History of Pittsburgh Steelers in Timeline
The Pittsburgh Steelers, established in 1933, are a professional American football team that plays in the National Football League (NFL). They are members of the American Football Conference (AFC) North Division and hold the title of the seventh-oldest NFL franchise and the oldest in the AFC.
July 8, 1933: Pittsburgh Steelers Join the NFL
On July 8, 1933, the Steelers, then known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, officially joined the NFL. The team was owned by Art Rooney.
September 20, 1933: First Game as Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Steelers played their first game as the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 20, 1933, losing to the New York Giants.
1933: Forrest Douds Becomes Steelers' First Head Coach
Forrest Douds became the first head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1933, leading the team to a 3-6-2 record during his tenure.
1933: National Football League Founding
The National Football League (NFL), which the Pittsburgh Steelers are a part of, was founded in 1933.
1933: Eagles and Steelers: Birth of a Rivalry
The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers both entered the NFL in 1933, marking the beginning of their long-standing rivalry. They were placed in the same division, intensifying their competition.
1933: Steelers Begin Journey at Forbes Field
The Pittsburgh Steelers began their journey in the NFL in 1933, sharing Forbes Field with the Pittsburgh Pirates for their home games.
1933: Founding of the Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 as the Pittsburgh Pirates, making them the seventh-oldest franchise in the NFL and the oldest in the AFC.
1933: Steelers' Early Years in NFL Eastern Division
The Steelers were placed in the NFL Eastern Division from their inaugural season in 1933 until 1943.
1936: Best Season of the 1930s
The Pittsburgh Pirates had their best season of the 1930s in 1936, achieving a .500 record.
1938: Signing of Byron White
In 1938, the Pirates signed Byron White, a future Supreme Court Justice, to the biggest contract in NFL history at the time.
1939: Dapper Dan Charities Begins Naming "Sportsman of the Year"
Since 1939, the regional Dapper Dan Charities has annually awarded the "Sportsman of the Year" honor to individuals in the Pittsburgh area.
1940: Name Change to Steelers
The Pittsburgh Pirates officially changed their name to the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 1940 season.
1943: Merger with Philadelphia Eagles
Due to player shortages during World War II, the Steelers temporarily merged with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1943, forming the "Steagles."
1943: Steelers Merge with Eagles
During the 1943 NFL season, the Steelers temporarily merged with the Philadelphia Eagles due to player shortages caused by World War II. The merged team was known as the "Steagles" and adopted the Eagles' green and white colors.
1943: Steelers Briefly Join Western Division
In 1943, the Steelers were briefly shifted to the Western Division.
1944: Merger with Chicago Cardinals
The Steelers again faced player shortages in 1944 due to World War II and merged with the Chicago Cardinals, forming "Card-Pitt." This team went winless, marking the only time in franchise history.
1944: Steelers Return to Eastern Division
The Steelers returned to the Eastern Division in 1944 after a brief stint in the Western Division.
1947: Steelers' Postseason Record
The Pittsburgh Steelers hold a postseason record of 36 wins and 26 losses, with all but one of those playoff games occurring after the 1970 merger. The sole exception was a playoff game in 1947, predating the merger era.
1947: First Playoff Appearance
The Steelers made their first playoff appearance in 1947 after tying for first place in their division.
1949: Steelers' Time in Eastern Division Ends
In 1949, the Steelers' time in the Eastern Division came to an end.
1950: Steelers and Browns Begin Rivalry
The Steelers and Cleveland Browns rivalry began in 1950, marking the start of a long-standing competition between the two teams.
1950: Steelers Join American Conference
The Steelers became part of the American Conference in 1950.
1952: Steelers' Time in American Conference Ends
In 1952, the Steelers' tenure in the American Conference concluded.
1953: Steelers Move to Eastern Conference
The Steelers became members of the Eastern Conference in 1953.
September 29, 1957: Steelers Hire First African-American Assistant Coach
The Steelers broke racial barriers on September 29, 1957, by hiring Lowell Perry as the first African-American assistant coach in NFL history.
1958: Steelers Split Home Games with Pitt Stadium
The Pittsburgh Steelers began splitting their home games between Forbes Field and Pitt Stadium in 1958. This arrangement provided a new venue for the team and its fans while maintaining a connection to their shared home.
1960: Steelers Victorious in Cowboys' Inaugural Game
The Dallas Cowboys played their first game as a franchise against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1960 at the Cotton Bowl. The Steelers emerged victorious with a score of 35-28.
1961: Steelers Introduce Cheerleading to the NFL
The Pittsburgh Steelers made history in 1961 by becoming the first NFL team to have a cheerleading squad, known as the Steelerettes.
1962: Steelers Introduce Iconic Logo
The Pittsburgh Steelers introduced their now-iconic logo in 1962. The logo, based on the "Steelmark" originally created by U.S. Steel, features the word "Steelers" encircled by three astroids, symbolizing the strength and innovation of the steel industry.
1962: Playoff Bowl Appearance
The Steelers played in the 1962 Playoff Bowl as the second-best team in their conference. This was not considered an official playoff game.
1963: Steelers Add "ers" to Logo
In 1963, following a petition to the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), the Steelers were granted permission to add "ers" to their logo, officially making it the "Steelers" as we know it today.
1963: Steelers Conclude Era at Forbes Field
In 1963, the Pittsburgh Steelers concluded their time at Forbes Field, their home for 31 seasons, marking the end of an era for the franchise.
1964: Steelers Retire Ernie Stautner's Number 70
In 1964, the Pittsburgh Steelers retired Ernie Stautner's number 70, marking the beginning of a 50-year tradition of not retiring numbers.
1964: Pitt Stadium Becomes Steelers' Sole Home Turf
Pitt Stadium became the exclusive home of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964, providing a dedicated venue for the team.
1966: Steelers' Time in Eastern Conference Ends
The Steelers' time in the Eastern Conference came to an end in 1966.
1966: Steelers' Road Woes Against Eagles Begin
The Steelers' struggles against the Eagles in Philadelphia began in 1966, marking the start of a winless streak on the road that continues to this day.
1967: Eagles and Steelers Divided, But Rivalry Remains
In 1967, the NFL underwent a divisional realignment, separating the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into different divisions. However, their rivalry remained significant as they continued to compete within the same conference.
1967: Steelers Join Century Division
In 1967, the Steelers were placed in the newly formed Century Division within the Eastern Conference.
1968: Steelers Introduce New Uniform Designs
In 1968, the Pittsburgh Steelers introduced their now-iconic uniform design featuring gold pants and either black or white jerseys.
1969: Steelerettes Bid Farewell
After a nine-season run, the Pittsburgh Steelerettes, the franchise's first and only cheerleading squad, concluded their time with the team in 1969.
1969: Chuck Noll Becomes Coach, Drafts "Mean" Joe Greene
Chuck Noll was hired as the Steelers' coach in 1969 and in his first draft, selected "Mean" Joe Greene, a future Hall of Famer.
1969: Steelers Wrap Up Stay at Pitt Stadium
The Pittsburgh Steelers bid farewell to Pitt Stadium in 1969 after five seasons, as they prepared to move into Three Rivers Stadium.
1970: Steelers Move to AFC Central
With the NFL's reorganization into the NFC and AFC in 1970, the Steelers found themselves in the AFC Central Division.
1970: Steelers and Broncos Rivalry Begins
The Steelers' rivalry with the Denver Broncos began in 1970.
1970: AFL-NFL Merger and Move to AFC
The Steelers joined the American Football Conference (AFC) in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger.
1970: Bradshaw and Blount Drafted
The Steelers drafted Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount, both future Hall of Famers, in 1970.
1970: Steelers and Oilers Become Division Rivals
The Steelers and Houston Oilers became division rivals in 1970 when the Oilers joined the AFC Central.
1970: Conference Shift Alters Eagles-Steelers Dynamic
The Pittsburgh Steelers, alongside the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Colts, moved to the American Football Conference (AFC) in 1970. In contrast, the Philadelphia Eagles remained in the National Football Conference (NFC). This shift meant the Eagles and Steelers no longer played each other annually, instead meeting every four years during the regular season.
1970: Steelers and Bengals Rivalry Begins
The Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals rivalry commenced in 1970 following the AFL-NFL merger.
1970: Steelers' Dominance in the Modern NFL Era
Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently ranked among the NFL's top teams. They boast the league's best record during this period, having secured the most regular-season victories, the highest number of playoff wins (33), the most division titles (20), and the most appearances in conference championship games (15). Furthermore, they share the record for the most Super Bowl appearances (8) with the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots.
1970: Myron Cope Begins Tenure as Steelers Radio Color Commentator
Myron Cope's illustrious career as the Pittsburgh Steelers radio color commentator began in 1970.
1970: Temporary Uniform Change
For the 1970 and 1971 seasons, the Steelers deviated from their usual uniform and wore white pants with their white jerseys.
1970: Steelers' Post-Merger Success
Following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers have achieved significant success. They have a regular-season record of 444-282-2, a playoff record of 36-26, and an overall record of 480-305-2, all reflecting a winning percentage of .635. The Steelers have made 30 playoff appearances, secured 22 division titles, competed in 16 AFC Championship games, and emerged victorious in six out of eight Super Bowl appearances.
1970: Steelers Turn the Tide in Rivalry
After struggling against the Browns early on, the Steelers gained momentum in the rivalry in 1970, achieving a 66-27-1 record since then.
1971: Jack Ham Drafted
Future Hall of Famer, Jack Ham, was drafted by the Steelers in 1971.
1971: Start of 49-Game Winning Streak
The Steelers began a 49-game winning streak against teams with losing records, starting in 1971. This streak lasted until 1979.
1971: Last Losing Season Under Noll
The Steelers experienced their first losing season since 1971, marking a period of decline for the franchise.
1971: Return to Traditional Uniform
The Steelers reverted to their gold pants and white jerseys in 1971 after a two-season experiment with white pants.
December 23, 1972: Steelers Secure First Playoff Victory Against Raiders with Immaculate Reception
The Steelers achieved their first-ever playoff win on December 23, 1972, by defeating the Raiders 13-7. The game-winning play, a controversial touchdown catch by Franco Harris known as the "Immaculate Reception," propelled the Steelers to their first AFC Championship Game.
1972: Steelers Begin Historic Sellout Streak
The Pittsburgh Steelers embarked on an impressive sellout streak starting in the 1972 season, a testament to their dedicated fan base and enduring popularity. This streak has continued to this day, showcasing the unwavering support of Steelers fans.
1972: Franco Harris Drafted
Franco Harris, another future Hall of Famer, was drafted by the Steelers in 1972.
December 3, 1973: Steelers Start First African-American Quarterback
On December 3, 1973, Joe Gilliam made history as the first African-American starting quarterback for the Steelers, marking a significant step towards greater racial diversity and inclusion in the NFL.
1973: Broncos Hand Steelers First Regular Season Loss at Three Rivers Stadium
The Denver Broncos handed the Steelers their first regular-season defeat at Three Rivers Stadium in 1973, with a score of 23-13.
1974: Five Future Hall of Famers Drafted
In a remarkable feat, the Steelers drafted five future Hall of Famers in 1974: Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, Donnie Shell, and Mike Webster.
1974: Steelers Defeat Raiders in AFC Championship Game
The Steelers claimed victory over the Raiders in the 1974 AFC Championship game, winning 24-13 and advancing to the Super Bowl.
January 12, 1975: Franco Harris Becomes First African-American Super Bowl MVP
Franco Harris etched his name into NFL history on January 12, 1975, when he became the first African-American player to be named Super Bowl MVP.
1975: The Terrible Towel Is Born
Broadcaster Myron Cope introduced the Terrible Towel in 1975, which quickly became an iconic symbol of the Pittsburgh Steelers and arguably the most recognizable fan symbol in professional sports.
1975: Steelers Secure Second Consecutive AFC Championship Against Raiders
The Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Oakland Raiders in the 1975 AFC Championship game with a score of 16-10, marking their second consecutive AFC championship victory and securing their spot in the Super Bowl.
1976: Raiders Defeat Steelers in AFC Championship Game
The Oakland Raiders emerged victorious in the 1976 AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 24-7 and preventing the Steelers from achieving a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. The game was marked by tension stemming from Chuck Noll's previous comments about George Atkinson.
1976: Steelers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with Win Over Bengals
The Steelers secured a crucial late-season victory against the Bengals in 1976, keeping their playoff hopes alive, which eventually led to a division title.
1977: Broncos Defeat Steelers in First Playoff Meeting
The Denver Broncos hosted and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1977 divisional round playoff game, with a final score of 34-21. This marked the first playoff game for the Broncos.
1977: Steelers Defeat Cowboys at Three Rivers Stadium
In 1977, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-13 at Three Rivers Stadium during the regular season, handing the Cowboys their second loss of the season.
1978: Steelers' Consistent Performance Since 1978
Since the NFL expanded to a 16-game regular season in 1978, the Pittsburgh Steelers hold the unique distinction of being the only team in the league to have never experienced a season with 12 or more losses. This remarkable consistency highlights the team's sustained success and ability to remain competitive over an extended period.
1979: Steelers' Road to Super Bowl Victory Includes Win Over Cowboys
During the 1979 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 14-3 at Three Rivers Stadium. This victory was part of their successful campaign that culminated in winning Super Bowl XIV.
1979: Iowa Hawkeyes Adopt Steelers' Uniform Design
In 1979, the Steelers' owners provided the Iowa Hawkeyes with replica Terry Bradshaw jerseys, which the Hawkeyes adopted as their home and away uniforms.
1979: End of 49-Game Winning Streak
The Steelers' 49-game winning streak against teams with losing records ended in 1979.
1979: "Renegade" Rocks the Charts
The rock band Styx released their iconic song "Renegade" in 1979, which would later become synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and their home games.
1980: Injuries Plague the Steelers
The Steelers suffered numerous injuries in 1980, leading to a disappointing season and missing the playoffs.
1981: Another Disappointing Season
The Steelers had another challenging season in 1981, finishing with an 8-8 record.
1982: Steelers Name All-Time Team for 50th Anniversary
In 1982, the Pittsburgh Steelers commemorated their 50th anniversary by selecting an All-Time team consisting of the 24 best players in franchise history.
1982: Swann and Ham Retire
Lynn Swann and Jack Ham, key players from the Super Bowl years, retired after the 1982 season.
1983: Bradshaw and Blount Retire
Following a divisional championship win, Terry Bradshaw and Mel Blount retired from the Steelers in 1983.
1983: Raiders Defeat Steelers in Terry Bradshaw's Final Game
The Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 38-10 in the 1983 AFC Divisional round. This game marked the final game in the NFL career of Steelers Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw, who was unable to play due to injury.
September 2, 1984: Steelers Hire First African-American Coordinator
Continuing their commitment to diversity, the Steelers hired Tony Dungy on September 2, 1984, as the NFL's first African-American coordinator.
1984: Jack Lambert Retires
After an AFC Championship Game appearance, Jack Lambert retired, marking the end of an era for the Steelers.
1984: Steelers Upset Broncos in Divisional Round
The Steelers pulled off an upset victory against the Broncos in the 1984 divisional round at Mile High Stadium, winning 24-17.
1985: Losing Streak Continues
The Steelers' struggles continued in 1985, finishing with a losing record.
1986: Still Struggling to Find Success
The Steelers remained unable to break their losing streak, finishing below .500 again in 1986.
1987: Steelers Use Point Stadium for Game Week Practices During Strike Season
During the 1987 NFL strike season, the Pittsburgh Steelers used Point Stadium in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for their game week practices.
1987: Players' Strike Impacts Season
The Steelers finished with an 8-7 record in 1987, a season impacted by a players' strike.
1988: Dan Rooney Takes Ownership
Dan Rooney, Art Rooney's son, took ownership of the Steelers in 1988.
1988: Another Losing Season
The Steelers' struggles continued in 1988, marking another losing season for the franchise.
1989: Second Round of Playoffs
The Steelers, led by Merrill Hoge and Rod Woodson, reached the second round of the playoffs in 1989.
1990: Expansion of Playoffs
The NFL expanded to a 12-team playoff format in 1990.
1992: Bill Cowher Becomes Coach
Chuck Noll retired, and Bill Cowher, a Pittsburgh native, took over as the Steelers' coach in 1992.
1994: First Playoff Meeting
The Steelers and Browns met for the first time in the playoffs in 1994, with the Steelers emerging victorious.
1994: "Here We Go" Becomes a Steelers Anthem
Roger Wood's song "Here We Go" gained popularity among Steelers fans in 1994, becoming a staple at games and a rallying cry for the team.
1994: NFL Celebrates 75th Anniversary with All-Time Team
In 1994, the NFL celebrated its 75th anniversary by announcing an All-Time team, recognizing the best players in league history.
1995: Super Bowl XXX Appearance
The Steelers, with their strong "Blitzburgh" defense, reached Super Bowl XXX in 1995 but lost to the Dallas Cowboys.
1996: Patriots' First Playoff Win Against Steelers
The Patriots secured their first playoff victory against the Steelers in 1996 with a decisive 28-3 win.
1996: Terrible Towel Supports Allegheny Valley School
The rights to the Terrible Towel were transferred to the Allegheny Valley School in 1996, a move that has generated over $2.5 million in proceeds. These funds support the school's mission of caring for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
1996: Cowboys Dominate Steelers in Super Bowl XXX
Super Bowl XXX witnessed a dominant performance by the Dallas Cowboys, who defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17. Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown earned the game's MVP award for his two interceptions of Steelers quarterback Neil O'Donnell.
1997: Broncos Edge Out Steelers in AFC Championship Game
The Denver Broncos narrowly defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1997 AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh with a score of 24-21.
1997: Oilers Franchise Moves to Tennessee
The Houston Oilers franchise moved to Tennessee in 1997, shifting the rivalry dynamic with the Steelers.
1997: Steelers Even the Score
The Steelers evened the playoff series against the Patriots in 1997 with a close 7-6 victory.
1997: Uniform Modernization
The Steelers updated their uniforms in 1997, switching to rounded numbers and adding the Steelers logo to the left side of the jersey.
1998: Steelers Win Inaugural Game at M&T Bank Stadium
The Steelers defeated the Ravens in the first-ever game played at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium in 1998.
1999: Steelers Continue Dominance After Browns' Return
The Steelers continued their dominance over the Browns after their return to the NFL in 1999.
2000: Steelers Upset Raiders, Preventing Home-Field Advantage
The Steelers upset the Raiders in a game towards the end of the 2000 season, preventing the Raiders from securing home-field advantage in the playoffs.
2000: Ravens Defeat Steelers in Season Opener
During their championship season in 2000, the Ravens beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh in the season's opening game.
2000: Steelers Establish Headquarters at UPMC Sportsplex
The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their state-of-the-art headquarters and practice facilities at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Sportsplex in 2000. This move brought together cutting-edge sports medicine and research alongside the Pittsburgh Panthers football team.
2001: Steelers Join AFC North
In 2001, the Steelers were realigned into the AFC North Division, where they remain to this day.
2001: Patriots Upset Steelers in AFC Championship
The New England Patriots emerged as a significant rival after defeating the Steelers in the 2001 AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field.
2001: Steelers Move Into Heinz Field
The Pittsburgh Steelers moved into their new home, Heinz Field, in 2001, marking the start of a new era for the franchise.
2001: Ravens Hand Steelers First Loss at Heinz Field
The Ravens gave the Steelers their first-ever loss at Heinz Field in 2001.
2001: Heinz Field Opens
The Steelers moved into their new home stadium, Heinz Field (now Acrisure Stadium), in 2001, replacing Three Rivers Stadium.
2001: Titans Achieve Seven Game Winning Streak Against Steelers
The Titans won seven consecutive games against the Steelers from 1997 to 2001, marking the longest win streak by either team in the series.
July 24, 2002: Steelers Hire First Female Athletic Trainer
On July 24, 2002, the Steelers made history by hiring Ariko Iso as the first female full-time athletic trainer in the NFL.
2002: Decline of Raiders Rivalry
The intensity of the Steelers-Raiders rivalry decreased after 2002, primarily due to the Raiders' decline in performance.
2002: Patriots Defeat Steelers Again
The Patriots continued their winning ways against the Steelers with a 30-14 victory early in the 2002 season.
2002: Titans Win Playoff Showdown Against Steelers
The Titans defeated the Steelers 34-31 in a bitter playoff game in 2002.
2002: "Renegade" Ignites Steelers' Defense and Fans
Styx's 1979 hit "Renegade" found a new life at Pittsburgh Steelers games starting in 2002. The song plays during the late stages of games, typically before crucial defensive stands, energizing both the crowd and the Steelers defense.
2002: Second Playoff Encounter
In 2002, the Steelers and Browns faced off in the playoffs for the second time, with the Steelers once again securing the win.
2003: Steelers' Winning Streak Against Browns
Between 2003 and 2009, the Steelers had a twelve-game winning streak against the Browns, showcasing their dominance in the rivalry during that period.
2004: Myron Cope Concludes 35 Seasons as Steelers Radio Voice
Myron Cope's 35-season run as the Pittsburgh Steelers radio color commentator came to an end in 2004.
2004: Myron Cope Retires as Steelers Radio Color Commentator
Myron Cope, known for inventing the "Terrible Towel," retired from his position as the Steelers radio color commentator after the 2004 season, concluding a 35-year tenure.
2004: Steelers and Cowboys Face Off in the 21st Century
The Steelers and Cowboys first met in the 21st century in 2004, marking the continuation of their storied rivalry in a new era.
2004: Steelers End Patriots' Winning Streak
The Steelers put an end to the Patriots' record-setting 21-game winning streak during the 2004 season.
2005: Steelers' Comeback Win and Controversy
The Steelers achieved a come-from-behind victory against the Bengals in the 2005 AFC Wildcard playoff game. The game was marked by an injury to Bengals QB Carson Palmer, which intensified the rivalry.
2006: Raiders Upset Steelers, Impacting Playoff Chances
The Raiders pulled off an upset victory against the Steelers in Week 8 of the 2006 NFL season, winning 20-13. This loss contributed to the Steelers missing the playoffs that year.
2006: Steelers Announce Flagship Radio Stations
In 2006, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced WDVE 102.5 FM and WBGG 970 AM, both owned by iHeartMedia, as their flagship radio stations.
2006: Bengals Win Tiebreaker Two Years in a Row
For two consecutive years, 2005 and 2006, the Bengals and Steelers finished with identical records, but the Bengals won the tiebreaker both times due to a better division record.
2006: Cowher's Final Season
Bill Cowher coached his last season with the Steelers in 2006. The team finished 8-8, missing the playoffs.
2006: Racetrack Expansion and NFL Policy Conflict
Around 2006, many racetracks owned by the Rooney family began incorporating video slot machines into their operations. This expansion into gambling activities presented a potential conflict with NFL policies that prohibited team owners from involvement in racetrack and gambling interests. This situation prompted the Rooney family to seek solutions to ensure compliance with league rules while maintaining their stake in both the Steelers and their racetrack businesses.
January 7, 2007: Bill Cowher Resigns
On January 7, 2007, Bill Cowher resigned from his position as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his departure.
January 22, 2007: Mike Tomlin Hired as Head Coach
On January 22, 2007, Mike Tomlin was named the new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, succeeding Bill Cowher. Tomlin's appointment marked a significant moment in NFL history as he became the first African-American head coach in the team's 75-year history.
2007: Steelers Announce Updated All-Time Team for 75th Season
As part of their 75th-anniversary celebration in 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers unveiled an updated All-Time team, featuring the 33 greatest players in franchise history.
2007: Steely McBeam Debuts as Steelers' Mascot
In 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers introduced their official mascot, Steely McBeam, to commemorate their 75th anniversary. The name, a tribute to the city's steel heritage and the Rooney family, was chosen from over 70,000 fan submissions.
2007: Mike Tomlin Hired as Steelers' Head Coach
Mike Tomlin was hired as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 2007 season.
2007: Steelers Debut Third Uniform for 75th Anniversary
The Steelers introduced a third uniform option in 2007 for their 75th anniversary season, featuring a black jersey with gold lettering, white pants with black and gold stripes, and a gold helmet.
August 2008: Steelers Fans Ranked Best in the NFL
ESPN.com recognized Pittsburgh Steelers fans as the best in the NFL in August 2008. Their unwavering support and impressive sellout streak of 299 consecutive games solidified their reputation as some of the most passionate fans in professional sports.
December 7, 2008: Steelers Secure Dramatic Victory Against Cowboys
On December 7, 2008, the Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Dallas Cowboys at Heinz Field, where the Steelers achieved a thrilling come-from-behind victory. After tying the game 13-13, Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend intercepted a pass from Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and returned it for the game-winning touchdown, resulting in a final score of 20-13.
2008: Myron Cope Passes Away
Myron Cope, the longtime color analyst for the Pittsburgh Steelers and inventor of the "Terrible Towel," died in 2008.
2008: Mike Tomlin Named Coach of the Year
Mike Tomlin was honored as the Motorola Coach of the Year in 2008 for his exceptional coaching performance.
2008: Rooney Family Brings in Investors
In 2008, the Rooney family, while maintaining control of the Pittsburgh Steelers, decided to bring in several investors to comply with NFL ownership regulations. This decision stemmed from a desire within the family to balance their involvement with the team and their business interests in racetracks, which were expanding into video slot machines and potentially conflicting with NFL policies on gambling.
2008: Steelers' Championship Run Includes Wins Over Ravens
The Steelers defeated the Ravens three times during their 2008 championship run, including a victory in the AFC Championship game.
February 1, 2009: Steelers Win Super Bowl XLIII
On February 1, 2009, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, emerged victorious in Super Bowl XLIII, defeating the Arizona Cardinals with a score of 27-23.
2009: Raiders Upset Steelers Again, Affecting Playoff Hopes
In Week 13 of the 2009 season, the Raiders upset the Steelers again, winning a back-and-forth game 27-24 with a last-minute touchdown. This loss played a role in the Steelers failing to make the playoffs.
2009: End of Steelers' Winning Streak
The Steelers' twelve-game winning streak against the Browns ended in 2009.
2010: Steelers Dominate Raiders, Richard Seymour Punches Ben Roethlisberger
The Steelers delivered a resounding 35-3 victory over the Raiders in Pittsburgh in 2010, ending the Raiders' three-game winning streak. The game was marred by an incident in which Raiders player Richard Seymour punched Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
2010: Steelers Reach Super Bowl XLV
The Steelers, with Mike Tomlin as their head coach, had a successful 2010 season, ultimately reaching Super Bowl XLV. This achievement solidified Tomlin's place in NFL history as the only coach to guide his team to two Super Bowl appearances before turning 40.
February 6, 2011: Steelers Lose Super Bowl XLV
The Pittsburgh Steelers, under the leadership of head coach Mike Tomlin, faced off against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011. The Steelers were defeated by the Packers, with a final score of 31-25.
2011: Third Uniform Remains Popular
Due to their popularity, the Steelers continued to use their third uniform option, inspired by the 1963-1964 era, through the 2011 season.
2011: Broncos Tie Raiders for Most Playoff Meetings Against Steelers
The Denver Broncos tied the Oakland Raiders for the most playoff games against the Steelers in 2011.
2011: Steelers Defeat Broncos on Road to Super Bowl XL
The Steelers secured their spot in Super Bowl XL by defeating the Denver Broncos 34-17 in Colorado in 2011.
January 2012: Tim Tebow Leads Broncos to Upset Victory Over Steelers
In January 2012, the Steelers' attempt to repeat as AFC champions was cut short by a surprising overtime upset by the Tim Tebow-led Broncos. This game, known as the "316 game", dashed the Steelers' Super Bowl hopes.
December 16, 2012: Cowboys Triumph Over Steelers in Overtime Thriller
The Dallas Cowboys emerged victorious over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a closely contested overtime game on December 16, 2012, at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys secured a 27-24 win.
2012: Raiders Overcome Deficit to Defeat Steelers
The Raiders hosted the Steelers in 2012 and mounted a comeback from a 31-21 deficit to win 34-31.
2012: Steelers Achieve 400th Victory
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their 400th victory in their franchise history during the 2012 season, following a win against the Washington Redskins.
2012: Steelers Introduce "Bumblebee" Jerseys
The Steelers marked their 80th anniversary in 2012 by introducing a new third uniform, a yellow jersey with black horizontal stripes, beige pants, and striped socks, drawing inspiration from their 1934 uniforms.
2013: Raiders Defeat Steelers Again
The Raiders continued their winning ways against the Steelers with another victory in 2013, winning 21-18.
2013: Rise of the "Killer B's"
The period from 2013 to 2017 marked the rise of the "Killer B's" era for the Pittsburgh Steelers. This formidable offensive trio comprised Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, Antonio Brown at wide receiver, and Le'Veon Bell at running back. Their exceptional performances and contributions to the team's success during this period were widely recognized, solidifying their place in Steelers history.
2014: Steelers Retire Joe Greene's Number 75
In 2014, the Pittsburgh Steelers retired Joe Greene's number 75, breaking the 50-year tradition of not retiring numbers and opening the possibility for future retirements.
2015: Edmund Nelson Retires from Broadcasting
Edmund Nelson, a former Pittsburgh Steelers lineman, retired from his broadcasting career in 2015.
2015: Broncos Play Steelers in Playoffs, Surpassing Raiders in Meetings
The Broncos played against the Steelers in the 2015 playoffs, marking their eighth meeting and surpassing the Oakland Raiders' total playoff games against the Steelers.
2015: Steelers Split Games with Broncos, Losing in Divisional Round
The Steelers and Broncos met twice in 2015, with the Steelers winning the regular-season matchup but losing in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game.
2015: Steelers End Losing Streak Against Raiders
The Steelers snapped their losing streak against the Raiders with a 38-35 win at Heinz Field in 2015.
2015: Rivalry Intensifies with Vontaze Burfict
The rivalry between the Steelers and Bengals escalated in 2015, fueled by contentious incidents involving Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
November 13, 2016: Cowboys Defeat Steelers at Heinz Field
On November 13, 2016, the Dallas Cowboys visited Heinz Field and defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a final score of 35-30.
November 2016: Steelers Support Launch of Chuck Noll Foundation
The Pittsburgh Steelers donated \$1 million to help launch the Chuck Noll Foundation for Brain Injury Research in November 2016.
2016: "Bumblebee" Jerseys Retired
After five seasons, the Steelers retired the popular "bumblebee" jerseys following the 2016 season.
2016: Steelers Debut Black Color Rush Uniforms
In 2016, the Steelers unveiled their alternate black Color Rush uniforms, inspired by the uniforms worn between 1946 and 1965 but with black pants instead of gold or white.
June 2017: Steelers Announce Inaugural Charity Walk
In June 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers organized their first charity walk to raise funds for the Chuck Noll Foundation.
August 1, 2017: Pittsburgh Steelers Establish Hall of Honor
On August 1, 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers launched their Hall of Honor to recognize and celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions to the franchise.
2017: Steelers Reach 450 Regular Season Wins
In 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers became the first NFL team to reach 450 regular-season victories since the 1970 merger. This accomplishment further solidified their place in NFL history and highlighted their sustained success over an extended period.
2017: Dan Rooney Passes Away
Dan Rooney, owner of the Steelers, passed away in 2017. Control of the franchise was then largely given to his son, Art Rooney II.
December 9, 2018: Raiders Defeat Steelers, Impacting Playoff Chances
The Raiders defeated the Steelers 24-21 in Oakland on December 9, 2018, a loss that ultimately contributed to the Steelers missing the playoffs that year.
December 16, 2018: Steelers Defeat Patriots
Though they ultimately missed the playoffs, the Steelers defeated the Patriots by a score of 17-10 on December 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh.
2018: Steelers Pay Homage to Steel Curtain Era with New Third Uniform
The Steelers unveiled a third uniform in 2018, paying homage to the uniforms worn during the Steel Curtain era from 1968 to 1997. These uniforms resemble the current ones but lack the Steelers logo on the chest and feature block lettering and numbers.
2019: NFL Announces 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
In 2019, the NFL announced a new All-Time Team in celebration of its 100th anniversary, honoring the greatest players in league history.
2019: Kennywood Opens Steelers-Themed Land
In the summer of 2019, Kennywood theme park, located near Pittsburgh, unveiled Steelers Country, a new section dedicated to the Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring the record-breaking Steel Curtain roller coaster, a Steelers-themed experience, and the 'End Zone Restaurant'.
2020: Steelers Hold Training Camp at Heinz Field Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
In 2020, the Pittsburgh Steelers held their training camp at Heinz Field instead of Saint Vincent College due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Steelers Defeat Titans at Nissan Stadium
The Steelers continued their winning record against the Titans with a 27-24 win at Nissan Stadium in 2020.
September 19, 2021: Raiders Defeat Steelers in Pittsburgh
The Raiders secured a victory against the Steelers at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021, winning with a score of 26-17.
October 10, 2021: Steelers Defeat Broncos in Pittsburgh
The Steelers won against the Broncos on October 10, 2021, in Pittsburgh, with a final score of 27-19.
2021: Mike Tomlin's Coaching Record
As of the end of the 2021 NFL season, Mike Tomlin holds a remarkable coaching record of 162 wins, 94 losses, and 2 ties, resulting in a winning percentage of .632. This accomplishment makes him the first head coach in the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers to complete every season without a losing record.
2021: Steelers Continue Training Camp at Heinz Field Amidst Pandemic
The Pittsburgh Steelers continued to hold their training camp at Heinz Field in 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic persisted.
2021: Browns' First Playoff Win Against Steelers
The Browns defeated the Steelers in the 2021 playoffs, marking their first postseason victory against their rivals.
2021: Steelers' Recent Performance
By the conclusion of the 2021 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers had amassed a commendable all-time record of 688 victories, 590 losses, and 22 ties, encompassing both regular-season and playoff games. This record reflects the team's continued success and ability to maintain a competitive edge in the league.
February 2022: Heinz Field Becomes Acrisure Stadium
Heinz declined to renew their naming rights agreement with the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to a new deal with Acrisure in February 2022. The stadium, previously known as Heinz Field, was renamed Acrisure Stadium.
2022: Steelers Return to Saint Vincent College for Training Camp
After two seasons at Heinz Field, the Pittsburgh Steelers returned to Saint Vincent College for their training camp in 2022.
2022: Eagles Prevail Over Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field
The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lincoln Financial Field in 2022, a game added to the schedule due to the NFL's expanded regular season format. The Eagles emerged victorious with a commanding 35-13 win, extending their home winning streak against the Steelers.
2022: Steelers Defeat Raiders on Christmas Eve
The Steelers defeated the Raiders 13-10 on Christmas Eve in 2022, with a last-minute touchdown by rookie Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
September 23, 2023: Steelers Loss to Raiders Contributes to Coaching Changes
The Raiders defeated the Steelers 23-18 in a game on September 23, 2023, in Las Vegas. The Steelers' poor performance in this game played a part in the subsequent firing of Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler.
2023: Bill Hillgrove Retires as Steelers Lead Announcer
Bill Hillgrove, the longtime lead announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, retired after the 2023 season.