Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the 10 best players in franchise history
8. Jack Ham, LB
Perhaps the best coverage linebacker of all time, Jack Ham had seven interceptions in 1972 from his outside linebacker spot. He made seven straight Pro Bowls from 1973-79 and six consecutive All-Pro teams from 1974-79. One of the top five outside linebackers of all time, Ham was a threat to come off the edge, while also disrupting the passing game in coverage.
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7. Antonio Brown, WR
Events over the last year and a half will sour this selection but there is no denying everything Antonio Brown accomplished while in a Steelers uniform. Six straight seasons with 100 receptions, six seasons of at least 1,200 yards, three seasons north of 1,500 yards and 67 touchdowns over that span.
He is, without a doubt, one of the top 10 receivers to ever play and the greatest at the position in Pittsburgh’s history.
6. Mel Blount, CB
Was there ever a harder-hitting defensive back than Mel Blount? It was largely because of him that the 1978 rule changes included the five-yard bump rule, where defensive backs can’t contact receivers five yards past the line of scrimmage.
That didn’t stop Blount from being a star, making it to three of his five Pro Bowls after the rule changes. His 57 interceptions are the most in team history and he is one of the most feared defensive backs in NFL history.
5. Troy Polamalu, S
One could make the argument that Troy Polamalu is the most unique player in the history of the NFL. The hair flying across the screen to make a big hit, the closing speed, the unbelievable interceptions and so on. Whether it’s with one of his 32 interceptions, a forced fumble or diving over the line of scrimmage, quarterbacks had to always keep an eye on Polamalu.
With eight Pro Bowls, four All-Pro selections, a Defensive Player of the Year Award and two Super Bowl wins on his now Hall of Fame résumé, Polamalu is one of the top five safeties to ever play the game and truly a one of a kind talent.