Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 36: a history of the number and who wore it best
Current Steelers No. 36 wearer: N/A
There isn't a player currently wearing No. 36 on the Steelers roster — and for good reason, as the number was unofficially retired out of respect for one of the greatest running backs in franchise history.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 36:
Best No. 36 in Steelers history: RB Jerome Bettis
The Bus, one of the greatest power running backs of all time, and the best Steeler to ever wear No. 36 — Jerome Bettis' legacy is untouchable. Selected by the Rams with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 1993 NFL Draft, Bettis would play just three seasons before being traded to Pittsburgh in 1996 — a blockbuster move that would be forever etched in the heart of the Steel City faithful.
During his 10 years as a Steeler, Bettis produced 10,571 rushing yards, 78 rushing touchdowns, 806 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Over the course of his 13-year career in the NFL, Bettis was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1993 and NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1996, as well as earning six Pro Bowl nominations, two First-Team All-Pro selections, and one Second-Team All-Pro selection. He would retire on top of the world — winning a Super Bowl in his hometown of Detroit as the final Bus stop of a fruitful career. Bettis was also named Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2001 — proving he was more than just one of the greatest running backs of all time, he was also an amazing human being.
Bettis is recognized as one of the greatest Steelers running backs in franchise history, being named to the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team and the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015 — a pioneer of the rushing attack who never shied away from believing in his own abilities. There will never be another running back like Bettis — and there is no Steeler more befitting of the greatest to ever wear No. 36.
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