The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long and storied history of being excellent defensively. The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a legendary defense and a storied history in the National Football League. The team’s long history includes a slew of scary players that can exert total control over any game.
List of 5 of the Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players Of All-Time
1. Joe Greene
For several years after Greene’s 1969 rookie season, the Pittsburgh Steelers were known for their high selection picks. Joe has also been a four-time Super Bowl winner. When it comes to his achievements on the gridiron, he has seven Pro Bowl appearances, five All-Pro first teams, three All-Pro second teams, the 75th Anniversary All-Time NFL Team, and the 1970s All-Decade Team (1972 and 1974). In 1987, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
2. Jack Lambert
To fill in for Henry Davis, Jack Lambert played middle linebacker as a rookie. From 1975 to 1983, he was a member of the Pro Bowl team nine times. Seven of the eight All-Pro nominations he received were for the first team. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was a member of both the All-Decade Teams and the All-NBA Teams. Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and 1976 NFL Defensive MVP in 1976. It was in 1990 that Jack Lambert was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
3. Troy Polamalu
Polamalu is versatile enough to fill any role on the defense. When it comes to the quarterback, he can sack him or jump over a blocker to bring down a running back while covering or destroying someone in the middle. He was a key cog in the Steelers’ two Super Bowl triumphs and three AFC crowns during his 12-year tenure. When he was voted Defensive Player of the Year in 2010, he had eight Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro selections to his resume. He has 32 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries, and five defensive touchdowns in 158 games.
4. James Harrison
He is the team’s all-time leading pass-rusher with 80.5 sacks, and he was instrumental in two Super Bowl victories for the organization. While playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he earned five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro honors. He was also voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. With his 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII, Harrison contributed to one of Pittsburgh’s greatest victories ever.
5. Jack Ham
Another member of the Steelers’ 1970s greats is Jack Ham. From 1973 to 1980, he played in eight straight Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the 1970s All-Decade Team. After being nominated in 1988, he was voted into the Hall of Fame.
