Steelers' Bill Cowher Names His 5 Greatest Pittsburgh Defensive Players Of All-Time

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been fortunate to have some of the most remarkable defensive players in NFL history. Compiling a list of the greatest Steelers legends is no easy task, considering the franchise’s rich legacy. The Steelers boast 32 Pro Football Hall of Famers and 49 members in their Hall of Honor. According to the NFL’s Hall of Fame website, 27 players and coaches are enshrined in both.

This abundance of legends makes ranking them a daunting challenge, as many exceptional players inevitably get left off.

Former Steelers Head Coach Bill Cowher, now an NFL analyst for CBS, tackled this tough task in a special segment before Week 3 games. Cowher revealed his picks for the top five greatest Steelers defensive players of all time.

5.) Troy Polamalu

The list begins with Troy Polamalu, one of the greatest safeties to ever play the game. Known for his kindness off the field, Polamalu transformed into one of the league's most feared players on it. 

He was a dynamic force who could do it all—creating chaos for opposing offenses and making game-changing plays. His instinct for disrupting offenses was unmatched, and his impact was felt on every snap.

4.) TJ Watt

It’s no secret that TJ Watt is already one of the greatest Steelers of all time. A master of getting to the quarterback, Watt has been one of the league's top players throughout his career. Former legends of the game have praised Watt. They believe he could have played in any era of the game and been the best player.

He continues to improve with each season and is on track to climb even higher on all-time rankings by the time his career is over. Watt is currently on pace to become one of the the NFL’s all-time best outside linebackers.

3.) Mel Blount

Cowher ranked Mel Blount third on his list, recognizing him as a game-changing cornerback. Blount, a four-time Super Bowl champion, was a dominant force in the Steelers' defense, starting 189 games and hauling in 57 interceptions. 

His impact on the game was so significant that he earned the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award in 1975. Blount's physical style of play even led to rule changes, further cementing his legacy.

2.) Rod Woodson

Cowher called Rod Woodson the best defensive player he ever coached. A versatile and gifted defensive back, Woodson could also contribute on offense and excel as a punt returner. According to Cowher, there was nothing Woodson couldn’t do. 

Woodson’s remarkable career included 11 Pro Bowl selections and six All-Pro honors, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the game.

1.) Joe Greene

It’s no surprise that Joe Greene tops Cowher’s list. A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Greene was a dominant force and a cornerstone of the Steelers’ legendary defense. 

His presence was a key reason Pittsburgh captured four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s, solidifying his status as the greatest Steelers defender of all time.

Cowher admitted that creating this list was incredibly difficult, acknowledging that some players might be unhappy with the rankings. He also included a few honorable mentions, naming Jack Lambert, Jack Ham, Donnie Shell and Ernie Stautner.

"I have to do an honorable mention because I watched this guy as a kid. This guy Jack Lambert. To me that guy represented everything… You look at that list. It was not easy. Ernie Stautner you talk about a guy who exemplified everything as a Steeler early on. And again Jack Ham and Donnie Shell."

 Even with these additions, several Steelers legends were left off, underscoring just how remarkable the franchise’s history truly is.

Steelers' Bill Cowher Shares How He Made The Top 5

When former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan asked Cowher how he put together his list, Cowher explained the thought process behind selecting his top five Steelers defensive players of all time. 

He shared the considerations and criteria that shaped his final rankings, acknowledging the challenge of narrowing down such an illustrious group of players.

"The criteria was that you have to be defensive player of the year at least once… Then I said AP All-Pro first team. Then the other thing was All-Decade and Walter Payton Man of the Year. These guys made influences to the game and honestly represent what the Pittsburgh Steelers are all about. It’s what you do on the field, but it’s also how you represent yourself off the field."

Cowher selected his players based on their talents and the impact they had on the organization. All five were instrumental in the Steelers’ success, contributing to wins simply by being on the field. While the Steelers have a rich history of strong defensive players, these five stood out as the leaders of their respective defenses.

This was Cowher’s approach, and many in Steeler Nation will likely agree with his rankings. While some may want to debate the selections, the reality is that leaving out star players is an inevitable part of making such a list. If anyone has the credentials to create a list like this, it’s Cowher.

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