Pittsburgh Steelers fans are in a league of their own, and they are as dedicated as any fan can be. But even the most dedicated Steelers fan could find something here that they never knew. Learn more about the beloved Black and Gold Steelers and then use this information at your next tailgate or watch party to dazzle all your friends with your deep knowledge of the Steelers.
What’s in a name?
Do you remember the Steagles? The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through three name changes during their history. The team actually started out as the Pittsburgh Pirates before owner Art Rooney changed their name to Steelers in 1940. In 1943, they became the “Steagles” when they merged with the Philadelphia Eagles when soccer rosters were sold out during the Second World War. The following year, 1944, saw them similarly fused with the Cardinals, and they became the exciting “Card-Pitt” team.
Cheerleaders?
Yes, Pittsburgh used to have cheerleaders. One of the first cheerleading teams in the NFL, the Steelerettes, cheered for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1961 to 1970.
The Steelmark logo
The Steelers’ steel brand logo was originally applied only to the right side of the helmet because the Steelers simply weren’t sure what it would look like on their solid gold helmets. Even when they later changed the color of their helmet to solid black, they decided to permanently keep the logo on one side only due to the new success of the team and the interest generated by the uniqueness of the logo.
Heinz field hexagons
The tapered steel columns that support the multi-story glass wall that provides a spectacular view from the lounges and suites at Heinz Field are perforated with hexagons, a shape derived from the Steelers logo. Steel is also the primary building material used in the construction of the stadium, appropriate as it reflects Pittsburgh’s steelmaking heritage.
The Duquesne Slope
The Duquesne Slope, which has been scaling the side of Mount Washington since May 7, 1877, is just one example of Pittsburgh’s pride in the Steelers. On game day, a signal is added to each of the two cars; the left says “DEEE” and the right says “FENSE.” When the cars cross at the midpoint, they read “DEEE FENSE.” The illuminated signs can be seen from the Heinz field.
Player Numbers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never retired any number of players, and that makes them one of the few teams in the NFL to follow this practice. But certain numbers are not mysteriously given out to new players each season: No. 12 (Terry Bradshaw), No. 31 (Donnie Shell), No. 32 (Franco Harris), No. 47 (Mel Blount), No. 52 ( Mike Webster), No. 58 (Jack Lambert), No. 59 (Jack Ham), No. 70 (Ernie Stautner) and No. 75 (Joe Greene).
The terrible towel
The much-loved Official Myron Cope Terrible Towel was created to appease department store owners who were upset that their yellow and black hand towels were selling for a disproportionate price to the matching bath towels.
