Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 23: a history of the number and who wore it best

The Steelers countdown to kickoff is here — and we’re at 23 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. 23 and the players who wore it best.

Current Steelers No. 23 wearer: CB Darius Slay

One of the most exciting offseason additions a few months ago, veteran CB Darius Slay is the current No. 23 wearer on the Steelers roster. A 12-year NFL veteran, Slay brings six Pro Bowls, a First-Team All-Pro selection, and a Super Bowl–winning work ethic to the Steel City brand of football. Alongside Jalen Ramsey and Joey Porter Jr., Slay is one-third of one of the NFL's best cornerback trios — a catalyst for what's shaping up to be a championship-level defense this season.

Last five Steelers to wear No. 23:

• Darius Slay, 2025–present
• Damontae Kazee, 2022–2024
• Joe Haden, 2018–2021
• Mike Mitchell, 2014–2017
• Felix Jones, 2013

Best No. 23 in Steelers history: S Mike Wagner

There is no denying this selection — the best wearer of No. 23 in Steelers history is S Mike Wagner. Selected with the 268th overall pick of the 11th round in the 1971 NFL Draft, Wagner played a pivotal role on the legendary Steel Curtain defense opposite S Donnie Shell — winning four Super Bowls in the process.

In his ten-year Steel City tenure, Wagner was responsible for 36 interceptions — the sixth-most by a Steeler all-time. He was named to two Pro Bowls, earned First-Team All-Pro honors once, and Second-Team All-Pro honors once. He was also celebrated as part of the Pittsburgh Steelers 50th Anniversary Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor — recognitions deserving of the greatest Steeler ever to wear No. 23.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 23: history behind the jersey