Is Number 7 Retired By The Steelers? Unpacking A Pittsburgh Tradition

For many football fans, especially those who cheer for the black and gold, a jersey number can carry a whole lot of meaning. When you think about the Pittsburgh Steelers, certain digits just seem to belong to certain legends, don't they? It's a question that pops up quite often, actually: Is number 7 retired by the Steelers? This particular number, after all, brings to mind some truly incredible moments on the field, so it's natural to wonder about its status.

You see, teams often show their respect for a player's lasting impact by taking their jersey number out of circulation for good. This act, retiring a number, means no one else on that team will ever wear it again. It’s a huge honor, a way to keep a player's legacy alive and well, almost like a permanent salute to their contributions to the team's history. So, it makes sense why folks would be curious about such a prominent number for a team with such a rich past.

The Steelers, as a matter of fact, have a pretty distinct way of doing things when it comes to honoring their stars. Their approach to jersey numbers is a bit different from some other teams across the league, and that's something we'll explore. It's really interesting to see how they balance tradition with their unique philosophy on celebrating their greats, and it tells a story all its own, you know?

• Did The Queen Know She Was Dying
• Did Shannen Doherty Ever Date Julian Mcmahon
• What Illness Did Queen Elizabeth Have Before She Died
• Who Did Luke Perry Marry In Real Life
• How Long Does Shannen Doherty Have Left To Live

Table of Contents

• Steelers Retired Numbers: The Official List
• The Unofficially Retired Numbers: A Steelers Tradition
  • Number 7: The Story of Ben Roethlisberger
  • Number 12: Terry Bradshaw's Legacy
  • Number 43: Honoring Donnie Shell
  • Number 1: Gary Anderson's Impact
• Why So Few Officially Retired Jerseys?
• The Hall of Honor: A Different Kind of Tribute
• What About Aaron Rodgers and Number 8?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Jersey Numbers

Steelers Retired Numbers: The Official List

When we talk about numbers that are truly, officially retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the list is actually quite short. It's a very exclusive club, you might say, and this is a key piece of information for anyone wondering about number 7. As a matter of fact, the Steelers have only ever formally taken two jersey numbers out of play in their entire long history, which is quite a distinction.

The first number to receive this highest honor was number 70. This was the jersey of Ernie Stautner, a Hall of Fame defensive lineman who played for the team for many years. His number stood alone as the sole officially retired jersey for decades, truly a sign of his lasting mark on the team. It was a long time before another number joined it, you know?

More recently, in the last ten years or so, another number was added to this special group. That would be number 75, worn by the legendary "Mean" Joe Greene. He was a pivotal part of those incredible Super Bowl teams, and his number joining Stautner's 70 shows just how much he meant to the franchise. So, to be clear, only 70 and 75 are officially retired by the Steelers, which is a really important detail when we consider number 7.

• Does Kate Really Have A Tattoo
• Did Luke Perry And Shannen Doherty Get Along In Real Life
• How Much Did Alyssa Milano Make Per Episode Of Charmed
• How Rich Was Julian Mcmahon
• Who Didnt Like Shannen Doherty On 90210

The Unofficially Retired Numbers: A Steelers Tradition

Now, this is where things get a little more interesting, and perhaps a bit unique to the Steelers' way of doing things. While there are only two numbers officially retired, the team also has what many call "unofficially retired" numbers. These are numbers that, for all practical purposes, aren't given out to new players, even though there's no formal announcement saying so. It's more of an unwritten rule, a deep respect for the players who wore them. This approach, you know, really speaks to the team's sense of history and reverence for its past heroes.

It's a kind of quiet honor, a nod to the impact these players had, without going through the formal process of a jersey retirement ceremony. There are several such numbers that are simply not assigned anymore, which is quite a testament to the players' lasting influence. This tradition is, in a way, just as powerful as an official retirement, perhaps even more so because it's born out of pure respect rather than a formal policy.

Number 7: The Story of Ben Roethlisberger

So, to finally answer the big question: Is number 7 retired by the Steelers? The simple answer is no, not officially. However, it absolutely falls into that category of unofficially retired numbers. Number 7, of course, belongs to Ben Roethlisberger, the long-time quarterback who led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories. He spent his entire career with the team, and his impact was truly immense, you know?

After he stepped away from the game, it became pretty clear that number 7 wouldn't be seen on another Steelers player anytime soon. While the team hasn't made any grand announcements, the understanding is that the number is essentially reserved for him. It's a sign of the respect he earned over his many years of play, and it's a very strong indication that no one else will wear it, really. You can learn more about Ben Roethlisberger's career on our site.

His connection to the number is so strong, it's almost like it's part of his identity, and part of the Steelers' modern history. Fans would, in all likelihood, be quite surprised, and perhaps even a bit upset, if they saw another player sporting number 7. That's how deep the connection runs, actually. It’s a very personal sort of retirement, you might say, rooted in the hearts of the fans and the team alike.

Number 12: Terry Bradshaw's Legacy

Another prime example of an unofficially retired number is 12, which was worn by the legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw. He, too, led the Steelers to multiple Super Bowl championships back in the 1970s, making that number iconic. It's a number that just screams "Steelers history" to anyone who follows the game, you know?

Even though the Steelers haven't officially retired Bradshaw's jersey, no player has worn number 12 since he retired way back in 1983. That's more than 40 years of tradition, a very long stretch of time, indeed. It shows just how much respect the team has for his accomplishments and his place in their story. This kind of enduring tribute is, in some respects, even more powerful than a formal declaration.

The fact that the team has maintained this tradition for so long, not handing out the number for decades, speaks volumes. It's a quiet but firm statement about the lasting impact Bradshaw had on the franchise. It would be quite a surprise if the Steelers were to break this long-standing custom, which they've held onto for so very long, wouldn't it?

Number 43: Honoring Donnie Shell

Then there's number 43, a jersey made famous by the late Donnie Shell. He was a key part of those incredible Super Bowl teams, known for his toughness and his skill as a defensive back. His contributions were absolutely vital to the team's success during that golden era, and his number holds a special place, you know?

While number 43 hasn't been officially retired, it's widely understood that it's highly unlikely anyone will ever wear it again out of deep respect for Shell's memory and his contributions. This is a very poignant example of an unofficial retirement, showing honor for a player who passed away, a truly touching gesture. It's a silent tribute that resonates deeply with fans and the organization.

This situation really highlights the Steelers' philosophy: sometimes, the most profound honors are given through quiet reverence rather than loud ceremonies. It's a very human way of remembering someone who gave so much to the team, and it shows the kind of bond that exists between the players and the franchise, truly.

Number 1: Gary Anderson's Impact

Another number that often comes up in discussions about unofficially retired jerseys is number 1, which belonged to kicker Gary Anderson. He was a very consistent and reliable player for the Steelers for many years, setting numerous team records during his time there. His leg was a huge asset to the team for a long stretch, you know?

While perhaps not as widely recognized as the numbers of the quarterbacks or defensive stars, number 1 also falls into that category of numbers that are simply not given out anymore. It's a subtle acknowledgement of his long and productive career with the team. This practice, in a way, lets the legacy of these players quietly endure without needing a formal declaration, which is quite a unique approach.

It goes to show that the Steelers' unofficial retirement policy extends beyond just the most celebrated Hall of Famers. It encompasses players who had significant, long-lasting impacts in their respective roles, contributing greatly to the team's identity. This quiet respect for all kinds of contributions is, in some respects, a hallmark of the Steelers organization.

Why So Few Officially Retired Jerseys?

It might seem a bit odd to some that a franchise as storied as the Pittsburgh Steelers has officially retired so few jersey numbers, especially when compared to other teams across different sports. Many teams, you know, have a long list of numbers that are no longer in circulation. The Steelers, however, have a very distinct philosophy on this matter, and it's quite interesting.

The team's approach has traditionally been to keep numbers available, allowing new players to wear them and perhaps create their own legacies. It's a way of looking forward while still respecting the past, but without taking too many numbers out of play. This tradition, you might say, emphasizes the team itself over individual numbers, which is a bit different from how some other organizations operate.

Their preference, it seems, is to honor their great players through other means, rather than simply retiring their jerseys. This doesn't mean they don't value their stars; quite the opposite, actually. It just means they have a different method for showing that appreciation, one that aligns with their long-standing organizational values. It's a choice that reflects a deep-seated belief about how best to celebrate team history.

The Hall of Honor: A Different Kind of Tribute

Instead of retiring a large number of jerseys, the Steelers have established their own Hall of Honor. This is their primary way of celebrating the truly great players of the past, as well as coaches and contributors. It's a very prestigious recognition, and it's how they ensure that the legacies of their stars live on, you know?

The Hall of Honor includes individuals who were part of Super Bowl seasons, with some classes even featuring multiple members from the same championship team. This approach allows the team to recognize a broader range of individuals who made significant contributions, without having to take every iconic jersey number out of circulation. It's a comprehensive way to honor their history, truly.

This system reflects a deliberate choice by the Steelers to focus on a broader recognition of excellence, rather than just jersey numbers. It’s a very inclusive way to celebrate their history, making sure that many deserving individuals get their due. This method, you see, aligns with their tradition of valuing the collective team effort while still giving individual greats their rightful place in the team's story. For more about the team's rich history, check out this page about the Steelers' past.

What About Aaron Rodgers and Number 8?

Now, here's a little piece of information that might seem a bit out of place, but it actually helps to underscore the Steelers' approach to jersey numbers. There was an announcement about quarterback Aaron Rodgers and what number he would wear with his "new team" in the 2025 NFL season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, as a matter of fact, announced he would wear number 8. This detail, you know, gives us a little peek into how numbers are assigned.

This mention, while seemingly a hypothetical or future scenario, reinforces that number 7 is indeed not available for new quarterbacks. If Rodgers were to join the Steelers, he would get number 8, not 7. This little tidbit, you see, subtly confirms the unofficial retirement of Roethlisberger's number, even in a speculative context. It’s a very interesting way to show that number 7 is off limits.

It just goes to show that while the Steelers don't officially retire many numbers, there's a clear understanding within the organization about which numbers are sacred. The fact that a hypothetical future quarterback would be assigned a different number, rather than number 7, speaks volumes about its untouchable status, apparently. This kind of detail really helps to clarify the situation around number 7, doesn't it?

Frequently Asked Questions About Steelers Jersey Numbers

Have the Steelers retired any numbers besides 70 and 75?

No, actually, the Pittsburgh Steelers have only officially retired two jersey numbers in their entire history: number 70 for Ernie Stautner and number 75 for "Mean" Joe Greene. These are the only two numbers that will never be worn by another Steelers player, truly. It's a very short list, compared to many other teams, you know?

Why don't the Steelers retire more jersey numbers?

The Steelers, as a matter of fact, have a long-standing philosophy that prefers to keep jersey numbers in circulation. Their tradition leans towards honoring their great players through their Hall of Honor, rather than by taking many numbers out of use. This approach, you see, allows new players to wear numbers and create their own legacies while still respecting the past, which is quite a unique way of doing things.

Will Ben Roethlisberger's number 7 ever be officially retired?

While Ben Roethlisberger's number 7 is not officially retired, it is widely considered to be unofficially retired. The team has not issued the number to any player since he stepped away from the game, and it's highly unlikely they ever will. This kind of silent tribute is, in a way, just as meaningful as a formal retirement, showing deep respect for his incredible career, you know?