Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the 10 best players in franchise history

The Pittsburgh Steelers are a storied franchise and these are the greatest players.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the most accomplished organization in the history of the NFL. Their success spans over four decades with countless impact players, stars and Hall of Famers (or future Hall of Famers).

That being said, compiling a list of the greatest players in Pittsburgh Steelers history was always going to be difficult because of the number of omissions. Thus, there are some players who deserve an honorable mention: Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Alan Faneca, Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, Mike Webster.

But now, let’s get onto the main event — ranking the 10 greatest Steelers players in franchise history.

10. Franco Harris, RB

The man who caught the Immaculate Reception, Franco Harris will always have a special part in the hearts of Steelers Nation. Harris was far from a one-play wonder, though. The nine-time Pro Bowler retired with the second-most rushing yards of all time and was the MVP of Super Bowl IX.

Three more Super Bowls with him at the forefront of the Steelers ground attack cements Harris as one of the Steel city’s finest sons.

9. Rod Woodson, DB

The only player to make a Pro Bowl as a safety, cornerback and return specialist, Rod Woodson is one of the most versatile talents of all time. Woodson’s 71 interceptions rank third all-time and the 12 he returned for a touchdown are the most all-time in NFL History.

Woodson won the 1993 Defensive Player of the Year with Pittsburgh and was the leader of the Steelers defense for a decade. Six of his 11 Pro Bowl selections and five of his six All-Pro selections came in a Steelers uniform, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s best players.