One of the most iconic elements of every NFL Sunday — for decades now, really — is a game involving the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team was first established in 1933 as the Pittsburgh Pirates before renaming themselves to Steelers in 1940 which is where their legacy kicked off.
The early days and the steel curtain
In their early years, the Steelers struggled with a lack of success on the field (that would last for much of its regular-season history). But the 1970s marked a change, as by then they had built one of history’s greatest defenses — “The Steel Curtain.” This swarming, ball hawking led by Hall of Famers Joe Greene and Mel Vernon Lambert along with the man known as “Hollywood Bags,” Jack Ham, Hollywood bags a.k.a L.C. Greenwood was responsible to Steelers 4 SuperBowl wins in an unprecedented six seasons: SB IX (defeated Minnesota Vikings), X (Dallas Cowboys), XIII(Cowboys) & XIV Rams).
The Roethlisberger Era
The Steelers rejuvenated themselves with the first decade of success in their new century after teetering on mediocrity amidst a heap of injuries and abysmal records during rebuilding years coming out of the 1990s. The new dynasty began with the drafting of QB Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Roethlisberger brought the Steelers to Super Bowl victories in XL and XLIII, with weapons such as Hines Ward — one of many targets Roethlisberger had not been a part or had already departed at that point.
Recent Years and the Future
The Steelers have had struggles — by their standards, at least — in recent years transitioning from the Roethlisberger era. Nevertheless, the team is still dedicated to a winning culture and has taken steps towards rejuvenating their roster. A stout defense and hopeful young talent keeps the Steelers in prime position for a run at continued greatness in defence of their crown.
What Made the Steelers Successful
The Rooney Family: Thanks to the ownership of the Rooneys, stability has been a trademark for how long success with their only coaching change since 1969 coming after last year and that marginal lung capacity it promotes winning.
The Steel Curtain Defense The steelers defenses of the 1970s set R
