Founded in 1933, the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC. In contrast with their status as perennial also-rans in the pre-merger NFL, where they were the oldest team never to win a league championship, the Steelers of the post-merger (modern) era are one of the most successful NFL franchises. Pittsburgh has won more Super Bowl titles (6) and both played in (16) and hosted more conference championship games (11) than any other NFL team.
Through the 2016 season, Head Coach Mike Tomlin's record is 111–63, including playoffs. He is the first Pittsburgh coach without a losing season. The 2013–2017 seasons were noted for record performances from the "Killer B's" - the nickname for the deadly trio of Antonio Brown, Ben Roethlisberger and Le'Veon Bell. If these 3 players are on top of their game, there aren't many teams in the NFL capable of stopping the Steelers.
Roster
Head Coach: Mike Tomlin
A Super Bowl appearance is well within the Steelers' reach. Pittsburgh fell short of the New England Patriots in last year's AFC Championship Game, but Ben Roethlisberger and Co. will look quite a bit different this season. Martavis Bryant is back from suspension. Cameron Heyward is healthy. The team added pass-rusher T.J. Watt in the draft. Plus, the continued maturation of Artie Burns and Sean Davis should make the secondary better. A lot of pressure will be put on the defence. It's no secret that the Steelers possess one of the deadliest offences the league has to offer, and if the defence can manage to slow opponents down then this could be yet another Super Bowl year for the Steelers.
OFFENCE
This offence revolves around the "Killer B's". "Killer B" no.1 - 'Big Ben' Roethlisberger has been lighting up the league since 2004, and shows no signs of slowing down any time soon. His favourite target is "Killer B" no.2 - Antonio Brown. Arguably the best receiver in the game. To round off this deadly trio is "Killer B" no.3 - Le'Veon Bell. Many consider Bell to be the best running back in the league. His unique running style of waiting patiently for the perfect opening before striking is unlike any back in the league. Pittsburgh finished in or around the top ten for all offensive categories last year, and will be hoping to emulate that again this time around.
DEFENCE
The Steelers have an above average defensive unit if last season is anything to go by. They finished around half-way in most defensive stats last year. They're still a fairly young group, so you'd think they can only improve this year. Linebacker is the Steelers' strongest positional group, having studs such as Ryan Shazier, Bud Dupree and new rookie T.J. Watt flying all over the place. If Watt can be even a fraction of the player his older brother J.J. is down in Houston, then Steelers fans will be over the moon. The secondary should be better too, with the recent trade for Browns long-time star cornerback Joe Hayden.
MVP
Antonio Brown, WR
Many think Antonio Brown has been the best wide receiver in the league for the last few seasons. Which is amazing if you consider just how many superstar receivers there are throughout the NFL. Although Brown is not the tallest or strongest, his attitude, catching, route running and just general play is second to none.
Antonio is in his prime now at age 29. Not only is he a great receiver, but he's also an excellent return man. Brown is a threat every time the ball is in his hands. Even though most teams know Big Ben is throwing his way, it's easier said than done when trying to stop him. Few receivers possess as much talent as Brown, and the Steelers will be hoping his heroics can lead them back to the promised land.
Other notable players: QB - Ben Roethlisberger. RB - Le'Veon Bell. DE - Cameron Heyward. LB - Ryan Shazier. OLB - Bud Dupree. OLB - T.J. Watt (R). CB- Joe Hayden.
Heinz Field
Heinz Field was opened in 2001, and is located in the North Shore neighborhood of Pittsburgh. The stadium has sold out for every Steelers home game, a streak which dates back to 1972. Fun fact - this was the stadium used in the iconic scene where the pitch collapses in the blockbuster film "The Dark Knight Rises" (2012).
Capacity: 68,400
To find out more about Heinz Field and upcoming events, CLICK HERE
Pittsburgh
State: Pennsylvania
Population: 303,625
Known as the 'Steel City', Pittsburgh is located in western Pennsylvania at the junction of 3 rivers. Its Gilded Age sites, including the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, speak to its history as an early-20th-century industrial capital. In the North Shore neighborhood are the modern Andy Warhol Museum, Heinz Field football stadium and PNC Park baseball stadium.
To find out more about Pittsburgh, CLICK HERE
Records
Super Bowls
1974
(IX)
1975
(X)
1978
(XIII)
1979
(XIV)
2005
(XL)
2008
(XLIII)
Conference Champions
AFC Champions - 8
1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2010
Division Champions
AFC Central - 15
1972, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001
AFC North - 7
2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2014, 2016
Playoff Appearances - 30
1947, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016
All Time Record
(Since end of 2016 Season)
Regular Season
Wins: 606 Losses: 549 Ties: 21
Post Season
Wins: 36 Losses: 24
Total
Wins: 642 Losses: 573 Ties: 21
Hall of Famers - 21
Art Rooney, Founder - Class of 1964
Bill Dudley, HB - Class of 1966
Walt Kiesling, G/Coach - Class of 1966
Bobby Lane, QB - Class of 1967
Ernie Stautner, DT - Class of 1969
Joe Greene, DT - Class of 1987
John Henry Johnson, FB - Class of 1987
Jack Ham, LB - Class of 1988
Terry Bradshaw, QB - Class of 1989
Mel Blount, CB - Class of 1989
Franco Harris, RB - Class of 1990
Jack Lambert, LB - Class of 1990
Chuck Noll, Coach - Class of 1993
Mike Webster, C - Class of 1997
Dan Rooney, Admin/Owner - Class of 2000
Lynn Swann, WR - Class of 2001
John Stallworth, WR - Class of 2002
Rod Woodson, CB/S - Class of 2009
Jack Butler, CB - Class of 2012
Dermontti Dawson, C - Class of 2012
Jerome Bettis, RB - Class of 2015
DIVISION
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