Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 13: a history of the number and who wore it best

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 13 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 13 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. In the spirit of the countdown, we’re taking a look at the history of No. 13 and the players who wore it best.

Current Steelers No. 13 wearer: WR Scotty Miller

Aug 9, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) catches the ball under pressure from Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback De'Antre Prince (24) during the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

One of Pittsburgh's biggest preseason standouts, WR Scotty Miller is the current No. 13 wearer on the Steelers roster. After playing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2019-2022 and with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023, Miller signed with Pittsburgh on a one-year deal in May 2024. He re-signed with the Steelers last March and figures to play a solid role in the Aaron Rodgers-led offense.

Last five Steelers to wear No. 13:

  • Scotty Miller, 2024–present
  • Miles Boykin, 2022–2023
  • James Washington, 2018–2021
  • Dri Archer, 2014–2015
  • Jacoby Jones, 2015

Best No. 13 in Steelers history: WR James Washington

Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver James Washington (13) celebrates his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Despite No. 13 lacking the storied history of other Steelers jersey numbers, James Washington is arguably the greatest wearer in franchise history. Selected with the 60th overall pick in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Washington quickly carved out a key role in the Steelers’ passing attack during the late 2010s. A physical receiver and Mason Rudolph's favorite target from their college days, Washington finished his four-year Steelers career with 114 catches for 1,629 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 13: history behind the jersey

Category: Football