Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 47: a history of the number and who wore it best
Current Steelers No. 47 wearer: N/A
There isn't a current wearer of No. 47 on the Steelers roster — and for good reason, as the number has been officially retired out of respect for one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 47:
Best No. 47 in Steelers history: CB Mel Blount
There's no debating this selection — Mel Blount is the best Steeler to ever wear No. 47. Drafted by Pittsburgh with the 53rd overall pick in the third round of the 1970 NFL Draft, Blount played in 200 games over 14 seasons for Pittsburgh — winning four Super Bowls with the legendary Steel Curtain defense, earning five Pro Bowl honors, two First-Team All-Pro selections, four Second-Team All-Pro selections, and the 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
For his stellar career, he was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, 75th Anniversary Team, 100th Anniversary Team, Steelers All-Time Team, and Steelers Hall of Honor. Blount finished his career with 57 interceptions — the most in franchise history. His elite and physical style of play led to the creation of the illegal contact rule, widely referred to as the 'Mel Blount Rule.' Blount was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and remains the greatest Steeler to have worn — or ever will wear — No. 47.
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