The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 32 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 32 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. 32 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 32 wearer: N/A
There hasn't been a Steeler to wear No. 32 since the greatest to ever wear the number retired in 1984 — and rightfully so, as he was arguably the greatest running back in franchise history.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 32:
- Franco Harris, 1972-1983
- Hubie Bryant, 1970
- Joe Womack, 1962
- Toimi Jarvi, 1945
- Tom Brown, 1942
Best No. 32 in Steelers history: RB Franco Harris
There is zero debate here — the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 32 is the man responsible for arguably the greatest play in NFL history: RB Franco Harris. Selected with the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft, Harris made his impact felt right out of the gate, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year for his 1,235 yards from scrimmage and 11 total touchdowns in 1972 — and who could forget his role in the Immaculate Reception that very season?
Over his 12 years with Pittsburgh, Franco produced 14,234 yards from scrimmage and 100 total touchdowns, as well as owning the Steelers’ career rushing records of 11,950 yards and 91 touchdowns. Franco’s Italian Army will be the first to tell you how successful he was throughout his Steelers tenure — being named to nine Pro Bowls, earning one First-Team All-Pro selection, two Second-Team All-Pro selections, and winning four Super Bowls, as well as being named Super Bowl IX MVP. He was also named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
His impact wasn’t just on the field, as he was named NFL Man of the Year in 1976 — proving he was as excellent a human being as he was a running back. Harris’ legacy in Pittsburgh is as untouchable as his right to be named the best Steeler to ever wear No. 32.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 32: history behind the jersey
Category: Football
