Steelers countdown to kickoff — No. 54: a history of the number and who wore it best
Current Steelers No. 54 wearer: C Zach Frazier
One of the best young centers in the NFL — second-year Steeler Zach Frazier is the current No. 54 wearer. Drafted with the 51st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Frazier was stellar in his rookie season — earning the Joe Greene Great Performance Award and being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team. To say Frazier shows great promise is an understatement — as he looks to improve even further in Year 2 with the Aaron Rodgers-led Steelers offense in 2025.
Last five Steelers to wear No. 54:
Best No. 54 in Steelers history: LB Hardy Nickerson
No. 54 doesn't have as storied a history as some other historic Steelers jerseys, but the best Steeler to ever wear the number is Hardy Nickerson. Drafted with the 122nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 1987 NFL Draft, Nickerson played six seasons with the Steelers from 1987 to 1992 — compiling 426 combined tackles, five forced fumbles, and 9.5 sacks during his time in Pittsburgh. He would leave the Steelers to sign with the Buccaneers in 1993 — earning five Pro Bowl nominations, two First-Team All-Pro selections, and two Second-Team All-Pro selections in Tampa Bay. Despite playing his best football outside of Pittsburgh, his consistent production and leadership make him the greatest Steeler to ever wear No. 54.
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