Why Are Some Jersey Numbers So Sacred To The Steelers While Others Aren't?

Have you ever found yourself asking: why are some jersey numbers so sacred to the Steelers while others aren't? You're not alone. After all, a jersey number is important to each player who gets the honor of wearing it for their team.

However, if a team retired a number after every player took to the field in their jersey, then they'd quickly run out of numbers. So how is a team supposed to decide between the two, and how do the Steelers seem to have more retired numbers than most other teams? It turns out there is a good reason that some jersey numbers hold a special place in the team's heart.

Some Steelers numbers are limited for legendary players

It might come as no surprise that the Pittsburgh Steelers have reserved some jersey numbers for their legendary players. These are the ones that belong to players who gave it their all throughout their time on the field, and now no one can imagine seeing anyone else with the number. The likes of number 86 has been off-limits for Steelers players since Hines Ward retired in 2011. He took home two Super Bowl XL titles and was a real asset to the team. There also comes the point that some rookies have to earn their spot on the team before they are handed a legendary Steelers jersey number. However, that’s not always the case - and it’s upset quite a few fans throughout the years.

Offensive linemen have free choice of their numbers - almost

It seems that not everyone has to stick to the rules when it comes to picking jersey numbers, as an offensive lineman has their pick of them all - so long as that number is between 50 and 79. However, even then, there are some limitations as the Steelers have reserved some jersey numbers for former players. Number 63 hasn’t been on the field since Dermontii Dawson was on the field. Number 52 is another on the list, as Mike Webster was the one to once wear the Steelers jersey with pride. Sadly, some legendary Steelers players don’t seem to get the same treatment, as 53 was handed out to a new player as soon as Pouncey retired. Whatever the case, it appears that a lot of the jersey discussion is down to what the team feels.

Some have questioned what makes a Steelers’ number worthy of protecting

If there is one thing that’s got Steelers fans talking in the last few years, it’s what makes a number sacred - and what means that someone can grab a legendary jersey without much thought. It all came to a head when Kendrick Green was given the number 53 jersey worn by Maurkice Pouncey for 11 years, even though he had just left the field. Sure, some players instantly earn their spot in the Steelers hall of fame without much question, while others come and go like dust in the wind. The problem? Some fans feel that underrated players should be given the same treatment, or at the very least, their jersey numbers shouldn’t be handed out before they’ve even had time to clear out their locker.

So why are some jersey numbers so sacred to the Steelers while others aren’t? In short, it seems there is no real pattern to the jerseys that get retired with their players. It appears it all starts with being a legendary asset and ends with how the Steelers feel at the time.