The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 26 days until Pittsburgh faces off against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 26 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. 26 and the players who wore it best.
Current Steelers No. 26 wearer: CB Brandin Echols
Signing with Pittsburgh on a two-year deal this past March, CB Brandin Echols is the current No. 26 on the Steelers roster. He recently proved why he belongs on this great 2025 Steelers defense with a fantastic training camp performance and a preseason outing against the Jaguars last Saturday — practically cementing his place on the 53-man roster this season.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 26:
- Brandin Echols, 2025-present
- Donte Jackson, 2024
- Anthony McFarland Jr., 2020-2023
- Mark Barron, 2019
- Le’Veon Bell, 2013-2017
Best No. 26 in Steelers history: CB Rod Woodson
There is no debating this selection — the best Steeler to ever wear No. 26 is CB Rod Woodson. Selected with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 1987 NFL Draft, Woodson brought a decade of dominance to the Steel City — snagging 38 interceptions, the fourth most all time as a Steeler. His five pick-sixes are tied for the most all time by a Steeler — a true playmaker in Pittsburgh’s secondary.
In his 17-year career, Woodson was named to 11 Pro Bowls, six First-Team All-Pro selections, and three Second-Team All-Pro selections. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and made the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team, the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. A true Steelers legend — and ultimately the best wearer of No. 26 in Pittsburgh.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 26: history behind the jersey
Category: Football
