The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 42 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 42 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. 42 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 42 wearer: CB James Pierre
Signing with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2020, Pierre remains the current No. 42 wearer on the Steelers roster. The underrated cornerback depth piece is a vital contributor on special teams — and looks to earn a spot on the 53-man roster this upcoming season.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 42:
- James Pierre, 2020-present
- Morgan Burnett, 2018
- Da’Mon Cromartie-Smith, 2011-2013
- John Kuhn, 2006
- Myron Bell, 2000
Best No. 42 in Steelers history: RB Dick Hoak
Dick Hoak is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 42. Drafted with the 90th overall pick in the seventh round of the 1961 NFL Draft, Hoak played 10 seasons in Pittsburgh — rushing for 3,965 yards and 25 touchdowns in 135 games. He was selected to the 1968 Pro Bowl, and later named to the Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. After retiring as a player, Hoak served as the team’s running backs coach from 1972 to 2006 — winning five Super Bowls as a member of the Steelers coaching staff. Hoak was honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Awards of Excellence Class of 2025 for his contributions as an assistant coach — a legacy befitting as the greatest No. 42 in Steelers history.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 42: history behind the jersey
Category: Football
