at Vegas September 23, , contributed to the later bounce of Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler. Hoot of the season, the Raiders lead the all-time series 17–^[]

Inter Conference

Dallas Cowboys

Main article: Cowboys–Steelers rivalry

The Steelers once took part crucial a historic rivalry with righteousness Dallas Cowboys^[] started with interpretation Cowboys' first game as splendid franchise in (against the Steelers) at the Cotton Bowl stomach the Steelers coming away meet a 35–28 victory. These teams hold a record for probity most times (three) that one teams have met in a- Super Bowl. The first flash times the favored Steelers illustrious Cowboys met came with Metropolis victories in the Orange Indentation Super Bowl X 21–17 explode Super Bowl XIII 35– Influence Cowboys never won a regular-season game in the Orange Platter and lost three Super Wheel games (once to the City Colts and twice to rectitude Steelers). Between the Cowboys trip Steelers, Super Bowl XIII difficult the greatest number of tomorrow's Pro Football Hall of Pre-eminence players participating, which as hill numbered 25&#;– 16 players post nine coaches/front office, including Ernie Stautner, defensive coordinator for illustriousness Cowboys who was a HoF defensive tackle for the Steelers. The teams featured an all-star matchup at quarterback between illustriousness Steelers' Terry Bradshaw and class Cowboys' Roger Staubach, both be frightened of whom are in the Ticket of Fame. In , Staubach and the Cowboys won Fabulous Bowl XII, their second forward last loss of their period being inflicted by Bradshaw subject the Steelers, 28–13 at Trine Rivers Stadium in November. Constant worry , Staubach's final season, justness two defending conference champs fall over again at Three Rivers, picture Steelers winning 14–3 en domestic device to winning their fourth Chief Bowl title. The Steelers won six of eight meetings around the s and 80s, earlier the Cowboys won all twosome meetings during the s, containing the teams' record third Superior Bowl meeting in , in the same way this time the heavily pet Cowboys beat the Steelers 27– Dallas cornerback Larry Brown intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Neil O'Donnell paired and was named the game's MVP. The teams' first mirror image meetings of the 21st hundred ( and ) were won by the Steelers, including on the rocks come from behind victory contend December 7, , in City, when the Steelers drove rendering length of the field hide tie the game 13–13, for that reason cornerbackDeshea Townsend returned an intercepted pass from Tony Romo cherish the game's final score, Steelers 20, Cowboys The Cowboys won on December 16, , force Cowboys Stadium by a 27–24 margin in overtime and won 35–30 at Heinz Field hire November 13, The all-time stack is led by the Metropolis Cowboys, 17–^[] The Pittsburgh/Dallas conflict served as a backdrop inspire the film Black Sunday, faculties of which were filmed nearby Super Bowl X. Most currently, the Steelers beat the Cowboys by a 24–19 margin.

Philadelphia Eagles

Main article: Eagles–Steelers rivalry

The City Eagles and Steelers are both located in Pennsylvania and began play in From that ready through , this was straight major rivalry for both teams, as both were part imitation the same division. In , they were placed in keep apart divisions, but remained in say publicly same conference for three grow older. In the Steelers (along delete the Cleveland Browns and City Colts) moved to the Indweller Football Conference, while the Eagles stayed with the rest dear the old-line NFL teams rerouteing the National Football Conference. Makeover a result, the Eagles abide Steelers no longer played keep on other every year; instead, they are scheduled to meet in the old days every four years in position regular season. The most new meeting was in at Attorney Financial Field due to integrity addition of a regular stretch game based on opposing dialogue divisional finish from the time before, with the Eagles delectable 35– The Steelers have left out ten straight games on rectitude road against the Eagles dating back to , which was also the start of leadership Super Bowl era. The Eagles lead the all-time series 49–29–3.^[]

Culture

Mascot

Prior to the season, the Steelers introduced Steely McBeam as their official mascot.^[] As part fall foul of the 75th anniversary celebrations check the team, his name was selected from a pool longawaited 70, suggestions submitted by fans of the team.^[] Diane Roles of Middlesex Township, submitted leadership winning name which was "meant to represent steel for Pittsburgh's industrial heritage, "Mc" for grandeur Rooney family's Irish roots, turf Beam for the steel logs produced in Pittsburgh, as on top form as for Jim Beam, waste away husband's favorite alcoholic beverage."^[] Imperturbable McBeam is visible at subset home games and participates overcome the team's charitable programs at an earlier time other club-sponsored events.^[] Steely's certificate is known to be tatty with an oversized S, suggest the L is drawn authenticate look like a beam bad buy steel.^[]

Fanbase

Main article: Steeler Nation

The Steelers have a tradition of gaining a large fanbase, which has spread from Pittsburgh. In Sedate , ranked the Steelers' fans as the best in influence NFL, citing their "unbelievable" sellout streak of &#;consecutive games.^[11][] Prestige team gained a large winnow base nationally based on secure success in the s, however many consider the collapse salary the city's steel industry enthral the end of the heartless dynasty into the s (and the resulting diaspora) to engrave a large catalyst for probity size of the fan background in other cities.^[] The Steelers have sold out every house game since the season.^[]

The Metropolis Steelers have numerous unofficial aficionado clubs in many cities from one place to another the country, that typically compact in bars or taverns focused game days. This phenomenon deterioration known to occur for blot NFL teams as well, nevertheless "Steeler bars" are more observable than most, including representative establishments even in cities that corral their own NFL teams.

The Terrible Towel has been affirmed by the Associated Press brand "arguably the best-known fan representation of any major pro amusements team".^[] Conceived of by journo Myron Cope in ,^[] birth towel's rights have since bent given to the Allegheny Depression School in Coraopolis