The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long and storied history in the league. A big part of that history revolves around the team's traditions. Those traditions have formed the backbone of the organization and are a huge part of what fans love and love to hate.
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Pittsburgh Steelers legend Ernie Stautner.
One of those traditions revolves around player numbers. The Steelers are stingy with retiring numbers having only three that are officially out of commission. First, "70" which belonged to Ernie Stautner who played in the 1950s, and went to nine Pro Bowls as a defensive tackle. The second, "75" was Joe Greene's. "Mean" Joe Greene is one of the most iconic 70s Steelers of all-time leading the Steel Curtain defense and winning four Super Bowls. Finally, the third number retired, and the most recent, "32" Franco Harris. The Steelers planned his jersey retirement around the 50th Anniversary of the Immaculate Reception just before Christmas in 2022. Unfortunately, Harris passed away suddenly, just days before, and was only there in spirit.
While they may only have a few officially retired numbers, they have a slew of unofficially retired numbers. These are numbers from iconic players that immediately evoke a certain feeling, for example, "36" Jerome Bettis. There are many more from several decades including "52" for Mike Webster to "86" for Hines Ward.
For that reason, it wasn't a surprise to most fans when new Steelers tight end Darnell Washington got his request for the number "0" shot down.
The Steelers Tell Darnell Washington That There's Zero Chance He Wears The Number 0
Washington, who miraculously fell to the Steelers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, learned that the NFL was going to allow players to once again wear the jersey number "0," which had previously been forbidden. When the news broke, Washington even took to Twitter to lobby the Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin, and the organization to allow him to wear it. It is the number he wore while at the University of Georgia.
Kevin C. Cox | Credit: Getty Images
With their third-round pick in 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers take Darnell Washington.
Recently, Washington was a guest on the All Things Covered podcast which is hosted by former Steelers CB Bryant McFadden and new Pittsburgh addition, Patrick Peterson.
Peterson can relate to Washington's jersey dilemma. He wore the number "7" while in Minnesota, but that was a non-starter when he arrived in the Steel City. The number "7" is synonymous with former quarterback and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger and therefore it's on that list of unofficially retired numbers. Peterson will wear "20" which happened to be his cousin, McFadden's previous number while with the Steelers.
Washington said he understands that Pittsburgh just has their own unique way of doing things, that is part of what makes the team so solid.
"It's just how the Steelers run things. That's just their tradition," said Washington.
The NFL stopped allowing teams to use the number "0" in 1973 when the league started to standardize numbers. But prior to 1973, the Steelers did have a player that rocked it. That was Johnny Clement, who was affectionately called "Mr. Zero," played from 1946-48.
The NFL has recently changed its rules regarding jersey numbers to allow more positions to have more numbers to choose from. But McFadden notes that the Steelers are always going to be slow to adopt changes like this that aren't necessary. They will slow roll into the changes and see what pitfalls emerge. According to Peterson, Tomlin said they won't be handing out single-digit numbers to skill positions, they are going to remain more traditional.
"They're not going to have anybody with zero on it. Not in the first year. That ain't happening," said McFadden.
Washington settled on the number "80." He said that was as near to "0" as he could get, but within the confines of what is allowed for tight ends. This had McFadden joking that he will look like a giant version of the Steelers' former wide receiver, Plaxico Burress.
Photo by Keith Srakocic / AP
Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, Plaxico Burress.
While Washington might not have gotten the number he wanted, or the draft position he wanted, he is with a team that really wants him. Washington absolutely showed out in college last year and during the pre-draft activities. This has everyone's interest piqued and curious to see how this versatile player will fit into our offense.
What do you think about the jersey numbers? Do you like that Pittsburgh remains more traditional, or do you think it's a bit silly that they are "old-fashioned?" Click below to comment.
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