The Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the oldest and most storied franchises in the National Football League, have a rich history filled with remarkable athletes. When it comes to quarterbacks, a handful of names invariably emerge, all of whom have an immeasurable impact on the franchise. This article will discuss the five all-time best quarterbacks who donned black and gold. Their heroics on the gridiron will forever remain etched in the annals of Steeler Nation.
Terry Bradshaw
The “Blonde Bomber” was a force that defied opposition during his heyday. He was a critical component of the Steelers’ dynasty in the 1970s, a period that saw them secure four Super Bowl titles.
Bradshaw’s strong arm and daring, gunslinger mentality set him apart from others. Despite initial struggles, he evolved into an elite passer, demonstrating an uncanny ability to perform in high-pressure situations. Bradshaw’s impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers gamelines is best exemplified in Super Bowl XIII, where he threw for 318 yards and four touchdowns in helping the Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 35-31. Bradshaw would be named Super Bowl XIII MVP.
The Louisiana Tech alum’s leadership was another key facet of his game. His teammates admired his competitive spirit and unyielding drive to win. Bradshaw concluded his NFL journey with 27,989 passing yards and 212 touchdowns, marking an illustrious career that earned him a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
Ben Roethlisberger
Affectionately known as “Big Ben,” the 6-foot-5 quarterback made a significant impact during his tenure with the Steelers. Drafted in 2004 from Miami University (Ohio), Roethlisberger quickly asserted himself as one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the league.
Roethlisberger’s size and strength were his most notable attributes. He was renowned for shrugging off defenders, extending plays, and delivering critical passes in the clutch. The two-time Super Bowl champion was also highly adept at leading game-winning drives, a testament to his ice-cold composure in tense situations.
“Big Ben” was an offensive leader who demanded excellence from his teammates. His competitive drive was infectious, inspiring those around him to elevate their game. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he accumulated 64,088 passing yards, 418 touchdowns, and 211 interceptions.
Terry Hanratty
Hanratty was an integral part of the Steelers in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Notre Dame alum played a vital supporting role in helping the Steelers put together a Super Bowl-winning team in the 1970s and pushed Bradshaw to be a better quarterback.
Hanratty was best known for his football intelligence and quick decision-making. Despite sharing quarterback duties with Bradshaw during his tenure, Hanratty showed an excellent understanding of the game and was trusted to manage critical situations. His calmness under pressure was a stabilizing factor.
Hanratty was not as statistically dominant as others on this list, but his contributions went beyond the numbers. His ability to perform when called upon demonstrated his importance to the Steelers during their early championship years. His place in Steeler lore, albeit understated, is no less significant.
Neil O’Donnell
O’Donnell commanded the Steelers’ huddle through the first half of the 1990s. He led Pittsburgh to Super Bowl XXX, the franchise’s first Super Bowl appearance since the Bradshaw era, showcasing his leadership and talent.
O’Donnell was a poised and accurate passer. His precision and decision-making helped him reduce turnovers, a crucial element in Pittsburgh’s ball-control offense. He was a reliable player who could efficiently distribute the ball to his targets.
Despite a tough loss to the Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX, O’Donnell had a fruitful career with the Steelers. He passed for over 12,800 yards and 68 touchdowns during his Pittsburgh tenure, establishing himself as one of the team’s most effective signal-callers.
Kordell Stewart
Stewart was a versatile player who was nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to contribute as a passer, runner, and even receiver. Stewart’s dynamic skill set added a unique dimension to the Steelers offense in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Stewart was a dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with his arm and legs. His creativity and athleticism caused nightmares for opposing defenses, who struggled to contain his unpredictable playing style.
While his passing stats may not rank among the elite, Stewart’s contribution to the Steelers was beyond conventional metrics. His unique skill set ushered in an era of exciting, multi-faceted offense for the Steelers, and he remains one of the franchise’s most memorable players.
Conclusion
The Steelers have been fortunate to host a roster of outstanding quarterbacks throughout their storied history, some of which helped lead them to a total of six Lombardi Trophies.
Each of these players – Terry Bradshaw, Ben Roethlisberger, Terry Hanratty, Neil O’Donnell, and Kordell Stewart – have left an indelible mark on the franchise. They have provided Steeler Nation with memorable moments, championship victories, and thrilling football. These men have not just played the game, they have defined an era, becoming timeless figures in the hallowed chronicles of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
